Lofty praise for Utah's Janie

• "Janie Thompson is one of my heroes. She mentored me through my college years and gave me much of the experience I needed to survive in the entertainment industry. There would have been no 'Sandi & Salli' team, no Lawrence Welk Show experience, nor 'Sandi, Gail and Mary Lou' trio without my pal Janie." — Sandi Jensen Griffiths

• "She's been a mother to so many students including myself. It is the greatest honor to be called mother by so many." — Vickie Bird Sanders

• "She is an innovator and an entertainer rolled into one. She's a teacher and a mentor. She's a cheerleader. She's a positive force filled with light." — Newell K. Dayley

• "Coming into the world of Janie Thompson opened up a new world for me. She's a person who reaches the spirit of people. She was the example and the creative incentive for me and many others. She expected the very best we could possibly do." — Larry Nielsen

• "Janie Thompson put in my heart and soul the realization that the talent that I had been blessed with could always be a strong force for good." — Janet Todd

• "Janie Thompson is the supreme example of the Savior's gospel at all times and in all things and all places. Instead of getting her reputation from being one of America's greatest talents, producers and directors, she got it by building values in people's lives." — Norm Nielsen

• "People used to think if you're going to promote good and the gospel it had to be through an oratorio choir and not through a Broadway musical. If it sends a message that doesn't represent who you are, she told us to find a different message. She did what it took." — Kathy Macdonald