SPIRIT BEN LOMOND
Urban Student Alliance
Student Editors
Prom 2025
Student Scholars
Seniors 2025
WELCOME TO BEN LOMOND SPIRIT MAGAZINE
Welcome to the first edition of the Ben Lomond Spirit Magazine! We’re so glad you’re here.
This magazine began the way all meaningful things do — with connection and conversation.
It started when Delores BanksGreen introduced me to her students at the Urban Student Alliance. That first meeting led to more connections — between students and City Hall, between the school district and the Standard-Examiner, and, ultimately, between students and the broader community. It started with connection. And it grew into something much more: a student-led magazine, created by students and for students and grounded in the belief that we build a stronger future by working together.
Early conversations with students revealed a desire to lift school pride and strengthen the sense of belonging across campus. Some shared concerns about school spirit. Others spoke about opportunity — how to create more of it, how to celebrate what’s already happening and how to help the north end of Ogden feel seen, valued and invested in. Those conversations sparked a movement — not just to create this magazine but to ignite something bigger: a shift in how city and community resources are directed, aligned and invested.
As mayor, I believe government has a responsibility to serve, to support
and to respond. But, more than that, government should be a partner — with our people and for our people. That’s how lasting progress happens. This student-led effort has already helped shape real commitments from the city. We’re not just talking about aligning resources — we’re actively planning and making investments in the north end of Ogden. From community engagement to youth programming, from neighborhood infrastructure to deeper partnerships with our schools, we’re putting action behind our words.
Because when our residents — especially our young people — step up and lead, we need to meet that leadership with action of our own.
That’s the heart of what this magazine is about. It’s not just words on a page. It’s stories of students who are showing up, speaking up and doing the work. It’s a platform for events, ideas and student voices. It’s a space where action is celebrated and leadership is redefined — not by titles, but by character, effort and impact. Leadership is more than protest. It’s more than pointing out what’s wrong. It’s about seeing a need, rolling up your sleeves and helping to fix it.
We don’t need more blamers — we need more builders. We don’t need more noise — we need more action. Every one of us owns our future. Each of us has a role to play in building a city, a school and a community
we can be proud of. That means being brave enough to speak when something isn’t right — but also bold enough to get to work making it better. That’s what this magazine celebrates. That’s what the Urban Student Alliance helped start. And that’s what The Spirit of Ogden is all about. This movement began with students — but it ends with all of us.
From the halls of City Hall to the halls of Ben Lomond High, it’s clear: when students lead, cities can follow. And when we follow through — together — we change the story.
Welcome to something new.
Welcome to something real.
Welcome to Spirit Magazine — written by students, for students, and powered by The Ogden Way. Let’s build something together.
Ben Nadolski Mayor of Ogden
Mayor Ben Nadolski
A POWERFUL NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR BEN LOMOND STUDENTS
I’m thrilled to announce a unique and exciting opportunity for Ben Lomond High School students to partner with the Ogden Standard-Examiner. This collaboration represents the very best of what can happen when a community comes together to support student voice and engagement.
I want to extend my sincere thanks to Jim Konig, publisher of the Standard-Examiner; Ogden Mayor Ben Nadolski; Delores Banks-Green, advisor for the Urban School Alliance (USA); Mark Saal, faculty advisor; and Ben Lomond Principal Velden Wardle for their support of this powerful initiative.
This partnership will give Ben Lomond students the chance to unite, express themselves and build school
spirit and pride through storytelling and journalism. I’m incredibly proud to serve as superintendent of Ogden School District, and I’m deeply grateful for the support that has made this one-of-a-kind opportunity possible. Our students deserve a voice — a platform to share the amazing things they are accomplishing every day. I’m committed to supporting our students and staff as this project grows. Public education is the great equalizer in our society, opening doors for young people to chase their passions and dreams. In today’s world, it’s more important than ever to tell our own story. If we don’t, someone else will — and they often don’t get it right. This initiative is about empowering students
to take control of that narrative, and I believe it will be a meaningful step in lifting up the voices of our young people.
Thank you to our students for trusting us with your education, and thank you to the exceptional staff at Ben Lomond High School for helping each student reach their full potential.
