First post...

Debbie (Johnson) Swenson grew up in Brigham City, Utah. She continued her education at BYU where she met and married Kenneth Swenson of Springville. They moved into the small apartment above the office of Swenson Metal in Spanish Fork as they learned the challenges and joys of running a small business. As the business grew, they bought their first home in Salem where they have resided for the past 32 years. Together they have raised six children, all of whom are married except their youngest who is serving a mission for the LDS church in Mexico. Their greatest joy is their seven grandchildren.

The journey of raising six children led Debbie into unexpected paths that have served to broaden her horizons. She found herself coaching youth softball and soccer, even volunteering as the coordinator of the Salem Girls Softball league. With children being involved in softball, cheer, football, baseball, soccer, tennis, track and hockey, she has spent her share of time on the sidelines cheering. Like many mothers, Debbie became actively involved in her children’s education serving in various capacities with the PTA and on school advisory councils. As the Spanish Fork Area PTA president, she had numerous opportunities to serve on school district committees such as the Nebo Education Foundation, the Healthy Lifestyles committee and the Career Ladder committee. One of the most cherished experiences for her was being recognized by the Spanish Fork High School’s National Honor Society as "1994 Volunteer of the Year.”
Debbie’s desire to serve in a more meaningful way led her to the United Way, where she was trained and worked as a “Welcome Baby” volunteer in south Utah County. While helping new mothers learn mothering skills, she learned about needs in the community that exist all around her. She has also served on the board of directors for “Kids Cause”—an organization that provides for the physical needs of children in Utah County. She has realized that we don’t have to look across an ocean to find people who are hungry or living in poverty, because they live among us.

In 2001, Debbie returned to BYU to finish her bachelor degree in Marriage, Family and Human Development. Her studies and associations during that time instilled in her a passion for strengthening families as a solution to so many problems. She also developed a belief that helping to create stronger families is what all community service should be about. After graduation in 2002, Debbie was challenged by one of her professors to use her degree to strengthen families in the community. This challenge motivated her to run for the Nebo District Board of Education where she has been serving for the past 6 years.

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“I believe strongly that a person should not find fault with the way things are if they are not willing to step up and work to be part of the solution. As I have tried to be part of the solution in numerous roles and capacities, I have been privileged to work with extraordinary men and women who have inspired me by their compassion and hard work, and taught me how people can come together to make meaningful changes.

“During the past six years as a school board member I have actively followed and participated in the state legislative process. I have seen first hand the problems that arise when there is a one-party system, and I believe changes need to be made in order to make the legislature more effective and more accountable to the people. I am excited about the possibility of being a voice for change in behalf of the people of District 66.”