BEN LOMOND SPIRIT JAN 2026

SPIRIT BEN LOMOND

Second half of the school year starts on a high note

Think about this: The average morning for students is getting up, getting dressed, and heading out the door for school. But for an FBLA student the morning before a competition, getting ready is reviewing your notes, mentally preparing for presentations, and making sure you’re dressed in the fanciest clothes you own.

Then, you rush over to the school early to make sure you make it on the bus before the rest of your team leave for the competition. A short bus ride later, you head to the conference rooms where the event takes place.

This is what competition days are like for the average FBLA student. A total of 15 FBLA students from Ben Lomond High School attended the regional FBLA competition recently at Weber State University. Other schools, such as Weber High and Skyview High, also attended.

These students went to show their skills of giving presentations, public speaking, and the ability to think under pressure.

All of them had their own ways of preparing for their events – some , like Connor Wolfgang, gave their presentations to friends. Connor said that presenting to his friend helped him feel more confident in giving the presentation to people he didn’t know.”

The competition was split into more than 70 topics, with each having different ways to compete – from impromptu speeches to full presentations. With the competition being set up like this, each student is given set times where they have to go into the conference room to showcase their given event.

And for the students waiting for their events, they were allowed to roam around the Weber State campus and use the amenities there, such as the many restaurants the lounge areas with games, and the bowling alley on the lower level.

After all of the events were completed the students all gathered up into the conference room and winners were announced.

The team from Ben Lomond won a total of seven awards, with the highest placing being a second place won by Cameron Miller in the category of Economics. Also placing were Jaeleen Arias, Ethan Zapata, Connor Wolfgang, Jose Cabrera, and Vincent Alonge.

FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS OF AMERICA

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN FBLA MEMBER

By Jack Tefertiller, BL Spirit staff

GREETING CARD

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

BEN LOMOND’S ART DEPARTMENT

BRINGS CHRISTMAS FUN

By EmmaLee Folsom, BL Spirit staff

Nothing quite rings in Christmas cheer like Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” and the Ben Lomond High School department of art’s most recent showcase left everyone feeling far from being a Scrooge.

The Christmas spirit did not end with a reading of the famed play; Ben Lomond’s Orchestra, Dance Company, Choir, and an array of arts students helping to produce a joint production unlike any other. It would have been impossible to classify the experience as a humbug considering the amazing collaboration within the Art Department.

If you want to support Ben Lomond’s Arts Department, make sure to reach out to Mr. White or Mr. Tracy about how you can get involved here at the school. Also, make sure to keep an eye out for upcoming shows like “Emma: A Pop Musical” and upcoming performances for band and orchestra. Take some time out of your day and support your Ben Lomond Scots. And, as always, Go Scots!

BL ARTISTS SHINE AT ANNUAL ART CONTEST

Ben Lomond High School students dominated the Ogden School District’s winter art card contest.

The district hosts the annual competition, with winners invited to attend a school board meeting to receive their awards. Winners have their images

printed on winter greeting cards that are sent out in the district.

The Best Overall award went to BL 10th grader Lilly Lucero. Second place in the secondary schools competition was awarded to 10th grader Mia Quintero, while third place went to 12th grader Maya Mendez.

RUBE GOLDBERG

PHYSICS IN MOTION

By Ty Stuart, BL Spirit staff

Marbles crashing, dominos falling, and balloons popping. If you heard any of these things walking by Mrs. Jamie Ottusch’s room, it was probably her physics class as they experimented with and created their own Rube Goldberg machines to finish off Term 2 and put their physics knowledge to the test.

Mrs. Ottusch, who has been a teacher at Ben Lomond now for 6 years, explained that this is the first year that her students have been challenged with creating their very own Rube Goldberg machines. In her own words, she described a Rube Goldberg machine as “a comically ridiculous, long way of doing a simple task.”

The machines could contain a variety of household objects such as tape, books, pencils, marbles, etc. Students were tasked with creating a machine to accomplish a simple task, such as popping a balloon or ringing a bell in a creative and sometimes convoluted way.

What is the purpose of making a machine such as this? Mrs. Ottusch said that she felt it was a good way to go into Winter Break and apply the knowledge that students have learned all year. But more importantly, she wanted students to have fun.

Many students have said that making one of these machines was fun because it taught them how to be creative. Ryan Lunt, one of Mrs. Ottusch’s students, said, “It was fun just, like, figuring out how all of the different mechanisms are going to work and how we’re going to be able to put it together to make one final product.”

