0.25 Credits per Seminar
Enrollment is open to all Ensign Peak Academy High School Students
Participation in the Honors Program is not required to enroll in any Honors Seminar.
9-week honors seminars partner great literature with gospel teachings to enable students to embark on a journey of personal growth and intellectual exploration. Each class encourages students to engage in greater depth as scholars, to experience creative and critical thinking, to participate in meaningful conversations and to cultivate confidence in their values and worldview.
High school students are invited to register for each seminar separately, according to personal interest.
Tuition: $98 per Nine-Week Seminar
There will be a total of 16 different Honors Seminars. Four seminars will be presented each year, in a four-year cycle.
2025-2026 Honors Seminars
Your Great ADventure: The Plan of Salvation and Hero’s Journey in The Hobbit
Wednesdays, 1:00 – 2:20 pm Mountain Time, August 20 – October 15, 2025
Come join our great adventure! Beginning with Elder Uchtdorf’s Oct 2019 general conference talk “Your Great Adventure” we will discuss how Bilbo’s journey parallels our own journey (the plan of salvation.) The Hobbit by Tolkien will provide the backbone for our exploration of the heroic journey. Come join us for hobbit tea parties, singing dwarves, battles against dragons and giant spiders, scavenger hunts, friends and mentors who help Bilbo level up (video game style), and the wonderful journey back home.
The weight of Power: virtue, corruption and the quest for true strength through the nigerian classic Things Call Apart by chinua achebe
Wednesdays, 1:00 – 2:20 pm Mountain Time, October 22, 2025 – January 14, 2026
John Adams once said, “Because power corrupts, society’s demands for moral authority and character increase as the importance of the position increases.” In this class we will explore the Godly characteristic to share power and influence, and contrast God’s way with the worldly tendency to amass, and be corrupted by, power. As we read Chinua Achebe’s Nigerian classic Things Fall Apart, we will observe different worldly power structures and societal traditions that illustrate these principles. We will also delve into how living Christ’s gospel, and the founders’ vision of virtuous citizenry, can harness power for good.
SMALL AND simple: CELEBRATING UNSUNG HEROES OF AMERICAN, CHURCH and FAMILY HISTORY
Wednesdays, 1:00 – 2:20 pm Mountain Time, January 21, 2026 – March 18, 2026
Mystery, Deception and Discernment – “The Westing Game”
Wednesdays, 1:00 – 2:20 pm Mountain Time, March 25, 2026 – May 27, 2026
Sixteen unlikely people gather for the reading of Samuel Westing’s will; they could become millionaires, but one of them is the culprit. In the 1979 Newberry medal winner The Westing Game, we see blizzards, burglaries and bombings. But in this puzzle-knotted, word-bending plot filled with humor, intrigue, and suspense, we don’t see the final twist until it happens. Come join us for a fun discussion of danger, trickery, deception and discernment.
2026-2027 Honors Seminars
BEYOND THE WARDROBE: C.S. LEWIS’ SEARCH FOR TRUTH
Wednesdays, 1:00 – 2:40 p.m. Mountain Time, August 11 – October 2, 2026
Why Narnia? Why a wardrobe? Why Aslan? Why faith? During his college years, C.S. Lewis considered himself to be an athiest, but in later years he became on of Christianity’s greatest apologists. In this honors seminar we explore big questions about reason, doubt, morality and meaning through the powerful ideas of C.S. Lewis. This seminar literature, philosophy, apologetics and creative expression as students wrestle honestly with belief, skepticism and the cost of truth. Come join us and discover just how well faith stands up to reason!
CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD: FINDING CHRIST IN STORIES, CELEBRATIONS and NATIVITIES FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE
Wednesdays, 1:00 – 2:40 p.m. Mountain Time, October 14 – December 16, 2026
Experience a holiday season like no other by embarking on a “Light the World” global journey through traditions and celebrations of Christ. From the vibrant “Parol” lanterns of the Philippines, to the cathedrals and choral music of Europe, to the rhythmic celebrations of West Africa, to Mexico’s pilgrimage to the in “Las Posadas”, to the brilliant rock churches of Lalibela, Ethiopia, this seminar uncovers some of the diverse ways Christ is celebrated. You will engage in interactive games, explore unique cultural folklore, and connect with peers through creative projects that bring these stories to life. Join us to broaden your perspective and discover the light of Christmas as it shines across every continent.
BUILDING UTOPIA: THE DREAM AND THE DANGER OF PERFECT SOCIETIES IN THE GIVER
Wednesdays, 1:00 – 2:40 p.m. Mountain Time, January 13 – March 10, 2027
Why do humans long for a perfect society? And why do they so often mess it up. In Building Utopia: The Dream and the Danger of Perfect Societies in The Giver, students will explore humanity’s deepest hopes—and hidden fears—about safety, happiness, freedom and control. As we read “The Giver”, and through powerful discussions, interactive games, and creative projects students will uncover why freedom, memory, and love can never be engineered. This honors seminar challenges students to think deeply about the promises society makes and discover that only Christ has the power and truth to establish the true utopia!
GRIT AND COVENANT COMMUNITY IN “THE BOYS IN THE BOAT”
Wednesdays, 1:00 – 2:40 p.m. Mountain Time, March 25 – May 19, 2027
Step into our figurative racing shell and discover the transformative power of discipleship (grit) and covenant community (swing) in our newest Honors Seminar, “Grit and Swing in The Boys in the Boat.” Through the lens of the 1936 Olympic rowing team, you will explore unity, resilience, vision, preparation, leadership, grit, trust and swing. This immersive 9-week journey challenges you to connect historical perseverance with modern-day excellence and invites you to hear and follow the direction of the ultimate coxswain – Jesus Christ. Join us to find your rhythm, build unshakable bonds, and learn what it truly means to row as one!
Mentor: Felicia Hanosek
Felicia Hanosek has a Master’s Degree in Humanities from Cal State University -Dominguez Hills. She taught Humanities online for BYUI for 10 years and early morning Seminary for 6 years. She and her husband, Ray, homeschooled their 6 children for 12 years, and moved as many times (military). One child was born on military deployment (accompanied tour), and the last one was born at home (not on purpose) with Grandma Webb as catcher/ “midwife” (surprise!).
Felicia loves teaching, especially watching student’s brains engage, find curiosity, and start to dig deep! She is especially passionate about media literacy, and the importance of knowing and recognizing worldviews and cultural paradigms that are not consistent with the gospel of Jesus Christ. She enjoys literature, cooking, studying Biblical Hebrew and watching her 17 year old son in mock trial competitions and 15 year old daughter’s volleyball games. The family loves music, the outdoors (hiking, camping, snowshoeing, beach trips, etc.) and travel of all kinds.