South Kearns Elementary was one of 10 schools from across the country to receive a $30,000 grant from Box Tops for Education. The funds were used to purchase new soccer goal posts, an investment the school’s principal said reflects the diverse community and cultures in the neighborhood.

“We have 16 different countries represented at our school, and it’s amazing,” South Kearns Principal Kim Babka said. “But it doesn’t matter if they speak English or not, it doesn’t matter where they came from, when they get on the soccer field, it’s a universal language.”

In May, a ribbon cutting celebration was held at the school (4345 S. 4015 West) to open the soccer goals to the school and the community. 

“Our playground is open for the community from 5:30 to 9 every night,” Babka said. “Each day, we have community members lining up with their soccer balls, waiting to come in.” λ