Deseret News | Students honor Pres. Hinckley with white shirts, ties and dresses

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Students honor Pres. Hinckley with white shirts, ties and dresses

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JohnEakle | 3:42 p.m. Jan. 28, 2008

My daughter received the text message here in Great Falls as well. I believe several students dressed up for school here too. A nice tribute to Pres Hinckley.

NorthLasVegas | 4:53 p.m. Jan. 28, 2008

A bunch of the LDS students at Legacy High School, in North Las Vegas, Nevada, all wore their "Sunday" clothes today.

sieni rasmussen | 5:05 p.m. Jan. 28, 2008

its an honor for me to show my respect and my sympathy for the lost of our beloved and loving prophet gordon b. hinkley. he was a wonderful and great leader that guide us in this latter days. he did his part here on earth as a great prophet, a great leader, agreat father of all nations .he has done so much and i will follow his teaching and good examples. i belong to the church of jesus christ of latter day saints, i know who i am , i know gods plan, i follow him in faith, i belong to the church of jesus christ , i honor his name, i do what is right, i follow his light. its him i will proclaim.. with my sincerely love for the prophet gordon b.hinkley. i will say may you rest in peace. with lots of love and respect from:sieni rasmusssen of anaheim 8th ward in orange county stake.

Comments continue below

Anonymous | 5:08 p.m. Jan. 28, 2008

Students in Casa Grande AZ also received text...What a wonderful tribute.

LDS | 5:07 p.m. Jan. 28, 2008

My son at Mesa High in Mesa, AZ got the message and wore a white shirt and tie to school today.

Kylie | 5:12 p.m. Jan. 28, 2008

Many kids at South Jordan Middle School Wore there church clothes in honor of Hinckley!!! Go you guys!

dalton rasmussen | 5:20 p.m. Jan. 28, 2008

i am 10ys old. i heard the sad news about our great prophet gordon b. hinkley. i want to say i love the prophet very much. i am going to miss seeing and hearing his lovely message that he delivers to us at stake conference. have nice trip back home. with love and respect; dalton rasmussen of anaheim 8th ward primary.

Sean | 5:29 p.m. Jan. 28, 2008

Here in Hurricane, UT, the halls were filled with those dressed up in honor of President Hinckley as well. It was neat.

Grandma C. | 6:07 p.m. Jan. 28, 2008

What a fitting tribute! President Hinckley often expressed his confidence in our youth. Wearing Sunday clothes today in honor of the Prophet, the youth showed the world our beloved President of the Church was right - again.

CEU | 6:37 p.m. Jan. 28, 2008

It has spread beyond High School. Several People down here at the College of Eastern Utah also chose to participate. Thanks to whoever started this!

Anonymous | 6:43 p.m. Jan. 28, 2008

Students at Midvale Middle School also dressed up today. I think President Hinckley would have been pleased with all the students everywhere who dressed in Sunday clothes today.

Anonymous | 11:08 p.m. Jan. 28, 2008

Rexburg, ID schools were filled with students in dress clothes. It has spread far and wide!

Law unto themselves | 12:54 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

When my wife mentioned the whole 'kids wore Sunday clothes to school' thing we both just laughed. Exactly what we expected/feared moving to Utah. Called several LDS friends in the real world (oh yeah, forgot its called 'The Mission Field' here) and they couldnt believe it. Its things like this that make LDS outside of Utah cringe. Here you play dress up, real world you live it everyday and dont need to put on a tie to play righteous. I really loved the part of the evening news casts when people were placing bouquets at various tribute areas. Wife noted either there are an awful lot of florists in Utah or someone was running to the store on Sunday night. Not sure breaking the Sabbath is the tribute Pres Hinckley was looking for. Although son noted they could either be grown in backyard greenhouses or taken out of vases on the kitchen table.

New to Utah | 12:57 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

Wife and I cracked up when our children told us about kids wearing church clothes to school. Had to call LDS friends in the real world (oops I mean Mission Field). They couldnt believe it. You know outside of Utah it takes more then a tie to school to live your religion. You dont play dress up, you do it every day. I hope you know its things like this that create the "Utah Mormon" title given to Utah saints by LDS outside of Utah, and trust me its not a compliment.