Two more of Mrs Ottusch’s students, Sophia LaFleur and Ailani Reyes, explained how it was fun to come up with new ideas and to be creative in making their machines.

This project also taught students how to apply what they have learned so far in class to real-world situations. Ian Moore and Mikyla Mitchell explained that they had to think about concepts such as gravity and forces in creating their machines.

This project has shown that what we learn in our classes can be applied to real world problems. We can actually apply the things we learn in school to our everyday lives.

So, next time you walk by a classroom, learning could be in motion. Literally.

FUNCTIONAL SKILLS

STUDENTS DROP OFF DRINKS AND PICK UP RECYCLING

By Brynlee Richins, BL Spirit staff

Have you ever noticed the functional skills students dropping off drinks to your teachers, or seen them picking up recycling? Teachers and students were asked about these students and the services they provide.

Jack Bice has the students bring him a drink in the morning – usually a Lemonade Rockstar. Mr. Bice was asked why he has the functional skills students bring him drinks, and what impact it has on the students who provide this service. He responded: “Because it gives them an opportunity to practice real-world skills that will benefit them later in life, and it genuinely makes me happy to interact with Ashton’s students.”

“Ashton” is Ashton Gualtier, the functional skills teacher. Mr. Gualtier talked about the reason for and the importance of these students performing these services.

“The reason behind running drink cart and recycle is to practice real life skills for future jobs,” he said. “Some skills we focus on

are social skills, customer service, math skills, and organization. It has two main impacts: it helps students in the functional skills classroom develop important life skills, and as a school it helps build school morale.”

Aaron Vanbeekum said, “I appreciate them doing it. …

It gives these kids an opportunity to fulfill a task which is important, and an opportunity to feel accomplished.”

Haylee Larson, a previous peer tutor who helped the students, talked about the impact she thinks it has on the students.

“I think it helps them to get to know teachers and build those skills,” she said.

Talking to the students who provide this service, you see nothing but smiles on their faces.

When asked if they enjoy doing drink cart and recycling, Lily Prout said, “Yes, drink cart is my favorite.”

Similarly Nevaeh Warden said, “Yes” but added, “Recycle is my favorite.”

MARIACHI

SCHOOL PROGRAM BRINGS COMMUNITY TO BEN LOMOND

By Itza Rodela, BL Spirit Staff

Here at Ben Lomond High School, we have many music programs, all led by music teacher Daniel Tracy. Within that music program, one holds a strong sense of community for our school – mariachi.

In this program, kids learn mariachi music and are taught how to play its instruments.

The BL Mariachi program consists of two parts: “Mariachi 1,” which is for beginners, and “Mariachi de la Montaña,” which is for the advanced players.

Mr. Tracy, the director of the program, says that he has seen progress in both classes.

“Mariachi 1 started with absolutely no musical experience at all, students who never had a music class or played an instrument, and now they are already memorizing songs that use the first major scale, which I’m very impressed by,” Mr. Tracy said.

With Mariachi de la Montaña, Mr. Tracy says, “I’ve seen a similar amount of progress, but at that progressed level of being in the second year class, as well as memorizing full songs, singing, and thinking of things in a bigger picture.”

What makes kids join Mariachi? Said one student: “I felt a connection just be-

cause it’s part of my heritage and I also really like the music, so it connected to me fairly easily.”

Another was recruited by others.

“I joined mostly because of my friends and they made it sound fun,” she said.

Both mariachi bands played Dec. 9 during lunch. Mariachi 1 performed “El Panadero” and “Vals Juvenil,” while Mariachi de la Montaña played “Cerca Del Mar,” “El Tilingo Lingo,” and “La Tema.”

Mariachi de la Montaña is expected to go to the state championships in April. The competition is organized by the Utah Music Educators Association. And while band, orchestra and jazz have been going to the championships, this year will be the first year Ben Lomond’s mariachi players will be at that competition.

Mr. Tracy loves teaching the genre.

“Teaching mariachi reinvigorates my love in music,” he said. “Mariachi music really has reminded me of all the things I love in music.”

Added one student from Mariachi de la Montaña: “Mariachi has so much cultural significance, nothing else can compare to something like this.”

By Mitch Shaw

Mark Saal won’t like this article.

