For Madison Woods, becoming a mortician isn’t just a career choice — it’s a calling that grew from a deep desire to help families navigate loss and grief. “My motivation for this profession comes from my upbringing,” said Woods. “My parents always showed me the value of hard work. When I attended a funeral as a child, something clicked — I knew this was what I was meant to do.”
In the fall of 2019, Madison joined Russon Mortuary in Syracuse as a secretary, later advancing to a Funeral Service Intern after nine months. With locations in Syracuse, Bountiful, and Farmington, Russon Mortuary has become her second family.
Now, Madison’s days are filled with purpose — working full-time from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., balancing an on-call schedule, motherhood, and college studies. She’s currently pursuing her degree in Mortuary Science from the Commonwealth Institute in Houston, Texas, and will soon graduate as a licensed Funeral Director.
For those interested in the funeral service profession, Madison offers heartfelt advice: “You have to be truly passionate. This work isn’t easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Helping families during one of the hardest times in their lives is why I do what I do.”
She also expressed gratitude for the team that helped her grow. “The people at Russon Mortuary are truly amazing. I’m so thankful to work with a family that treats every client as their own — just as I strive to do every day.”
While Madison found her purpose in comforting others, Mallorie Andersen is forging her path through leadership, discipline, and ambition. A standout junior at the Utah Military Academy, she’s embraced every opportunity her school offers — both academically and personally.
With smaller class sizes, students like Mallorie have room to lead, compete, and explore new experiences. She currently serves as captain of the Debate Team and was recently elected Student Body President for her upcoming senior year. Her next goal? Gaining admission to the United States Military Academy at West Point, where she hopes to major in Cybersecurity and minor in Nuclear Engineering.
Beyond academics, Mallorie shines in athletics. She’s a dedicated member of both the volleyball and archery teams and even placed first among girls in the Utah State Archery Competition during her freshman year. “I used to hate archery,” she admits with a laugh. “My parents encouraged me to stick with it. Over time, I realized it’s as much about mental focus as physical skill. You have to stay calm under pressure — tune out distractions and trust your training.”
This summer, Mallorie will attend boot camp, an experience she’s both nervous and excited about. “I’ll be one of the youngest there — just 17,” she said. “But I’m ready for the challenge. It’ll push me to work with people of all backgrounds and leadership styles.”
The Utah Military Academy, known for its focus on leadership and personal growth, has been instrumental in shaping Mallorie’s confidence and sense of direction. “I’ve always wanted to join the military,” she said. “But this school helped me grow not just mentally, but physically and emotionally. They’ve taught me discipline, teamwork, and how to lead.”
Now preparing for her senior year, Mallorie hopes to set an example for others. “I want to inspire students to see that nothing worth having comes easy. You’ll face challenges, stress, and setbacks — but if you keep going, you’ll come out stronger. The Academy helped me realize that growth only happens when you push past your limits.”
With determination, humility, and a sense of purpose beyond herself, Mallorie Andersen represents the next generation of leaders — one built on courage, resilience, and heart.
