The Bear River Health Department hosted the 2025 Bear River Valley ‘Shine Your Light’ banquet to celebrate the positive in our community and highlight agencies and individuals who are shining their light and making a difference.

The purpose of the event was to ‘shine light’ on those that share theirs in the community. “Leading, guiding, mentoring, supporting and providing healthy opportunities for youth and families in the Bear River Valley,” states Allena Pierce from Bear River Health Department.

The 2025 “Shine Your Light” recipients include Lindy Jensen (USU/Kent’s), Jerry Jackman (principal at Alice C Harris Intermediate), Jensen Fitzgerald & Kaitlyn Bartz (Bear River Boys and Girls Club), Tiffani Summers (Box Elder School Board President), and Jennifer Richardson & Sherri Pali (Kiwanis of Tremonton).

While working as a cashier at Kent’s, Lindy Jensen mentors her young adult coworkers. She’s in the trenches with them and mentors them specifically, as she says, “not to do stupid stuff.” Lindy accepts the best in people no matter who they are. She sees the value in everyone and has the natural ability to phrase choices so that everyone understands and feels empowered.
Jerry Jackman has met countless students who have been discouraged and beaten down by life. He has personally visited these students and laid out an attainable plan for graduation. Jerry has taken the time to get to know these students as individuals, not just face in the crowd. Not only does Jerry go out of his way to help his students, but he also does this for his staff as well. He is seen not only as a leader, but also as a friend.

Jensen Fitzgerald and Katelyn Bartz lead the efforts at Boys & Girls Club of Norther Utah. They offer a safe and welcoming place for kids to receive support and participate in arts, technology, life skills, recreation, tutoring, and career oriented academic programs. We are so lucky to have this agency in our community and people like Jensen and Katelyn who dedicate so much time to improving the lives of our children.

Tiffani Summers invests countless hours advocating education and improving the community. Besides her position as president of the Box Elder County School Board, she has been deeply involved in the PTA and local sports, further contributing to the well-being of students. She is always ready to lend a hand to those in need.

Jennifer Richardson and Sherri Pali are dedicated to helping children in the community. Each year, the club hosts several service-oriented events, including delivering protein packs to local elementaries, collecting essential baby items for the local food pantry, and spearheading an Angel Tree program. Jennifer is always willing to listen to the needs of the community to bring awareness to the board members and Sherri doesn’t hesitate to call in her whole family to help her serve.

Congratulations to each of the 2025 “Shine Your Light” Recipients and thank you for making our community better with your service!