Ogden School District honors students, choir and CTE instructor; collision‑repair program wins $5,000 grant

The Ogden City School District board opened its November meeting by recognizing students and staff from across the district, honoring academic All‑State athletes, students of the month and arts and career‑technical education achievements.

Speakers presented multiple individual recognitions. A substitute athletic director introduced Brooklyn Ritchie of Ben Lomond High as an Academic All‑State recipient for combining athletic leadership with high academic achievement, citing her role as a mentor on the tennis team. Ogden High athletic director Ross Arnold brought certificates for several recipients, noting that one student, Luke, maintained a 4.0 GPA and earned Academic All‑State honors in two sports in the same season. "I like to talk about 4 and 5 star character kids," Arnold said, describing the recipients as strong both in character and academics.

The board also named students of the month from several schools. Presenters described Mark (Ben Lomond) for his yearbook work and leadership; Amisa Bay Diaz (called "Mimi") as Ogden High’s student of the month, with multiple teachers commending her grit and curiosity; Michael Lehi ("TT") from OTEC High for his completion of CTE courses and student‑leadership role; and Victor from Post High for vocational dedication and community job‑site participation.

Arts recognition included Ogden High choir director Mary Clayton Smith highlighting two students who attended All‑State Choir and performed in a 600‑member ensemble at the Tabernacle. One student said the experience was "overly grateful" and described how music motivates her work in other classes.

Career and technical education received district attention when Christine Heslop, the district CTE coordinator, presented auto instructor Jim Cook as the recipient of the Collision Repair Foundation’s Jeff Wilson Award. Heslop said the award recognized Cook’s long hours and success in preparing students for industry employment. Cook told the board the award also included a $5,000 grant for his program. He said the funds will be used to purchase a glue‑tab station to train students on modern repair methods used by local shops and dealerships, which now rely on adhesive systems for lighter‑weight vehicle materials. "Without your support, we would not be able to provide the outcomes for the community and for our students," Cook said.

District staff and presenters emphasized workforce connections; Heslop noted the program’s relationships with local shops and described multiple former students now employed in the industry. The presentations also highlighted district arts programming: Janet Epperson reported that Parenting Elevated received more than 65 student artwork submissions and included Native American performers and hoop dancers, which presenters said strengthened cultural connection and family engagement.

The board’s recognitions concluded before moving on to administrative reports and policy items. The meeting record shows applause and photographs for honorees and multiple brief speaking turns by students and staff.

What’s next: the district will continue showcasing CTE and arts programming; Jim Cook and his auto collision program will use the awarded grant for equipment and industry‑aligned instruction.