That’s not to say he doesn’t enjoy some well-crafted (or at worst, mediocrely-crafted) prose from one of his fellow former journalists, but Mark (or as he shall henceforth be referred to: Mr. Saal) is not a person who’s comfortable with praise. And although he’s certainly deserving (in most cases), he’s much more comfortable giving praise than receiving it.

And that kind of sums Mr. Saal up as a person and as a professional: he’s smart, adaptable, hardworking, and witty — but more importantly, he’s humble, honest and kind. He’s a man of character and integrity. He’s quick to deflect his accomplishments and and downplay his own acumen to give the credit to someone else. He wants to lift up the people around him. And not because he’s chasing some carrot at the end of a stick. He lives his life always trying to do good, simply because he truly believes that it’s the right thing to do. That’s why he was a good journalist and I can probably safely assume that’s why he’s a good teacher.

MR. SAAL

While at the Standard-Examiner, Mr. Saal would take the assignments nobody else wanted. I can recall very specifically a time when Mr. Saal volunteered to work on Christmas day. (Can you believe the Scrooges at the Standard-Examiner? Work on Christmas?!?!?)

After he volunteered, I went and asked him why he would do something so foolish. The reason? He didn’t want anyone else to have to do it. I remember him telling me something to the effect of, “You have young kids. You shouldn’t have to do it.” He then proceeded to list similar rationales for why all of his other co-workers shouldn’t have to come in on Christmas either.

I also don’t ever recall Mr. Saal phoning in a story. If I’m being honest, not all newspaper writing is exciting. It’s not all Woodward and Bernstein, or chasing a Pulitzer Prize.

a restaurant. But you knew nothing about business, restaurants, or even food, and you succeeded anyway.

Mr. Saal began his professional career in 1985 (yes students, he actually is that old!) at the Standard-Ex-

Recently, Mr. Saal was awarded Teacher of the Month at Ben Lomond High School, an award voted on by his teaching peers. As we’ve already established, Mr. Saal won’t be comfortable being highlighted in this publication. But if I can speak to him directly for a moment: Guess what buddy boy? Today, you’re going to take this praise — and you’re going to like it.

aminer in Ogden. Except for a very

aminer in Ogden. Except for a very small stint at the University of Utah, he worked at the paper for 35(!) years, perhaps most notably as weekly columnist. He also covered a host of other beats and worked in several other capacities. But rather than list off career accomplishments or items from his professional biography, I want to share some examples that illustrate the attributes about Mr. Saal I’ve highlighted above.

But in closely watching Mr. Saal work for almost 15 years, one of the many things that stood out to me was that he gave his best effort no matter what he did. Whether it was a story reporting on an underground Top of Utah cockfighting ring (yes, he actually wrote this story) or if it was a (lame) story about who Ogden City chose to grand marshal its

Pioneer Day Parade — he always gave it his best effort. As someone who at one time had absolutely no shame about taking a disinterested approach to stories that I deemed boring, this was a life-changing example to me. If you are going to do something...anything.....do it right. Give it your best effort. That’s something I’ve been taught and always believed in, but seeing Mr. Saal do it consistently, authentically and with enthusiasm, made me want to try harder to do the same.

Another thing I truly admire and respect about Mr. Saal is his ability to adapt to whatever situation he’s in. Like I mentioned before, Mr. Saal

was best known for writing columns at the Standard-Examiner, which is essentially spouting off your opinion on something. It’s an “artform” that is very different from other kinds of journalism. But when he was called upon, Mr. Saal could seamlessly step into an entirely different realm, like covering the cops and crime beat or local government. When Mr. Saal decided his career as a journalist had run its course in 2020, I was amazed to see him successfully transition to the teaching profession. I don’t think people really know how hard that is. It’s like if you spent three decades as a car mechanic, but then suddenly decided you wanted to open

Velden Wardle, Ben Lomond’s principal, said this makes Mr. Saal a true rarity in teaching circles — a person who spent 30-plus years doing something that’s completely different from teaching, but then successfully diving head first into education. Wardle says Mr. Saal is respected by his fellow teachers and beloved by BL’s student body. He said his success can mostly be summed up with one word: passion.

“He’s a teacher that’s clearly in it for the right reasons,” Wardle said. “He wants his students to fulfill their potential. That’s it. He wants them to be the best they can be. I think he’s constantly looking at the bigger picture, not just, ‘OK, I gotta get through this unit.’ He really cares about his students and wants to see them improve.”