Ro | 4:17 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

I'm sure the kids also live they religion every day. I applaud the kids inititive and the way they decided to pay respect. I don't see it as a sign they dressed up instead of living their religion.

Last time I checked Utah was a part of the real world. Many of us are from out of state, or have lived out of state a good part of our lives. I see no reason to question anyones motives here. There are also many people who live around the world who would see this as a postive reflection on life here in Utah.

old to utah | 4:58 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

Why do you have to be so cynical, when the pope died a few years ago similar things were done to honor him. Can you not be critical for just one mormon story, than you start up again being critical of people who just want to live lifes alittle different than yours?

Anonymous | 4:54 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

These are young kids doing their best to pay respect. Hard to judge them harshly for it. Having lived in many areas in the US and abroad (but having grown up in Utah) it is my experience that the Church doesn't work any better outside of Utah than inside it (there are problems to deal with everywhere), and members outside Utah neither "live" the gospel any better or are any less self-righteous (see post "New to Utah") than those who live or were raised outside the state.

old to utah | 5:04 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

Can you not be critical for just on news story about anything mormon? Similar things were done by good people when the pope died a few years ago. I feel sorry for you, it must be a misrable to be so cynical.

Florida LDS | 5:07 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

Being LDS and living in "The Mission Field" for seven years I have never heard the term "Utah Mormon" used to describe the church members living in Utah. Being LDS does mean more than just going to church on Sunday. I believe that children wearing their church clothes to school to show respect for the passing of President Hinckley exemplifies that beautifully.

Paul in Maryland | 5:51 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

"Law unto Themselves" and "New to Utah" (possibly the same person) bring up good points about Utah LDS, but missed the whole point. Kids deciding to dress up on a school day to honor a spiritual leader isn't hypocrisy. I'm sure there were some kids who did it because everyone else was, but I believe the majority did it because they love the prophet, and wanted to express that.

I've met fellow church members from all over the world. I served a mission in Japan, and here in the DC area there is a lot of transition. You'll find hypocrites everywhere, and professing every religion/belief. This isn't limited to Utah Mormons, although they seem to get the most attention. Living in Utah, people from elsewhere expect everyone there to be LDS, and expect the members to be perfect. We're not, whether we're from Utah, Maryland, Guatemala or wherever.

Faith and commitment aren't switches that are either on or off. They have to grow and be developed. Not everyone is up to the "happy valley" image yet. Remember that the next time you are prompted to heap scorn on kids whose hearts you cannot possibly know as well as your own.

CaseySee | 5:53 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

While I also live in the Real World or Mission World, which ever you like, I think that dressing in Sunday dress was a very nice gesture. There is many things that "Utah Mormons" do that seems a little strange, but in this case, I believe that it was appropriate and done well. So don't worry about the two pundits who thought it was tacky. It wasn't.

Not a compliment | 6:19 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

Sad, we can not have one day to morn and make healthy statements about a wonderful man with the critics coming out. These kids deserve respect not the old sad commentary about how silly mormons are. Do you not recall the pope's death and the nice way our catholic friends morned the death of thier leader? And this is no compliment.

GHolt | 6:37 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

President Hinckley so loved the youth!
He had such faith in them!
High standards and to 'stand for something' were some of his loving talks.
Good for the youth who wanted to love their passing Prophet by wearing Sunday clothes to school.
That sweet gesture would surely have brought a smile and a twinkle to his kind face.
High five to the youth!! We love you too.

LDS outside Utah | 6:45 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

I'm sorry that the newcomers to Utah found something to cringe about the young people "dressing up". I took it to mean a totally respectful gesture by these young people. Something physical to demonstrate their love for the only prophet most of them can remember. Yes, outside of Utah and the predominantly LDS areas of Idaho and Arizona, it would really stand out for the few LDS kids to go to school all dressed up. In Utah it makes sense.

Yes, those of us outside Utah sometimes cringe at the often-times seemingly narrow outlook and resentment/prejudice of "Utah Mormons" or "Happy Valley" Mormons to those not of the faith, or those of us non-Utah Mormons (often the California Mormons).