Luke Rasmussen
Superintendent Ogden School District
Superintendent Luke Rasmussen
PRINCIPAL MESSAGE
EMBRACING OUR UNIQUE TRADITIONS
Since first opening its doors in September of 1953, Ben Lomond has been a resource to the community and strived to provide a pathway to the future for the students we serve. That first year, there were 743 students enrolled, and there was a graduating class of 158 students in the spring of 1954.
We now have just under 1,200 students who we teach and help prepare for life beyond school, with approximately 350 students in each graduating class.
Ben Lomond has helped to prepare its students for opportunities and launched them into impressive careers. Ben Lomond students have gone on to be NASA astronauts, heart surgeons, professional athletes, U.S. Congress members, generals and so much more. We have so much po -
tential within our community and especially within our students. We are excited for this new opportunity that will enable us to tap into some of that student potential with this publication.
Ben Lomond High School is such a unique school with unique traditions and history. At the end of the school day each Friday, our incredible bagpipers march to the center of our school and play as our students head home for the weekend. At each home football game, our team is led onto the field by a bagpiper. After every home basketball game, students and team members circle together and sing the school hymn.
These are just a few of the many traditions I love being a part of and seeing our students embrace. We hope that this publication can become one
of these lasting traditions as well. We appreciate the investment by the Standard-Examiner and Mr. Konig into our students. Our hope with this effort is that we can highlight the many good and positive things happening at Ben Lomond High School and in our surrounding community and the contributions of our former students and alumni. We want everyone to see just what the friendly, fighting Scots of Ben Lomond are all about!
Velden Wardle
Principal Ben Lomond High School
Principal Velden Wardle
URBAN STUDENT ALLIANCE
DELORES BANKS-GREEN ADVISOR, URBAN STUDENT
ALLIANCE
A native of Ogden, Utah, I have spent over 30 years residing in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., where I built a diverse professional background. My experience includes roles as a substitute teacher, real estate consultant and property manager, radio broadcaster and sales executive as well as wardrobe and beauty consultant.
Since returning to Ogden, I have dedicated myself to serving and advocating for my community. I am proud to serve as a board member for United Way of Northern Utah and Royalty Awakend Multimedia Inc., and I am a former ally for Circles of Ogden, Utah. My passion for youth development is demonstrated through my ongoing
volunteer work at Ben Lomond High School, where I serve as a mentor and activity director for the Club Urban Student Alliance, formerly known as the Black Student Union Peer Leadership Class. Over the past four years, I have enjoyed working weekly with students on self-development initiatives, helping them discover their unique strengths — what I like to call their “superpowers” — to build self-confidence.
Our program emphasizes public speaking, Black history, cultural understanding, academic excellence, community awareness and service learning. We organize college tours both within and outside of the state, providing students with valuable
exposure and inspiration. Every two years, we raise funds to enable our students to visit Washington, D.C., where they tour the U.S. Capitol, White House, museums and top colleges, broadening their horizons and aspirations.
I am committed to connecting students with community resources that support their growth and prepare them for success during high school and beyond. My goal is to empower young people to realize their full potential and become active, confident members of their communities.
Delores Banks-Green
URBAN STUDENT ALLIANCE
URBAN STUDENT ALLIANCE
MARK SAAL FACULTY ADVISOR, URBAN STUDENT
ALLIANCE
All his life – after, that is, he grew out of his grade-school astronaut/ cowboy/fireman phase – Mark Saal has only ever wanted to be one of two things when he grew up: a writer or a teacher.
He feels fortunate to have been both.
Saal spent nearly four decades as a reporter, columnist and editor at the Standard-Examiner, the daily newspaper in Ogden. In 2020, he retired from the newspaper and accepted a position as a language arts teacher at Ben Lomond High School.
Saal currently teaches 11th grade language arts as well as a concurrent enrollment English class through Weber State University. Other classes he has taught at Ben Lomond include creative writing and journalism. He is
currently the faculty adviser for the Urban Student Alliance.
Born in Portland, Oregon, the 65-year-old Saal attended grade school and junior high in Southern California. His family later moved to Salt Lake City, where Saal graduated from Brighton High School and attended the University of Utah. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication. Saal returned to school three years ago and earned his master’s degree in secondary teaching from Western Governors University.