They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. And while Mr. Saal is definitely an old dog, he’s also proof that maybe some of those advancedin-age canines can not only learn something new, but also do it well.

District Storytelling Festival, 5 p.m.

Girls Basketball at Bear River, 7 p.m. Bonnie Lassies at Bountiful Wrestling at Morgan

Girls Basketball at Grantsville, 7 p.m.

Wrestling at Clearfield, 6:30 p.m.

Boys Basketball vs. Grantsville, 7 p.m.

Swim vs. Grantsville (Senior Night), 3:30 p.m.

Girls Basketball vs. Morgan, 7 p.m.

Region Drill at Ben Lomond, 5 p.m.

Girls Basketball at Logan, 7 p.m.

Boys Basketball at Morgan, 7 p.m. Wrestling vs. Tooele and Grantsville, 7 p.m.

End of Term 2 Swim at Granger, 3:30 p.m.

Girls Basketball at Layton Christian Academy, 7 p.m. Wrestling at Box Elder

Wrestling at North Summit, 6 p.m.

Girls Basketball at Ogden, 7 p.m.

Boys Basketball at Logan, 7 p.m.

Improv This Comedy Night, 6 p.m.

Girls Basketball vs. Grantsville, 7 p.m.

Wrestling at Western Sports E.C. Student of the Month awards, 7 a.m.

Boys Basketball vs. Ogden, 7 p.m.

Lassies at

Wrestling at Richfield (Divisionals)

Boys Basketball at Grantsville, 7 p.m.

Boys Basketball vs. American Heritage, 7 p.m. Girls Basketball at Morgan, 7 p.m.

State Drill at Utah Valley University Region Swim at Wasatch, 10 a.m.

Boys Basketball vs. Morgan, 7 p.m.

JROTC

JROTC CRUSHES IT AT DIXIE CHALLENGE

By BL Spirit Staff

Ben Lomond High School’s JROTC program absolutely crushed it at the Dixie Challenge competition on Dec. 5 in St. George.

After an incredible RECON season with three first place wins, the BL team hit another historic milestone – finishing third place overall at the Dixie Challenge. This was a first-timeever for the program.

The event, held at Dixie High School,

consisted of an obstacle course followed by tire flips, a shuttle run, and a mile ruck with a 20-pound rucksack.

Competing against 10 schools and 18 teams, the Scots showed up and delivered. Oryan Braun sailed through the obstacle course and took first place in the individual competition. With the third place team win, Ben Lomond finished the season as Junior ROTC RECON state champions!

What a great year for the Scots!

ASK A COP

WHAT’S WITH RESTING COP FACE?

By SRO Reed Mackley

Here are this month’s questions and answers from School Resource Officer Reed Mackley.

Q: Why do cops always look angry?

A: Well, some of them might be angry or having a bad day or something. They’re still people who have emotions, just like everyone else. But more specifically, it’s probably more likely to be that they have to be in a constant state of awareness of their surroundings, and wondering if people have good or bad intentions. It can be draining and likely contributes to their “looking angry.”

Q: What do I do if I’m driving and a cop pulls in behind me?

A: First off, good job on being aware of your surroundings and realizing it! Second, just remember all the things you (hopefully) learned in driver’s ed and follow the traffic laws. And, pro tip, don’t turn your head and look back 37 times. It looks suspicious. And if they pull alongside you, smile and wave (with all five fingers). If someone is friendly to you, it lessens the likelihood of getting pulled over or getting a ticket.

Q: Is it true that cops love donuts?

A: Of course. Donuts are delicious. Everyone loves donuts.

Q: How do I get out of a ticket if I’m pulled over?

THE KEY

THE KEY TO THE DOOR OF OPPORTUNITY

By Letroy Woods, BL Spirit columnist

The firm grip that has held power over our lives has ended its reign and sovereignty today. With fixed purpose, a voice has been given to you, to dissolve that which wishes to control you. For in our infancy we may not yet know the gift that is right in front of us. Through moral determination, allow yourself to trust people and the world again, and know the life that you desire starts with new beginnings waiting to be uttered from incantations and thoughts manifest.

A: Besides driving better so you don’t get pulled over in the first place, here’s some tips to lessen the chance of receiving a ticket: Don’t lie. We know if you’re lying and nobody likes getting lied to. Be nice! That doesn’t mean you have to be a butt kisser, just don’t be a jerk. It will go a long ways. And if it’s the Highway Patrol or a traffic officer…well good luck. They’d write their own mothers a ticket.

