Dear Friends,

In South Salt Lake, we are more than neighbors; we are a community dedicated to ensuring all residents enjoy dignity, security, and well-being. This shared vision is built on the collective input of city leaders, partnerships, and residents like you, embodying our belief in a good life for everyone. 

This year we are grateful to partner with One Kind Act a Day and the Semnani Family Foundation to declare our Commitment for Kindness in a City Proclamation. Throughout the coming year, we will work to inspire daily acts of kindness among staff and the public. Whether it's clearing sidewalks or checking on an elderly neighbor, kindness strengthens bonds and fosters inclusivity. We recognize the transformative power of simple acts of kindness and selflessness, and will make this the theme of our work for 2025.

I pledge to lead with kindness and dignity, and encourage you to stay connected with your neighborhood by engaging with others. Let's continue to support, uplift, and serve one another. Now, more than ever, kindness and dignity are essential for a bright future. My sincere hope is that in the history books, South Salt Lake will be known as a “City of Kindness” as well as a place of safety, solutions, and kindness for all who live, work, and play here. 

It is my honor to bring you the 2025 Best of South Salt Lake Awards. These are just some of the many people, places, partners, and success stories that make South Salt Lake not just a place to live, but a place that we can proudly call home!

Cheers to our home and our community!

Mayor Cherie Wood

Legacy Family of the Year

The Dustin Family

Michael and Jennifer Dustin have lived in South Salt Lake for over 20 years along with their four kids, now making six generations of the Dustin Family in South Salt Lake. 

The Dustin kids - Aaron, Abby, Daniel, and Emily - all served on the South Salt Lake City Council and Youth County Council. Growing up, their parents encouraged them to participate in civics, help those in need, respect the diverse backgrounds and cultures of others, and to understand that wealth is not measured by material possession, but by the love and bonds that we create as family, friends, and community. 

The Dustin Family values have touched many in South Salt Lake and beyond, and our community is a stronger place because of them. Thank you, Dustin Family. 

Citizen of the Year

Leslie Jones

In her “retirement”, Leslie Jones and her husband Irvin sought a community where they could get involved. They found South Salt Lake and quickly planted roots. Leslie found a place on the SSL Planning Commission, and Irvin was elected to City Council. Leslie attended every meeting with her husband, calling them date nights.

The Council and Commission were a good start for Leslie, but weren’t quite enough. She started organizing events, which led to a part-time position that lasted nearly a decade. During this time she played an important role in State of the City events, 4th of July Parade, Mural Fest, and Craftoberfest. Though she is officially retired now, she still frequents City Hall to say hi and show her support for the city she loves.



Employee of the Year

Abby Sherlock

While “HR” and “fun” are seldom seen together, South Salt Lake is proud to boast that we employ the most fun, joyful, and warm-hearted HR Specialist either side of the Mississippi. Between her hard work, creativity, and infectious bright personality, Abby Sherlock has earned the title of Employee of the Year, and a more deserving recipient there could not be.

Council Champion

Sharla Bynum

Sharla has represented District 3 on the City Council since 2014. As the Council Chair, she presides over each meeting with grace and fairness, even during challenging discussions.

As a career educator and administrator in the Granite School District, she puts youth and families at the forefront of all she strives to accomplish, and seeks to elevate the quality of life for all who call SSL home. Sharla’s poise at the dais, care for our community, and enthusiasm for all things South Salt Lake keep our City on the Move, and we are grateful for her dedication and service.



Teacher of the Year

Jaeleigh Mecham

While every teacher deserves to be honored, this year we can’t help but recognize Jaeleigh Mecham for consistently going above and beyond for all youth as the STEAM specialist at Moss Elementary.

Jaeleigh works hard to meet curriculum standards, while also diving into the individual interests of each student. She coaches Lego League, encouraging innovation and creativity, while never giving away answers. Miss Mecham is a champion of the Promise SSL afterschool program at Moss Elementary, and a positive force in the lives of hundreds of young people in our community. Thank you, Miss Mecham.

Young Leaders of the Year

Mahnaz Mohammadi

and

Najmo Osman

The Young Leader award recognizes youth in our community who demonstrate leadership talents in ways that improve the quality of life for our residents. Mahnaz Mohammadi and Najmo Osman are two superstars at the Utah International Charter School where they lead the school’s SheTech club–

a national program by the Women Tech Council that encourages high school girls to explore STEM related fields.

Mahnaz and Najmo encourage and inspire their peers on a daily basis, all while balancing their coursework in concurrent enrollment classes at the Salt Lake Community College. Thank you, Mahnaz and Najmo for your dedication to fostering our future leaders.

Legacy Partner of the Year

Dry Creek Charity

Dry Creek Charity has been an invaluable partner of Promise South Salt Lake since 2012. Our partnership sprung from early soccer programs designed to engage youth of refugee and immigrant backgrounds, and has since grown into support of various afterschool specialty clubs, including photography, game design, news/media, maker space, STEM exploration, culture club, gardening, and cooking clubs. We are honored by their partnership, support, and commitment to helping keep kids safe, learning, and engaged in the community.



Community Advocate

Shelter the Homeless Executive Committee



How we serve those in our community experiencing homelessness is a challenging and complicated endeavor. Having great partners who understand the intricacies and work with the City toward improved outcomes makes the work much smoother. 

Shelter the Homeless Executive Director, Laurie Hopkins, and the Executive Committee of the Board, Harris Simmons, Josh Romney, and Jon Lear, have proven themselves as genuine partners in finding solutions to end homelessness in our community, and we thank them for their work.

Promise SSL Innovation Partner of the Year

SoFi

Since 2021 when we opened the Promise SSL Co-Op, SoFi Bank has been an exceptional partner and instrumental to the center’s success. They have funded key programs to help residents overcome barriers to affordable housing, digital navigation, and workforce development, and programs to help small businesses succeed.

Their passion for South Salt Lake is evident in their efforts to connect the City with organizations, nonprofits, and agencies that all forward our goal of improving the quality of life for our residents. South Salt Lake is thankful for the support of SoFi, and we look forward to many more years of working together.

JustServe Volunteer of the Year

Cole Martin



Cole Martin is a volunteer mentor at the Best Buy Teen Tech Center. Since October 2023, he has dedicated two hours a week to guiding teens inside and out of the Center’s music studio. Cole possesses an innate ability to draw even the most reserved teen out of their shell with music, creating a welcoming environment where all feel free to participate, create, and be themselves.

Through his dedication, persistence, and kind presence, Cole has improved the lives of young people at the Teen Tech Center, and strengthened our community as a whole.

Social Impact Champion

Mickaela Aliifua



Mickaela Aliifua is the Promise Pathways Coordinator, working with youth to navigate education and career pathways after high school. She works tirelessly to advance the 100% Graduation initiative at Cottonwood High, and goes above and beyond to create an inclusive welcoming environment at the Best Buy Teen Tech Center.

Mickaela connects with youth in a way that is meaningful and transformative, encouraging self expression and career exploration, and even starting a Native Student Club where Native American students can feel seen, supported, and empowered. Our community is stronger because of Mickaela’s commitment, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her advocating for our youth.