In the late 1970s, Saal served a twoyear mission to Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He and his wife, Rugan, have three children and four grandchildren. They
currently live in Farmington with a daughter, son-in-law and 3-year-old grandson. Saal’s hobbies include travel, reading, writing, hanging out with his grandbabies, striking up conversations with complete strangers (much to his wife’s mortification) and playing four different musical instruments quite badly (much to the rest of his family’s mortification).
Above all else, Saal believes that everyone can learn, that people are basically good and that kindness and serving others are the greatest gifts any human being can offer this world.
URBAN STUDENT ALLIANCE OFFERS STUDENTS SENSE OF BELONGING URBAN STUDENT ALLIANCE JOIN THE URBAN STUDENT ALLIANCE!
By YESENIA MUHAMMAD
When I first joined the Urban Student Alliance I never could have predicted the immense impact it would make on my high school experience. As a senior, USA is the biggest thing that I am so sad to leave behind. It will be difficult to leave behind the unity, friendship, knowledge, experience and strong sense of belonging I found while in the club.
I’ve always been one to love being involved in my school and community, but when I came into Ben Lomond I spent most of my sophomore year separated and comfortable in my own presence.
Because of this, I started to notice
my love for school diminishing. It was like that for a while until I decided to attend one of the club’s events.
I was warmly welcomed, and I started to feel my spark for being involved coming back. By my junior year I became vice president of the club. Now, in my senior year, I am president of the group. I truly believe that if I didn’t make the choice to join USA, my entire high school experience would have been extremely different – and possibly not in the best way.
To all of the incoming sophomores, if you’re nervous about high school or unsure of how to get yourself out there, USA is an amazing option to help you out.
You’ll learn and experience so much while also having fun, creating your own little family here at Ben Lomond, learning about new cultures, and getting the chance to embrace your own.
Last, but certainly not least, one of the best parts is getting the opportunity to travel out of state with the club. Join Urban Student Alliance!
The Urban Student Alliance meets at 3 p.m. Thursdays during the school year. All are welcome to drop in on a meeting, or contact USA adviser Mark Saal in Room D221 for more information.
Jolece Nicholson contributed to this story.
BEN LOMOND SPIRIT MAGAZINE
STUDENT EDITORS
WHITNEY HURST
EDITOR, BEN LOMOND SPIRIT MAGAZINE
The Urban Student Alliance at Ben Lomond High School has helped Whitney Hurst step out of her comfort zone and make new friends.
Somewhat shy by nature, Whitney says the group has given her the confidence to be more outgoing at school and in the community.
“Being part of this group has given me a sense of motivation and support, knowing there’s always someone there for you who might share similar experi-
ences,” she said.
Whitney is a junior at the high school. Her goal is to become a special education teacher.
An Ogden native, Whitney says she’s always lived in this city. Her father is a retired corrections officer who is now a glass blower, and her mother is a nurse. She has one brother and one sister.
Whitney’s hobbies include photography and spending time outdoors – particularly hanging out at the lake,
one of her favorite spots. She’s especially fond of the shoulder seasons, spring and fall.
Hurst has been selected to be one of the editors of the new BL Spirit magazine. She’s grateful for the opportunity. “I’m thrilled to be working on the BL Spirit Magazine with some incredible people,” she said. “It’s an amazing opportunity to improve my writing and see our hard work pay off for the students and the school.”
DANIEL A. AVILA EDITOR, BEN LOMOND SPIRIT MAGAZINE
Daniel A. Avila, a junior at Ben Lomond, got involved with the Urban Student Alliance at the beginning of this school year.
A friend told him about the group and invited him to a meeting, and he’s been active in USA ever since. Daniel says the thing he likes about the group is that it explores various cultures.
Daniel has faced his share of adver-
sity in his life, and that adversity has helped him to keep perspective in life. He was born with his ankles twisted inward, and by age 6 he was falling on his right foot so much that doctors had to perform surgery on his right ankle.
Daniel enjoys participating in soccer, playing video games and hanging out with his friends. His favorite subject in
LAVELL WALKER
school is math.
Daniel was chosen to be one of the editors of the new BL Spirit magazine. He sees it as an opportunity to teach others about cultures.
