“God gave us memories,” novelist J.M Barrie once said, “so that we could have roses in December.”

Barrie introduced Peter Pan, a timeless boy bursting with dreams and joy. With the help of happy thoughts and pixie dust, the boy and his shadow crossed worlds and time to take all to Neverland. It was Peter Pan who could provide memories and courage. It was Peter Pan who Barrie wanted youth to remember, maybe emulate.

Flash forward from the 1920s to 2018, from Scotland’s Loch Lomond to the high school nestled under North Ogden’s Ben Lomond. Replacing J.M. Barrie as a mentor to the youth stands Mark Daniels, productions director at Weber High. He too echoes the words to remember and cherish memories, preaching to his students every year that meaningful experiences will provide light when its dark.

Regarding his favorite quote, Daniels says “We talk on opening and closing night about roses in December. I tell the kids that they are making memories that will last the rest of their life. Those memories will keep them going sometimes. When you are down, think of these highs and what you feel and think about how hard you worked to get here and this moment.”