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Show "How Sweet It Is" A i ' Y I ...... ir .i, in. ..in . t ,i ii ,1.1,1111 il on dollars spent for education. That speaks very well of the wonderful educators we have in this great state but it, too, does not go to the core or our success as a state. Let me give you just one example. Last week Austen Sweeten reported on his service to the people of Cambodia. Austen has been a part of what I call the "Original Peace Corps". He took a message of peace and love to that war torn part of the world as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Latter-day Saints. When I was Austen's age, the United States was in the throws of a long protracted war in Viet Nam. American bombers flew secret missions to Cambodia hoping to disrupt or cut off supply lines flowing through that country into enemy hands. It would have been inconceivable that Mormon missionaries, like Austen, would ever enter that part of the world with their message of peace on earth, good will to all men. I met Austen two days after he returned from Cambodia. He had come to help his wonderful grandparents, Warren and Gretha Eyre. For two years he had been serving a people in abject poverty, by American standards. The people there had so little but seemed so happy. On his return trip home he was struck by the affluence he found in this choice land of America. Here the people had so much but seemed so unhappy. Austen had a certain glow about him when I met him. This handsome young man was ready to do whatever asked of him and more. He did not hesitate to "put his shoulder to the wheel." As we worked together "Awesome Austen" told me about his service in Cambodia and his plans for the future. He graduated from Pleasant Grove High with solid grades and test scores to prove his was not a hollow education. He entered UVU with some college credits already earned in high school. When asked to learn a foreign language, he rolled up his sleeves and hit the books. He did not hesitate to burn the midnight oil. Austen is thinking about following a great family tradition by preparing for medical school, as did his Grandfather Warren Eyre and three of his uncles on his mother's side of the family, or he might choose a career in business. Austen got a good solid education right here in Pleasant Grove, but he had something even more fundamental. He comes from a wonderful family that believes in rock solid values they have taught each child. Grandparents and extended family members share those solid values. Austen credits his older brothers for setting a good example, too. His older brother Levi just graduated from law school and passed the bar exam. The entire Sweeten and Eyre family celebrated last week when Levi was sworn in. I submit that the real reason for Utah being the number one state in the nation for business and careers and why Utah has the highest return for the dollars it spends on education is because there are thousands of homes much like the one "Awesome Austen" comes from. I will guarantee you that any corporation would love to have an employee like Austen. He believes in being honest and knows how to work. He has learned how to serve and how to really love people. Any college or university would love to have a student by Mark Bezzant Last week it was announced by Forbes Magazine that Utah is the number one state in the nation for business and careers. Governor Herbert credited the business community, workers and innovators for the designation. All of these people deserve credit but the real credit goes much deeper and is much more fundamental. With all the negativity regarding education, particularly public education, the people of Utah need to remember that the United States Chamber of Commerce said that Utah has the best return like Austen because he learned how to behave in his home. Many years ago a young John Huntsman, Jr. was sent to China, where he, too, served in the "Original Peace Corps". Today his is the United States Ambassador to that country and former Governor of Utah. If "Awesome Austen" stays the course, he, too, will enjoy the very best America has to offer and one day he, too, might be America's official ambassador to Cambodia. Already he has been an ambassador in Cambodia for Jesus, the Prince of Peace. I salute every family in Utah, who works so hard to raise such wonderful children, with such wonderful values, as "Awesome Austen". No wonder Utah is number one in all the land. |