Olympus Junior High earned Fox 13's Cool School of the Week recognition on Oct. 22.

The honor came alongside other good news for the Granite District school: a Granite Credit Union donation for its theater program and a planned visit from a state senator.

Principal Michael Douglas celebrated the recognition in an Oct. 23 message to families. Students appeared on camera during the Fox 13 broadcast, and Douglas said the Fox 13 team and Granite School District representatives complimented students and staff on how prepared they were.

"Our students weren't putting on a show about how great Olympus is," Douglas wrote. "They were simply showing everyone who we are!"

Student Grayson Hamer told Fox 13 that coming together as a community and performing together is what makes the school stand out.

Granite Credit Union backs theater production

During the Cool School visit, Granite Credit Union presented a donation to theater teacher Mrs. Land in support of the school's upcoming production of High School Musical, according to Fox 13. The dollar amount was not disclosed.

Spencer Carver, Granite Credit Union's marketing director, told Fox 13 the credit union hopes the whole community comes out for the show. Land, who is new to the school and the district, said she is excited about the production.

The school also offers jazz band, orchestra, choir, band and Dance Company.

State senator's visit planned for this week

Douglas's Oct. 23 message said State Sen. Stephanie Pitcher was expected to visit classrooms the week of Oct. 26. Pitcher, a Democrat who has represented District 14 since 2023, faces re-election on Nov. 3. The school did not specify an exact date for the visit, and it was unclear whether it had taken place by Oct. 28.

Douglas wrote that the school welcomes the chance to have an elected representative see teaching and learning firsthand.

The Dance Company's next performance is scheduled for Dec. 2.