Friday June 3, 2022

Last night Grand County’s senior class celebrated graduation with a traditional ceremony of student speeches, a commencement address and presentation of diplomas. But the Class of 2022 also held a different ceremony – one honoring the memory of their classmate, Lily McClish. “As we walk through graduation…and become adults in our lives, I want you all to give her a tiny minute of thought,” said senior Jackson Hobbs. “Because she’ll never get to do it. Let’s do it for her. Let’s live a little bit for her.” Today on the news, more on the student ceremony and advocacy efforts to keep kids safe from bullying and discrimination in schools.

// Plus, the Weekly News Reel, where we check in with reporters about their latest stories of the Moab area. Doug McMurdo of The Times-Independent talks visitation numbers returning to pre-pandemic levels and the end of an investigation for an ex-Moab City Police Department employee. Maggie McGuire of the Moab Sun News discusses teacher shortages in Grand County and studying cattle breeds for their impacts on desert landscapes.

// Show Notes

// Photo: Friends and classmates of Lily McClish, who died in 2017, release biodegradable balloons in her memory on June 2nd. Students thought of something they would like to say to her before releasing their balloon. KZMU/Molly Marcello

// Lily’s Hope for Kindness
Necessary Components for Effective Bullying and Suicide Prevention in Schools
https://lilyshopeforkindness.com/necessary-components

// Crisis Text Line
In a crisis? Text 741741 to connect with a counselor
https://www.crisistextline.org

// The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a certified listener, call 1-800-273-8255.

// Weekly News Reel Mentions

// The Times-Independent: Spring visitation returns to pre-pandemic levels
https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/spring-visitation-returns-to-pre-pandemic-levels/

// The Times-Independent: Ex-MPD employee avoids charges
https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/ex-mpd-employee-avoids-charges/

// Moab Sun News: Grand County EMS grows into new building
https://moabsunnews.com/2022/06/02/ems-grows-into-new-building/

// Moab Sun News: Criollo cattle could save ranching
https://moabsunnews.com/2022/06/02/criollo-cattle-could-save-ranching/