Lavinia Gripentrog – Creekside High School

Apr 30, 2013, 3:01 PM | Updated: Jan 15, 2021, 6:13 am

Lavinia Gripentrog is the teacher for Murray Adult Transition, an extension of special education where students are given a few extra years to apply what they have learned to real life. She spends her days in the rain, snow or heat helping students maneuver public transit, find their way on SLCC campus, journal activities in a weekly newsletter, and record and budget personal financial decisions, all while working on individual goals for each student. Twice a week students make their way to a variety of job sites she has acquired through relationships developed with store managers, human resource people and college personnel. Once there, she provides the training as well. In order to provide as much community involvement as possible, her office is her backpack. Extra preparation and planning go into every day, and it shows. This level of dedication can be exhausting, but she continues to go above and beyond. Lavinia doesn’t just want to send her students out into society, she carves out a place for them.

My son, Alex, has Downs Syndrome and is legally blind. I have benefited from dedicated teachers throughout his years at Murray. Lavinia culminates these efforts and raises the bar in both opportunity and expectation. Helping students get off the sidelines and become an active part in the world around them, whatever their disability. Alex works on individual goals, but even more, he is creating a productive, active life. Self confidence is not something that can be taught, it is a by product of experiences. Lavinia provides these experiences. Small things like making a choice, vocalizing a need, buying a ticket or typing an email. These lead up step by step to where he is today. Alex works part time for Murray City and attends a cardio fitness and Special Needs Institute class at the SLCC campus. He now navigates Trax independently from school. My son is a college guy. Simple words cannot describe the tender feelings of a parent when their special needs son turns, waves goodbye, and shouts out “Gotta go.” Indeed.

Lavinia’s efforts go beyond teaching the students, she’s an advocate. She stays current with changing laws and programs available to parents for their students. DSPD, SWI, SSI, Voc Rehab, EPASS, UILC, Guardianship, Flex Pass, Utah Parent Center, Family to Family Network, Special Needs Trusts, you name it, she knows about it. She provides an arena for students to succeed, gain self confidence and independence. In essence, Lavinia makes a bright future move from possibility to reality.

–Sherry Njord

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of t...

Simone Seikaly

Extending state flooding emergency, firearm restrictions, among topics for Utah special session

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of the legislature.

11 months ago

A video recorded by Facebook user Larry Jacquez shows the police response following the shooting in...

Jamiel Lynch, CNN     

At least 3 people killed and 2 officers wounded in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police say

Multiple people were shot and at least three killed in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police said in a Facebook post.

11 months ago

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible...

Waverly Golden

Younger adults are becoming more susceptible to strokes

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible to stroke.

11 months ago

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now....

Allessandra Harris

Camping over Memorial Day Weekend? Plan ahead

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now.

11 months ago

slcpd on the scene of the deaths...

Josh Ellis

Police: Teen killed by father in murder-suicide in SLC office building

Police responded to the office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive on Saturday after emergency responders received a call from a community member who reported finding a body.

11 months ago

Melissa Coleman crouches next to her husband, , Brad Coleman, of North Ogden, who sits in a wheelch...

Jenny Carpenter, KSL.com

Young stroke victim survives with quick, lifesaving treatment in northern Utah

After a 36-year-old man had a stroke, he and his wife say to be aware of the signs of stroke and that young people are also at risk.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Lavinia Gripentrog – Creekside High School