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West Valley City Journal

The Harding family supports its high school activities

Mar 13, 2018 05:15PM ● By Greg James

Hunter High sophomore Tia Harding was cast as Titiuba in the schools recent play “The Crucible.” (Photo/Sara Harding

At family planning meetings in the Harding home the calendar page has to be five times the normal size. Organizing the activities schedule of four highly active high school students is a full-time job.

“I am a very proud father,” said Chris Harding with a beaming smile. “I love watching them. The only sad part is that I can’t see them every time. Sometimes the games and activities overlap.”

The Harding high school students are: Jimmy and Halee (seniors), Tia (sophomore) and Olivia (freshman).

“The kids are doing something every day. They have practice before and after school. It is tough, but I am glad they are not at different schools,” Chris said.

Olivia plays soccer and basketball. Chris said her favorite is soccer, but basketball is a close second. She scored four varsity goals and helped the girls finish second in Region 2 this fall. Her team advanced to the state tournament and lost to Bingham in the first round.

She is averaging 2 points per game for the girls basketball team. At press time they were in fourth place and had clinched a spot in the state tournament. 

“She would like to play soccer after high school. She has always been very coordinated. She is very active. Always outside dribbling the soccer ball or shooting hoops,” Chris said.

Tia is a sophomore and is part of the theater council at Hunter. She was a class officer as a freshman.

Last spring in the play “The Crucible” she was cast as feature part Titiuba. She has also had parts in “Guys and Dolls”, “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Peter and the Starcatcher.”

“I was shocked watching her perform. I didn’t know she could do this so well. I am proud of her talents. She is a very good dancer and plays some sports, but theater seems to be her passion,” Chris said.

Halee is dance company vice president. She has been a member of Hunter’s Dance Company all four years of high school. She was also a member of the tennis team this fall.

She began dancing with Shellie’s School of Dance when she was three years old. She is a member of Jazz Attitude, the dance school’s outside performing group. 

“I think I understand dance more than the average dad. I know that she is very good and I am proud. I leave the tips and pointers up to Sara (his wife) though,” Chris said.

Jimmy has only participated one year of high school basketball. As a senior he has averaged 13.4 points per game. 

“It is sad he has only done this one year. He almost did not even try out, but decided to at the last minute. The coaches have been very supportive. He is doing great,” Chris said.

At 6-foot-4, Jimmy has been getting some post high school basketball interest. He has a season high 30 points twice against Hillcrest and Taylorsville.

Hunter’s boys team has struggled this season. They were 3-16 overall and finished in fifth place in region 2.

The cost of four active high school students is staggering.

“Fundraising has been a life saver. It has covered the cost. We have lots of support from our family to help us earn the money to pay for all of this stuff,” Chris said.

Sara and Chris have encouraged their kids to participate. They said it keeps them involved and helps them make new friends.

“Both Sara and I graduated from Hunter. We love the teachers and they seem to love our kids. Every game the kids have a huge cheering section. We appreciate the good kids we have,” Chris said.