STEVE CURTIS

Steve Curtis is a fixture in Layton, Utah. He looks for opportunities to make Layton greater daily. In addition to the many hours he typically gives in service to the community, last year he went the extra mile in his efforts towards creating a Veterans Memorial Park. Curtis has served as a member of the Layton Community Action Council (LCAC) for 3 1/2 years as city council representative. He has been the liaison with the city council and the mayor’s office. He has also been very helpful in providing information and connections with the city and the police department when help was needed for the neighborhood watch program, the youth court program, and the literacy program. He was also instrumental in the special service project we had last year providing rescue bags for foster children to be carried in he police cars.

Over and above his normal responsibilities of home, family, work and church service Curtis added becoming a member of the Layton City Council. Along with his many responsibilities involved with that elected position he also has been involved at E.G. King Elementary School for the past six years as “Merlin the Magician” who comes to the school to promote reading.

Curtis has been very supportive of the Youth Court program by being at the city offices every Wednesday night during their sessions to be available for any problems or special needs. He also filled in as a city council representative with the Youth Council Program when another assigned member failed to be involved.

In addition to the above, Curtis began an enormous undertaking in November of 1999 when a veteran approached him and asked him why there wasn’t a special place or tribute for Veterans in Layton City. He took it as a personal quest to see that there was something more than a small neglected park with five trees in Layton City to honor Veterans. With the support of the LCAC, Layton City and Wal-Mart, he began this project by sponsoring a contest among the drafting classes of Layton High and Northridge High School to design a statue or monument honoring our Veterans. Following the competition many students commented on how much they had learned about their country, and its armed services, during this project.

After a winning design was chosen, then came the huge task of raising $20,000 to have the monument built and erected. Curtis spearheaded the fund raising events. Many businesses and organizations were contacted for donations. Money was collected at various city events and through a donation program that was mailed out with the city utility bills. He then worked though the Parks Department to have the Veterans Park improved and a special base prepared for the monument. Curtis also sponsored an essay contest for all the 4th, 5th, and 6th graders at the nine local elementary schools. The essay was to be on patriotism with the winners receiving cash prize and the opportunity to read their essays at a special ceremony at the park. Curtis planned the unveiling of the monument, which included city officials, Hill Air Force Base officials, and many veterans. The highlight of the event was the beautiful essays read by the winning students.