I think it was wonderful for the Utah/Idaho/Arizona and other places young people to dress up. Good for them.

Deb Drysdale | 6:56 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

I am a "Utah Mormon" living outside the state now. I don't care where anyone lives. I want any and ALL of our kids, regardless where they are this week, to know that I am so very proud of their show of love and respect for our beloved Prophet. To me they are all "Strippling Warriors"! Thank you for brightening an otherwise tearful day!

wonderful | 7:03 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

I think that is wonderful that these young people honor such a good man who was our Prophet. If I saw young people of any religion honoring the leader of their church this way I would feel the same. You keep it up. You young people are our future. It happened here in Logan also.

GoodGuyGary | 7:05 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

To New to Utah:

Hope you enjoy living in Utah....byt he way, what makes you move to Utah?

Heber-ite | 7:35 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

We felt as teens and young adults that dressing up was the least we could do to show our respect and love for our prophet and hero. For the people who think that we only will live the commandments when the prophet dies, this shows how little confidence you have in the youth of this church. I bet all around the nation LDS youth dressed up as a way to pay their respects to "our" prophets. President Hinckley will always be remembered as a great man, leader, prophet, and servant of the Lord.

saddened by your comments | 7:33 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

To "law unto themselves":
It sounds like you are implying these children are hypocrites, pretending ("playing righteous") to be righteous. The scriptures teach us that it is the Lord's right to judge our hearts. Even if you had that right, I'm certain you don't personally know every child who wore Sunday clothes to school that day. Your comments are very disrespectful. Do you have anything good to say?

SLC gal | 7:52 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

I heard about East High doing this, and it made me proud to be a former Leopard. I applaud the youth that made this decision to dress up as I think it's a very appropriate gesture. What a way to remember a great prophet!

Audrey | 8:08 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

I would not get upset about the comments that were made, it isnt worth the time or the effort. Remember do not throw pearls before swines. Just feel sorry for them....these young adults showed respect, love and honor for their spiritual leader. We can be proud of them!!!

Kathy McDowell | 8:31 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

"Shall the youth of Zion falter in defending truth and right? While the enemy asaileth, shall they shrink or shun the fight?" I think the show of respect by the youth of this Church for President Hinckley's death in wearing Sunday clothes to school on Monday, gives us a resounding answer to those questions: NO!!! Thanks from the depths of my heart go to those youth who showed the world, for all of us who are members of the Church, the respect and love we all have for President Hinckley. He truly was a wonderful man and, I'm sure, appreciated their gesture of love.

Lisa Gilbert AZ | 8:51 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

Our High School here in Gilbert AZ also were able to show respect and love for President Hinckley by dressing in their Sunday best on Monday. What a marvelous sight to see - So many kids at the school asked why they would dress accordingly -what a great opportunity to share our love of the gospel with others! Yes - the youth of Zion are strong and showing the world - We love our prophet and will follow him and be "Steadfast and immovable!!!"

Another LDS outside Utah | 9:00 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

Only God can judge the hearts and the intentions of of any group of individuals. I think President Hinckley would have thought that the youth dressing up was a nice gesture. For people to be so judgmental is not fair. For anyone to throw around the title hypocrite is ridiculous unless it is to say that we are all hypocrites, which we are. Quit being so sanctimonious and looking down your nose at your new neighbors. If only we could all be more tolerant of our neighbors just like President Hinckley used to preach.

Inspiring & Courageous!! | 9:29 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

What an inspiring way to show love and honor for our beloved Prophet, President Hinkley. Thank you for your faith and courage!

sami | 9:49 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

Sunday evening I sat in my living room with my family talking about President Hinckley. My 17 year old daughter received text after text about wearing Sunday clothes to school the next day. I was so touched by this group of teens who had such deep feeling for the prophet that they wanted to honor him. Many at Davis High did this. My daughter is not one to follow the crowd, I know she did this because she loves the prophet and wanted to honor him.

Keep on keeping on | 9:52 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

I'm non-LDS and from out of state, and I have never heard the term "Utah Mormon." It's great these kids wanted to do this small thing to show their respect. These kids are just learning to live their faith. Don't listen to the critics. What you did is a wonderful tribute, from your hearts.

