This is a condensed article of the article previously posted on the FamilySearch Blog site (See Link)
As the sun set on the final day of RootsTech 2025, Family Discovery Day is always an eagerly anticipated event at RootsTech! The Expo Hall had several special activities, including RootsTech sponsors hosting green-light specials throughout the day. Family Discovery Day’s live session included a performance by the Piano Guys, as well as a special presentation by Elder Neil L. Andersen and Sister Kathy Andersen, joined by President Jeffrey R. Holland.
What a great way to kick off the last day of RootsTech! The Main Stage general session featured Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall, gold medalists from the recent Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. Emcee Kirby Heyborne was thrilled by the chance to meet Olympian Tara Davis-Woodhall and Paralympian Hunter Woodhall.
Kirby began by asking the couple, “Who runs alongside you?” They each shared how their families have been the bedrock of their support systems in their individual athletic journeys. Tara’s father was her coach up until she started college. She said, “My dad never doubted me. His unwavering support set me up for the gold medal.” Hunter ran at the Paris Olympics in memory of his late uncle Wyatt. From the time he was born with a birth defect and had both legs amputated, Hunter said his family “has had an unwavering belief” in him, allowing him to succeed when the rest of the world told him it was impossible.
A representative from FamilySearch joined the stage to present the Woodhalls with genealogy research on their ancestors. Tara was blown away by a story of her great-grandfather revealed through the United States census. He went from a humble shoe-shiner to a professional boxer in just a decade. Tara remarked: “It feels really good to keep that legacy alive of never giving up.”
In honor of International Women’s Day, FamilySearch shared stories of brave women in Hunter’s family line. These ancestors included a great-great-grandmother who took in and raised her grandson when she was already in her 50s. Hunter said, “We are here because of the sacrifices of strong women in our lives.”
The Woodhalls reflected on the legacy they have inherited from their ancestors. Hunter concluded with this thought-provoking statement: “The most valuable thing we own is our name.”
The last Main Stage session of RootsTech 2025 began with an outstanding performance by Jon Schmidt and Steven Sharp Nelson, of The Piano Guys. The pianist and cellist played several of the group’s songs, some original compositions and some covers of well-known pop songs mixed with classical music. They also shared stories of their ancestors and how family has affected their lives. Steven Sharp Nelson shared, “I want my children’s heroes to be their ancestors.”
We were then privileged to hear from Elder Neil L. Andersen, an Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (See Link) along with his wife, Sister Kathy Andersen, and President Jeffrey R. Holland, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The three discussed the importance of family and shared personal stories of family members who have influenced them for the better. Elder Andersen emphasized that “we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us.” He also reiterated Steve Rockwood’s invitation from the beginning of RootsTech to add what we know to our family’s stories.
If you would like to share your experiences or techniques acquired at RootsTech 2025 on the Granite FamilySearch Center blog, please submit your articles to barbgfscblog@gmail.com.
– Barbara Tubbs, communications, Granite FamilySearch Center