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Jordans: In the face of adversity
Students receive Phoenix award for making vast improvements
By Tabatha Deans
Close-Up Staff

West Jordan High School senior Andrew Paxman, 19, says he was angry and frustrated when he began his high school career.

"I had struggled all the way through school. Because I have a speech impediment, people treated me like I was retarded, or that I couldn't learn," said Paxman. "I was sick of being told what I couldn't do."

Paxman said he channeled his anger into his schoolwork, and was determined to prove the naysayers wrong.

"I wanted to do well and graduate to spite those who said I couldn't. I wanted to prove them wrong," said Paxman.

And prove them wrong he did. Paxman was one of four students at the Jordan district school who received the Phoenix award from the West Jordan Chamber of Commerce. The award is given to juniors who show the most improvement in their schoolwork, despite personal struggles.

Shelly Reichman, a speech/language pathologist at the school, said Paxman attacked his schoolwork with a vengeance.

"He had a lot of work to make up," she said. "He knew he'd dug himself into a hole, but he dug himself out. I'm really proud of his work and that he'll be graduating this year."

Paxman plans to serve a mission for his church before attending the Salt Lake Community College, where he hopes to begin a career in graphic design.

Ashley Wagstaff, 17, also received the Phoenix award. She had a turbulent home life that left her
unmotivated to excel in school.

"I had some family problems, and I made some bad choices myself," said Wagstaff. "After being placed in foster care, it was just hard to make school a priority."

Wagstaff said she was finally placed in a foster home where schoolwork was a priority, and she began turning her grades around. Wagstaff also credits school counselors and teachers with helping her catch up.

"They got me going in the right direction," said Maxwell, who has been accepted at the University of Utah, and plans to pursue a career in child psychology.

Joel Woodall, 18, said his desire to join the military helped him earn the Phoenix award.

"I've always wanted [that] as long as I can remember," said Woodall. "When I found out I had to improve my grades to enlist, I was motivated to do better."

Eve O'Neill, Woodall's counselor, said he impressed her with his dedication.

"Joel has been an absolute superstar," she said. "He has made up more work than any kid I've ever worked with."

Woodall also plans to serve a church mission after returning from basic training, then hopes to make the military his career.

Brian Rueckert received the Phoenix award as well, although he was unable to attend the awards ceremony.

Winners get a $500 scholarship from the West Jordan Chamber of Commerce, payable to the school of their choice.


tdeans@sltrib.com