“I want to leave an impact and teach people about all the different cultures we can have, show them the perspective of a high schooler and (the Urban Student Alliance),” Daniel said.
EDITOR, BEN LOMOND SPIRIT MAGAZINE
Lavell Walker has been chosen to be one of the editors of the new BL Spirit magazine. He says he’s excited to work on the project.
Lavell, who recently turned 17, is a junior at Ben Lomond. He recently moved back to Ogden after living in Idaho.
Lavell says his “main hobby” is video games. He also enjoys playing sports and hanging out with family. His favor-
ite sport is basketball.
As a member of the Urban Student Alliance, Lavell’s quick sense of humor keeps the rest of the members of the alliance laughing.
BEN LOMOND PROM 2025
BEN LOMOND SCHOLARS
VALEDICTORIAN SCHOLARS 2025
STERLING SCHOLARS 2025
Cooper Barley Indigo Emmert
Lundi Ferrier Cole Fink
Presley Hester
Victor Blankenship Business & Marketing
Alyssa Macedone Computer Tech
Beaney Vargas Dance
Presley Hester English
Evelyn Kennedy Family & Consumer Science
Hailey Bryan Instrumental Music
Lundi Ferrier Mathematics
Italy Macias Science Adriana Lazaro Skilled & Tech Ed
Cooper Barley Social Science
Hannah Cox Speech/Theater
Indigo (Makenzie) Emmert Visual Arts
Alana (Selene) McCree Vocal Performance
Sophie Peterson World Languages
BEN LOMOND SENIORS 2025
Jett Nicholas Adams
Traelynn Denise Adger
Jaslyn Marie Aguiar
Aaron Alfredo Aguilar
Dolores Sarahi Aguilar
Alan Santiago Aguilar Andrade
Jamylle Dante Alexander-Carpenter
Erin Marie Allred
Lynzi Allred
Martin Omar Almanza
Damian Isaac Alvarado
Emema-Tony Darshelle Neemia Anderson
McKynzee Jeanine Anderson
Florentino Angelo Antunez
Isabel Margie Antunez
Betsabe Arana Chavez
Shiley Marie Arevalo
Leslye Magi Arevalo Leon
Salvador Lopez Arroyo
Gizelle Ivana Arroyo-Lopez
Erik Arzola Jimenez
Ahasbai Avalos
Angel Daiann Avalos Torres
Claudia Veronica Avina
Lola Shea Barkema
Cooper Reuben Barley
Amilyah Bear
Cade Becraft
Kayden Steven Bingham
Jaxon Thomas Blanchard
Victor Harrison Blankenship
Ashton Blue
Anthony Isaiah Blue Eyes
Dylan James Bodily
Kyra Jo Bodily
Memphis Scott Bodily
Victoria Rose Boney
Genesis Saray Bonilla Mendoza
Hannah Melissa Brenkman
Zoe Brewer
Thaiisha Apple Brooks
Hailey Jo Bryan
Mia Iliana Bueno Quezada
Alondra Caballero Arias
Lorenzo Ami Calleros
Leslie Calvillo Mendoza
Nayeli Camarena
Bryan Campos-Ramer
Leonardo Canales Razo
Cuatlicue Nicteloide Cardenas Flores
Silvia Guadalupe Carranza
Alisson Alexandria Carrillo Anzora
Oscar Daniel Castro Moreno
Jovanni Carter Cervantes
Jocelynn Jaelene Chapman
Chase Brett Chatelain
Angie Brianna Chavez
Jaxon Bingham Chavez
Charles James Cheever
Caressa Ann Cheney
Kaitlyn Morgan Christensen
Susana Yadhira Cid Gomez
Yandel Cisneros Meza
Diego Cisneros-Carrillo
Innocence Aunesty Conrad
Jesse Contreras
Erika Ruby Contreras-Reyes
Drake Scott Cook
Sunny Hikari Cordero
Dorian Poet Alexander Cornett