Q: What’s the weirdest thing you’ve seen as a cop?

A: Whew … there’s a lot of them. I’ll just bunch them into a group and say that they involve people acting crazy and not wearing much clothing. I’ll just leave it at that.

Brave souls, know nothing happens by chance, and every experience matters. Although you have been made to believe you hold no power, power has been returned to you in the form of the Ben Lomond Spirit. The resolution represents freedom and forgiveness of yesterday, vision and purpose to walk through new doors today, and with the capacity to hold love in your heart for tomorrow’s future.

Your generation has suffered many tribulations, but also possesses the key to the door of opportunity.

This conversation is about your freedom and future. People have been placed into your life for seasons, lessons, reflection, and to understand you are the one, the key to the life of your wildest dreams. Resolutions of the new year overlook outward aspirations and external validation. Your

act of resolution begets courage as a prize, and grants those who call upon it a power that can chisel hardened hearts, melt the pain and suffering one holds well into their maturity, and far beyond the years at Ben Lomond High School welcome peace to your life.

“My resolve is something like ‘either to lay down my life or realise my ideal.’” — Vive Kavani

Spirit is the soul of Ben Lomond High School. Do not listen to the external voices, and know that each of you is the master of your fate. Your New Year’s resolutions have the ability to change your lives forever if taken seriously. You have a voice in this publication, and a safe place to express yourself. We encourage you to use your magazine to talk about the things that could change your life and that of your fellow students. Be proud of your Ben Lomond family.

Look past what the eyes perceive, what feelings whisper, and stay at the wheel of your ship to direct your life to its destination. The vital principle in one’s life to excellence lies in the ability to take another step and to know the only opinion that matters is your own. This conversation is not mine but your own, so that you may see yourself through others eyes, and to remember what has been forgotten. Resolve your past or it will resolve you. Young adults, you are not alone. The one absolute and common denominator in our lives is ourselves, that our lives are the way they are because we have chosen it.

It happens every Wednesday and Thursday afternoon during 5th period. Students from Ben Lomond High School’s Latinos in Action program make the short trip to East Ridge Elementary School to meet with third graders there.

This is the Latinos in Action tutoring program, which pairs high school students with elementary students for an hour of hands-on help. In an email interview, Ms. Melanie Melgar, a Ben Lomond language arts teacher and the LIA adviser, says the weekly tutoring sessions help both the younger students and their older student tutors.

“Tutoring at local elementary schools is a fundamental and required component of the Latinos in Action program,” Ms. Melgar said. “The hands-on service allows LIA students to directly serve their community while simultaneously providing them with an essential opportunity to develop and demonstrate core skills, including professionalism, leadership, and accountability.”

Not only do LIA students help these elementary school students improve academically and build confidence, but Ms. Melgar says her students serve as positive, relatable role models to empower their younger tutoring buddies.

LIA is offered as a class at the high school, and the Ben Lomond program maintains a cohort of about 30 to 35 students in each of the two classes. This means there are between 60 and 70 active tutors in the

has previously centered on third

program. Although the program has previously centered on third graders at East Ridge Elementary, recent increases in LIA class sizes are allowing the program to expand to other grade levels – “ensuring that every LIA tutor has a dedicated student to mentor and support,” according to Ms. Melgar.

sizes are allowing the program to suring that every LIA tutor has a

Ms. Melgar says the tutoring program faces “operational setbacks,” including the difficulty of matching increasing LIA class sizes with the smaller, fixed number of third graders available at East Ridge Elementary. She said a 1:1 ratio is the desired goal for tutors and their buddies. What’s more, the need for intensive coordination with East Ridge teachers and administrators at the start of every new year presents a “recurring logistical challenge that requires focused effort.”

“Luckily,” said Ms. Melgar, “East Ridge has been more than willing to try new approaches to our tutoring program and remains supportive throughout the entire process.”

Ms. Melgar calls the tutoring program involving the two schools “definitely a two-way street.” She wants LIA students to grow into the leaders and mentors they’re capable of becoming through this hands-on experience, but equally important is the impact on the third graders.

“It’s all about boosting the confidence and fueling the reading enjoyment for our buddies so they can actually love learning,” according to Ms. Melgar. “We’re building up both generations at once!”

