Laurie Stout Letz

This is almost as difficult as writing a paper for school. I would always wait until the last minute - still do. But I seem to pull most things off.
I have come to realize that I am not perfect and I should quit trying to be. My goal now is to enjoy life. Take it as it comes. Change the things I can and be happy with the rest. You never know what will happen.
We have all had our joys and trials. I am grateful to have found a wonderful guy who accepts me as I am treats me with love and affection. I hope everyone has found that. It's not too late - I met Jim at MatchMate.com in 2003. After my Mother died in a car accident and I watched my Dad miss her terribly, I decided there had to be someone out there for me. Jim is terrific, he accepts my son as his own and I do the same for his 5 kids. I helped him care for his Dad and he did the same for me.
I have been teaching at Eisenhower Jr. High since 1990. Currently, I am the music department. I teach Band, Orchestra, Jazz Band, Choir and Guitar. I have performed with several orchestras in the valley. I took a sebatical from the Salt Lake Symphony for 2 years to care for Dad but plan to be back with them this fall.

I always loved school and whatever grade I was in I wanted to teach. When I started playing the bass in the 5th grade, I knew what I wanted. I am grateful for the talented teachers I was able to study with: Martin Zwick, Lloyd Beckstead, Art Peterson and Neil Weight. After Granite I went to Ricks for 2 years and transfered to BYU. THAT was a mistake! I ended up graduating from the U. of U. in 1975. I have taught in Hurricane, UT, Lewiston, ID, Fillmore, UT and have been in Salt Lake since 1984.
I have expanded my hobbies to include gardening and birding. Jim says that when we go on vacation it is to find a new life bird for me.
My memories of Granite are mostly fond ones. I loved being in the Stage Band and was very disappointed when we didn't go back to the Reno Jazz Festival my senior year. I loved playing in the "pit" for the musicals. I recall that during "My Fair Lady" the chorus came in before they got on stage - a half step flat from what the orchestra was playing.
My other joy was singing with Carol, Marsha and Linda. We had some fun times. I also like the band I was in with Sherman, David, Denny, Jerry and Glen.
My only regret while at Granite and later in life that I was too shy and afraid to try new things. I hope I have loosened up a bit since then. Life is much funner when you can laugh not only at yourself but with others.