Kalissa Violet Coronado
Jett Owen Cosper
Emie Addison Covington
Hannah Lynn Cox
Randy Dean-Jonathan Crane
Jaydn Scott Creamer
Nala Berenice Cruz
Karmen Lee D’Amico
Zane Dark
Kaydiann Jordan Dandoy
Steve De Los Santos
Jennifer Johana Delgado-Perez
Jannia Diaz
Joseph William Dixon Jr
Adam Daniel Joseph DuBose
Bella Reece Duncan
Shania Rebecca Durham
Myah Elizabeth Dwaileebe
Mackenzie Geraldine Emmert
Mariceli Escareno
Diego Daniel Esquivel
Sebastian Esquivel
Gaige Cacie Farr
Antonia Donelle Farris
Lundi LaWana Ferrier
Kaydence Leigh Fischer
Cole Alexander Flink
Alexa Luana Flores
Annalese Flores
Isabella Estrella Flores
Natalie Esther Flores
Anthony Steven Fongse
BEN LOMOND SENIORS 2025
Jaycelyn Kathryn Fraga
Evelin Frias Murillo
Ivy Isabel Gallegos
Xavier Estacio Gallegos
Jackeline Galvan Moreno
Giselle Cristina Garcia
Jaiden Garca
Julio Antonio Garcia
Roberto Garcia
Trisa Alexus Garcia
Angel Garcia Molina
KHalum Lee Gardner
Alexis Marcia Garr
Dylan Tray Garrett
Todd Allen Genessy Jr
Kimberly German
Sarah Eloise Glanville
Cristian Godinez Juarez
Rogelio Godinez Morales
Frania Evette Gomez Garcia
Adoniram Natanael Gonzalez
Diane Abigail Gonzalez
Leslie Gonzalez Aguiar
Lizbeth Gonzalez Aguiar
Elena Eva Marie Gray
Harley Ray Groves
Isabella Rosalia Guadron
Alexander Gutierrez
Barbara Gutierrez
Angela Noemi Gutierrez Godinez
Faith Marie Hand
Leylah Jade Harrold
Elliot Jayne Hauser
Brysen David Hawks
Ethan Jorge Hernandez
Genesis Alexandra Hernandez
Yesika Hernandez
Daniel Ambrose Hernandez Jr
Jason Hernandez Renteria
Lazaro Richard Manuel Hernandez-Dias
Aaron Florentino Herrera
Presley Mae Hester
Raina Carol Hoaglin
Rose Lynn Hodges
Aleia Marie Huff
Eden Eliana Hughes
David Ibanez-Melendez
Martin Conrad Irwin
Viviana Ito Zamora
Jonathan Antonio Izaguirre
Emanii Noah Robert Jackson
Xavier Anthony James
Myah Jade Jimenez
Evelyn Jimenez Mendoza
Adamaris d’Jesus Jimenez Rivas
Briley Lynn Johnson
Zoe Johnson
Avian Jonathan
McKenna Leigh Jones
TeShaun LePrince Jones
Tylor Jones
Alondra Juarez
Kimberly Caeley Kellywood
Evelyn Faye Elizabeth Kennedy
Austin Charles Kimball
Stacey Shara-Dee Konde
Kyler William Kratzer
Isabella Lagunas Baz
Javier Lagunes
Lilith Alicia Larkin
Alexis Brooke Lawson
Adriana Karina Lazaro Sanchez
Jacob Dean Lee
Jordan Anthony Lee
Maya Lee
Senjukouyro Jokichin Lee
Manuel Nicholas Lemos IV
John Angel Leon
Kamaree Tanelle-Zyere Lewis-Rucker
Kera Faye Limb
Dominic Dean Lopez
Javier Alexander Lopez
Joseph Jr Lopez
Kaden Lopez
Luis Miguel Lopez
Jovanny Lopez Castro
Alyssa Sellina Macedone
Italy Nayeli Macias Altamirano
Ana Maria Madrigal Medel
Maren Dawn Mann
Sarah Mariyah Manzanares
Fatima Marin Negrete
Colton William Patrick Mark
Freddy Martin
Tanner James Martin
Destiny Adahara Martinez
Fernando Martinez
Kimberly Martinez
Mason Christopher Martinez
Ayarely Martinez Camacho
Julian Andrey Martinez JR
Rodrigo Martinez Mendez