LIA TUTORING

LIA GIVES BACK TO COMMUNITY WITH WEEKLY TUTORING

By BL Spirit staff

HOT TAKES

This month for Hot Takes we interviewed 40 students on their preferences.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SNOW ACTIVITY?

While this question is open-ended, some of the activities students chose were sledding, skiing, ice skating, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowball fights, making snow angels, building snowmen, watching Home Alone, playing in the snow, and “None.”

The overall winner was sledding, with 30% of students picking that answer. The next most-popular pick was ice skating, with 17.5% of students saying that was their favorite activity in the snow, followed by skiing, with 15% of students choosing it as their favorite.

The next most-popular was a tie between snowball fights and snowboarding, each getting 10% of the student vote.

Lastly, snowmobiling, playing in the snow, building snowmen, snow angels, watching “Home Alone,” and none each got 2.5% of the vote.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

By Brooklyn Richey, BL Spirit Staff

WHICH IS BETTER: FALL SEMESTER OR SPRING SEMESTER?

With January comes a semester change, so which is better? Fall semester has the beginning of school activities, football season, Homecoming, and Christmas festivities. However, spring semester has the end of school activities, prom, finals, and – for seniors – graduation. Both have fun activities, so which one do students prefer?

The favorite, by a narrow margin, is spring semester, with 55% of students choosing it as their favorite. That leaves fall semester with 45% of student vote. Lillyaunna Shaeffer chose spring semester and said it was “for the academic comeback.”

Building Snowmen: 1 Watching Home Alone: 1

Making Snow Angels: 1

Snowmobiling: 1

Playing in the snow: 1

None: 1

Sledding: 12

Snowball Fights: 4

Snowboarding: 4

4

Skiing: 6

ARE NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS JUST SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE SELF-GASLIGHTING?

New Year’s resolutions are a tradition many partake in. However, it’s common that they are given up on or forgotten about quickly. So, the question stands: Are resolutions just socially acceptable self-gaslighting? Do people make these resolutions just to convince themselves they’re better?

Overwhelmingly, students

Overwhelmingly, students answered yes. Fully 95% of students chose yes, that they are socially acceptable self-gaslighting, while only 5% said that they weren’t.

Mrs. Emily Child comments on the question by saying, “New Years resolutions are at the wrong time; it would be more natural in the spring. That way, it’s in time with nature while everything is

“New Years resolutions are at more natural in the spring. renewed.”

WHAT IS THE HARDEST PART OF SCHOOL, AND HOW CAN TEACHERS HELP?

By Brynlee Richins, BL Spirit staff

As a student, school can be really hard, so today’s subject is something that is very important. Numerous students around the school were asked two questions: “What is the hardest part of school?” and “What can teachers do to help?”

Xyla Young-James said, “The hardest part of school is homework. Teachers can help by maybe not assigning an abundance of work.”

Leo Vasquez said, “The hardest part of school … I would say is balancing all the classes and balancing all the work. Teachers can be more aware of how much work the students have and talk to them.”

Daniel Hodges said, “The hardest part is balancing academics and sports. It gets hard. Teachers can help by giving more study time in class.”

Sophie La Fluer said, “The hardest part of school is juggling all my classes and juggling all my homework. Teachers can support just by keeping in touch with students and making sure they’re not falling behind. Make sure they’re supported.”

Jordan Gapinski said that math is that hardest part of school, and he said that teachers can help by having “more one-onone” with the students.

Makayla Brown said that the hardest part of school is “probably maintaining work,”

SCHOOL HELP

SEMINARY BUILDING BL

STUDENTS GETTING NEW LDS SEMINARY BUILDING

By Brooklyn Richey, BL Spirit Staff

Sand teachers can help by “trying their best to describe math problems and check in to see if they’re working.”

Achinades Terry said that the hardest part of school is “probably just managing your time and making sure you’re able to get everything done.” He said that teachers can help by “just talking more to the kids, like setting up meetings to see if they can come in and do more work.”

Jayden Fuentes said, “The hardest part of school is trying to understand the assignments that teachers assign because for someone like me it can be hard to understand and so I need the assignments clarified.” He said that “after giving the instructions, come up to me and ask if I understand the assignment.”

Brooklyn Richey said, “The hardest part of school is probably the fact that I have to go to school every day and I have to get up early and actually do stuff early when my brain isn’t awake. Unless teachers can move the time school starts back, I don’t think they can help.”