Desert Mom | 9:56 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

The youth in Mesquite NV also honored President Hinckley by wearing their Sunday best...what a smile that must have put on President Hinckley's face! He loved the youth and they knew it! I am proud of my youths decision to show their love and repect for our prophet.

Proud of our Youth in Idaho | 10:03 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

It is interesting to note those who disagree with what the youth felt was a tribute to a man they called not only thier prophet but their friend feel they must make fun of something so personal. Shame on you! Perhaps being tolerant goes both ways.
Shall the youth of Zion falter? I think not.
President Hinckley will be missed but the church will continue with the Lord at its helm.

MoJules | 10:06 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

One of the greatest "Utah Mormon's" just died on Sunday. But I just want to tell the youth, you kids rock, I am very impressed by your "Standing a Little Taller", you would make President Hinckley very proud.

Carolyn Cheney | 10:23 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

The youth in Sugar Land, Texas wore white to honor the prophet. President Hinckley touched the lives of young and old. The youth in Texas honored him for his life, love and service to the Lord.

Dave | 10:24 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

You youth rock. Thank you for your example. Keep up the good work and the world will be a better place.

RBIEHL | 10:30 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

White shirts and ties also here in California.

bzmom | 10:31 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

As I've sat here reading the previous messages, I'm amazed that someone could actually put down the wonderful kids who chose to show respect to such a wonderful, kind, loving human being who dedicated his life to serving others. Dressing up for school sure beats baggy pants down to their knees. I'm very proud of my two daughters in high school who contributed to the mass texting the night of his death. It was an incredible site to see as I pulled up in front of Orem High School Monday morning with respectful teenagers as well as other school employees dressed up. These are the leaders of the future and my husband and I grateful that our 4 children have had such a great man as President Hinckley as their role model.

CBU | 10:47 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

To those who chose to see the negative, please lighten up, and accept the beauty of the gesture. It was simply a child-like (not childish) expression of love and respect for Pres. Hinckley, nothing more. They were trying to stand for something, as the prophet taught. Please don't demean their beautiful gesture.

To New to Utah | 10:50 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

I am a "Utah Mormon" living in the "mission field." I have heard those terms now that I am in the Midwest. Letï¿½s face it; there are some cultural differences even within the church. People (yes Mormons) are different in SLC than here in Chicago. My experience has been that the uses of these terms are more a matter of a cultural misunderstanding or in extreme cases a jealousy cop out. The fact is, if you did not grow up in the church, in Utah, or even both, you may not feel comfortable. Just as ï¿½Utah Mormonsï¿½ may not feel at home in Chicago.

To New to Utah cont. | 10:52 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

We have great kids here in my Illinois ward, but I have to confess, I have yet to come across a ward outside UT that has such a concentration of kids excelling not only in church, but in student government, sports, arts, academia and in filling missions like an average ward does in UT. They truly live their values and strive to excel in numerous areas of their live ï¿½every day.ï¿½ Is one place better than another? No. You will find hypocrites and mediocrity everywhere. This, "we are better than you" attitude hurts yourself, the whole church and is not Christ like. While living in Utah, I never experienced this unhealthy attitude about "mission field" members. To me, and those I knew, they were fellow brothers and sisters.

To the kids that stood up and did something to honor a great man, you are all well on your way to being the kind of youth he constantly spoke about. Well done!

Chandler, AZ | 11:02 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

We also received this message in Chandler, AZ. Our kids wore their Sunday Best to remember President Hinckley.

A great tribute by great people for a great man!

val sensiba | 11:09 a.m. Jan. 29, 2008

I taught seminary until this last fall, I also received the text at 10.40pm here in LAs Cruces New Mexico from one of my students who is now a senior. I commend the young man who started this text. What a neat way to honor such a marvelous man.

Pete | 12:06 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

I think it is great what the kids did in respect to President Hinckley. It bothers me how others can judge the purpose for which they were doing it. Oh well. President Hinckley will be greatly missed.

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Scott G. Winterton, Deseret News

Hundreds of high school students around the area, including those at Murray High, received text messages asking them to show support for LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley by dressing in Sunday dress for school Monday.

Gallery (2 photos)