Hector Mata Jr
Evelyn Jo Mattson
Alana Jayde McCree
Ulises Medel Martinez
Nancy Cristal Medina Gomez
Andrea Del Carman Medina Vega
Exzandria Colleen Shirley Meikel
Aldo Mejia
Paulette Mendoza-Ramirez
Yulissa Vividiana Meza Paz
Taeya Love Mikkelsen
Kaereste Lynn Miller
Walter Kalae Miller
Mahmoud Ali Mohamed
YashiMarie Patricia Moncada
BEN LOMOND SENIORS 2025w
Tiernan Jeffrey Mondt
Abigale Marie Monson
Nancy Montoya Vazquez
Khyron Michael Moore
Daniel Lee Moore III
Diego Morales Lucio
Anamia Berbadette Moreno
Miguel Angel Mosqueda Escalante
Yesenia Ijaz Muhammad
Shafer Michael Nay
Zeria Anuhea Neemia
Jolece Nicholson
Crivene Oliver Demontay Niles
Rafael Oscar Noriega
Grey Adric Nowak
Jesus Yasser Ochoa
Danny Ochoa Jr
Amir Ribih Odeh
Brie Italia Ogden
Janayh Aahliyna Olvera
Kristopher Chane Opheikens
Sabreena Shelly Ornelas
Netzahualcoyotl Oros Gonzalez
Sol Alexandra Ortiz
Kendra Norma-peterson Ostberg
Jade Kenzi Pacheco
Jesmia Kapri Padilla
Kailee Asono Payne
Ashton Reese Pedersen
Rubbie Pena Torres
Brycen Jason Perea
Sophie Garnette Peterson
Angelo Aiden Pierce
Marcos Sebastian Pineda Fuertes
Michelle Ponce Juarez
Marco Vidal Quintero
Marlen Cassandra Quintero Olivas
Jordan Alexander Ramirez
Ashley Merary Ramirez Lazaro
Isaiah Neftali Ramirez Rocha
Jose Manuel Rangel Oliva
Kaysen Dean Reeves
Levi Blase Rentmeister
Angelique Jolleth Reyes
Anthony Reyes
Elijah Dominic Reyes
Victor Gael Reyes Olave
Jennessa Reyna
Christopher Cleider Reynoso Lugo
Shania Richmond
David Rincon
Aiden Aspen Rivera
Neah Reese Robertson
Elizabeth Rodriguez
Irie Daze Rodriguez
Kairie Alyssa Rodriguez
Manuel Rodriguez
Michael Angelo Rodriguez
Yovani Rodriguez Macias
Liam Axel Rojas
Weston Henry Romer
Alyson Romero Castro
Annely Isbeth Rosales Villanueva
Julianna Ruiz
Michelle Ruiz Avila
Michelle Herminia Sagastume Garcia
Maricarmen Saguilan
Yareli Saguilan Garcia
Achilles Salazar
Kerstan Kathleen Sandau
Kiya Anna Sandau
Kolette Crystal Skye Sandberg
Carlos Manuel Sandoval Guizar
Karol Dajana Santamaria
Kaylee Saucedo Guillen
Jordyn Lynn Schurz
Curtis Wyatt Sherman
Owen Michael Shields
Miyabi Scott Shulstad
Galilea Coria Silva
Destiny Solano Avila
April Carmelita Solano Molina
Josue Eliu Solorio Gonzalez
Israel Diego Soto
Kaylien Carrie-Ann Staley
Lucian Robert Lee Stembridge
Issac Jacob Stephens
BryLee Hope Lynn Stephenson
Alekko Pete Toulatos
Nicolas Uribe Tapia
Mya Michelle-Irene Valadez
Cayson Jacob Vanbeekum
Jaerdan Vanbeekum
Beaney Vargas
Ariana Vasquez Bedolla
Monica Anne Vasquez-Martinez
Haydee Vazquez
Julia Elena Villagomez Pantoja Junaid Wahab
Semaj Lleval Walker-Bufkin
Hailey Anne Walling
Amaya Emery Jo Watkins
Gavin Kyler Wayment
Ariana Lyn White
Joslyn Elizabeth White
Julia Kathryn Wilcox
McKynlei ReAna Ajale Williams
Robert Gordon Wills
Brooklyn May Windley
Alexander Jack Winters
Kai Yanagibashi
John Franklin Youngberg II
Eduardo Isaiah Zavala
Madison Marie Zetino
Yuanji Zhu