Finally, I would say that the hardest part of school is balancing school and our personal lives. Teachers can help by doing their best to keep school at school and not assigning homework. Just realize that the students have lives and responsibilities outside of school so they need to be able to do other things in their day other than schoolwork.

tudents at Ben Lomond High School are about to get a new building for their seminary classes.

The seminary program is run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The church’s stated goal for the program is simple: to help students come closer to their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Through classes taken at a church just north of the Ben Lomond tennis courts, students can learn more about the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and Jesus Christ.

Prior to 2025, the seminary program was held in a building just south of the high school. This older building was built around the 1950s and didn’t meet current building standards. So, instead of just modifying the old building, seminary representatives say it was more cost-effective to build a new one.

Next school year, the Seminary program will meet in the new building, on the site of the old building. Construction may finish in late April or early May.

What sets the new building apart? Seminary teacher Tyler Kunzler said that the building

will have updated classrooms with roll-around desks, walls that function as whiteboards, and an expanded foyer to continue the lunch program.

In the old building, there was a room full of games, food, and music. It was here that students could come over during lunch to eat, play games, and enjoy a small break from Ben Lomond. In the new building, there will still be a game room and lunch for any student to enjoy.

“We’ll still invite kids over for lunch during that time,” Brother Kunzler said.

Additionally, the new building will have some of the nicest bathrooms at the school. Bathrooms are single-use, but there will be multiple bathrooms available.

While the new building will be used for the same purpose as the old one, the new building will look more modern and be more transparent, as much of the front is designed to be seethrough.

The secretary of the program, Merna Reeves, further explained that the building will be a one-room classroom build-

ing, with an additional room to run the lunch program. The technology will be updated, and finally, there won’t be a basement like there was in the old building.

When asked what the new building will do for Ben Lomond, Mr. Ben Hamblin, assistant principal, said, “I think the kids in seminary need something to be proud of. That’s important. Well, that’s gonna make a difference.”

Senior Brynlee Richins said she is most excited that the new building will give seminary students a dedicated place to learn about Jesus Christ. The seminary students currently meet at a stake center that is used every Sunday, so things can be a little disorganized.

Junior Ty Stuart said he is most excited for the shorter walk to the new building. The new building will be right across the street from Ben Lomond instead of in a nearby neighborhood, so the walk will be much shorter.

Sophomore Duke Stoddard said he is most excited about not having to go to the stake center for seminary anymore.

LASSIES

TO A GREAT START

By BL Spirit Staff

After months of dedication and long hours of practice, the Bonnie Lassies finally took the stage to showcase their hard work—and it certainly paid off.

The team kicked off its competitive season with a performance on Dec. 13. The girls competed in three demanding categories, giving it their all in each one: Military, Dance, and Show.

Delivering strong, polished routines, the Lassies set a high standard for themselves in the coming year. They walked away with two top-five placements – a fifth place in the Military category, and a 5th place in the Show category.

With a successful first competition under their belt, the Bonnie Lassies are now motivated to continue their intense training and build on this early success to achieve their ultimate goals. However, they need your support.

Come out this season to cheer loud and proud for the Bonnie Lassies, showing the talented team the encouragement they deserve as they continue to work hard and reach for the top.

The Lassies will be competing in The Royal Classic at 2 p.m. Jan. 10 at Roy High School. Then, at 6 p.m. Jan. 20, the Region Drill competition will be held here at Ben Lomond. Finally, the state competition is scheduled for Jan. 29-30 at Utah Valley University.

SKILLSUSA

SKILLSUSA TURNS TALENT INTO OPPORTUNITY

By Cameron Miller, BL Spirit Staff

You might think that SkillsUSA is pretty much like every other clan: Something that students are putting into their already packed schedule of homework, jobs, and whatever spare time they might have left. But ask those actually invested in the program, and you might find that their view of it is quite different from what one might think.

SkillsUSA is more than just attending meetings. It’s showing up and showing what you can do.

So what is SkillsUSA? In simple terms, it’s an association that provides an opportunity for students to translate their skills –technical, creative, or academic – into something more. It helps connect the classroom to careers, as well as connect hobbies to futures.

As Elias Alvarez explains: “SkillsUSA, in my opinion, is an organization that allows students to present a

skill that they excel at and show their competence and ability within those areas in a competition meant to help them hone and succeed.”

