Plus: A solution to AI-induced laziness in schools
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) The journalism class at Kearns High School on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
Happy Saturday, and welcome to Inside Voices, a weekly newsletter that features a collection of ideas, perspectives and solutions from across Utah — without any of the vitriol or yelling that’s become all too common on other platforms. Subscribe here.
As The Salt Lake Tribune works to cover what matters to all Utahns and to strengthen journalism statewide, we’re looking to the state’s future leaders.
We asked students from Kearns High in Salt Lake County and North Sanpete High in Sanpete County to write about what matters most to them.
One young woman shared why she joined protests against ICE. Another student shared how working on a car is helping him reconnect with his family’s heritage. And one shared her plea to her peers to put down their phones and enjoy prom.
I’m grateful to these young Utahns for sharing their perspectives, and I hope you enjoy reading them.
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Mia Maldonado marches with students from Kearns High school down 5400 south as they stage a walk-out Ice protest on Tuesday, Jan 27, 2026.
Kearns High School
Utah’s teens are speaking. Do we have the courage and the humility to listen?
Why Utah teens rallied against ICE — and why you should listen to us.
I used to hate school. Now I’m graduating early to become a teacher.
How Utah’s lowrider culture helped me understand my heritage.
Utah’s cellphone law goes too far. As high school students, we should have a say.
Teachers need to meet overwhelmed students halfway.
The real value of art classes goes beyond grades.
I want to pursue my passion. At schools like mine, resources are limited.
I was an empty desk, and I know how we can fix chronic absenteeism in Utah schools.
At school, I felt like I was drowning. I found help in a surprising place.
Kearns High is more than its test scores. We’re a community that looks out for each other.
I found my home — and success — at Kearns High School.
I want to make my parents proud, but I don’t feel ready for adulthood.
My bad habits were holding me back in school. One summer changed everything.
At Kearns High, we’re proving student-athletes can succeed in the classroom and on the court.
(Illustration by Christopher Cherrington | The Salt Lake Tribune) In an op-ed, North Sanpete High School student Janey Mitchell shares why she went seven days without social media.
North Sanpete High School
What I’ve noticed in a decade of urging my students to detox from devices.
I didn’t think social media was an addiction — until I tried to quit.
AI is making my classmates and me lazy. Here’s how we fix it.
My generation is missing out on important moments, all because we can’t put our phones down.
I’m always looking for unique perspectives, ideas and solutions that move our state forward. Learn more about our guidelines for an op-ed, guest essay, letter to the editor and more here, and drop me a note at [email protected].