Students from Kearns-St. Ann Catholic School in Salt Lake City visited the Governor’s Mansion on Nov. 2 for a presentation by Utah’s First Lady, Abby Cox. During the visit, Cox introduced her new picture book, Jennie Makes Room!, which details the life of the school's founder.
The book, illustrated by Matt Loveridge, focuses on Jennie Kearns, who founded the Kearns-St. Ann Orphanage in Salt Lake City. The building, which was named after her, transitioned into a school in 1955. Cox used props and student helpers to lead an interactive reading session for the students.
Cox stated that the story of Jennie Kearns serves as a reminder that small acts of kindness can make a lasting difference. She noted that the community can be inspired by Jennie's legacy of kindness and her efforts to serve and uplift others.
The visit allowed students to learn about various Salt Lake City landmarks and history. Jennie Kearns lived in the house that currently serves as the Governor’s Mansion. She was married in 1890 to Thomas Kearns, a U.S. senator from 1901 to 1905 and part owner of the Silver King Mine in Park City.
The Kearns and Judge families were significant benefactors for several Catholic causes in Utah, including the construction of the Cathedral of the Madeleine and Judge Memorial Catholic High School. Jennie Judge Kearns was the niece of John Judge, a wealthy silver miner who introduced her to Thomas Kearns.
Kearns-St. Ann Catholic School maintains a familial connection to its founder, as the school's principal, Dominique Aragon, is the great-great-granddaughter of Jennie Kearns.
Daisy Richardson, the office manager for Kearns-St. Ann, described the event as an unforgettable and special way for students to connect with the history and legacy of their school.