It’s not about guessing or memorizing, it’s actually about proving what you can do. That proof usually comes through competitions. SkillsUSA offers a wide range of them, with everything from automotive technology to additive manufacturing, welding to graphic design, leadership to public speaking.

But the competitions are just the start of it. What SkillsUSA really offers is growth. Students get better at skills they already have, find new ones they didn’t know they had, and learn how to perform under pressure. And the rewards can go far beyond medals.

“SkillsUSA not only offers an opportunity to help you improve in an area of skill but also allows you a

scholarship and other rewards for exceeding expectations,” Elias said. For a lot of students, that can mean real financial help and real motivation.

At the end of the day, SkillsUSA is about hard work and passion for what you do.

As Elias explains: “SkillsUSA is about showing what you can do and proving to others that you excel in an activity or academic environment.”

There’s actually a big misconception about who exactly SkillsUSA was intended for. It happens to be much more welcoming to all students than most

think. You don’t have to be the best in your class to go to SkillsUSA. You also don’t necessarily have to be on a certain path.

“Yes SkillsUSA is for anyone and everyone who can show that they have skills,” Elias said.

SkillsUSA combines students who possess varying skills and capabilities, directly related to obtaining excellence in their own fashion.

If this sounds like something you would want to be a part of, contact Mr. Mandleco in room C109 or Mr. Williams in Room C114 to learn how to get involved.

RESOLUTIONS

NEW YEAR, NEW … SOMETHING. STUDENTS OFFER RESOLUTIONS

By Cameron Miller, BL Spirit Staff

New Year’s resolutions are kind of like the gym memberships of goals — everyone talks about them, not everyone keeps them, and most of us pretend we’ll magically wake up on Jan. 1 as better people. High schoolers are no exception. When asked about their own resolutions, students had a mix of realism, optimism, and classic honesty.

For Rosalee Johnson, resolutions aren’t something you rush into.

LETTERS TO SANTA

URBAN STUDENT ALLIANCE ACTS AS SANTA’S LITTLE HELPERS

By BL Spirit Staff

The Urban Student Alliance spent a part of December spreading holiday cheer to the children enrolled in the preschool at Ben Lomond High School.

Members of USA, formerly known as the Black Student Union, came up with the idea of fostering a connection between the 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds at the preschool. The students collected letters from all 55 of the preschool children, then

wrote personalized replies from Santa and delivered them along with a small gift for each of the children.

The gifts were wooden toy cars from Tiny Tim’s Foundation for Kids, a West Jordan-based nonprofit organization that has created and given away more than 1.5 million toys to children in Zimbabwe, Iraq, Afghanistan, Ghana, Thailand, Korea, Russia, Mexico, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and here in

the United States. The toy vehicles are also sent to medical centers like Primary Children’s and Shriner’s hospitals.

Jill Eccles, who runs the preschool at Ben Lomond, loved the idea of personalized letters from Santa telling what they wanted for Christmas.

“Thank you for thinking of us,” Ms. Eccles wrote to the students of the Urban Student Alliance.

And honestly? That’s a tradition that’s hard to mess up. But Riley still embraces the classic motto: “Just a new year, new me.”

Whether it actually becomes a “new me” is a mystery, but the vibe is awesome!

Then we have Wyatt Carrier, who is on top of resolutions.

“No, I don’t have any New Year’s resolutions yet,” she said when interviewed back in November. “I think of those closer to December,” she said.”

Still, the 11th grader does try.

“I try to follow with it,” she said. “I don’t always follow through with them, but I try to.”

Rosalee’s goals tend to be personal, not just trendy.

“The New Year’s resolutions I have made were mostly trying to be more confident,” she said.

Meanwhile, Riley Kingsley keeps his New Year’s resolutions simple. Very simple.

“All I really do for New Year’s is just watch the ball drop,” he said.

“I do them every year,” he said happily. But Wyatt is also realistic about his resolutions.

“I go through with them,” he said. “Most of the time it’s don’t die or work out.”

For Wyatt, resolutions aren’t strict rules anyway.

“I use it more as a mental goal for myself,” he said.

And honestly, that seems to be the healthiest approach of all.

In the end, whether they’re written, declared in your head, forgotten immediately, or never made until the end of December, resolutions all serve the same purpose: giving people a little nudge into the new year with a new goal in mind. Some students aim for confidence, some aim for improvement, and some aim for simply watching the ball drop without falling asleep.