Sundevil News

Prep Student Admitted to Prestigious University of New Mexico's BA-MD program

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Sandia Prep senior Hannah Leng '26 has many achievements. She is a National Merit Scholarship Finalist, an accomplished pianist who played at Carnegie Hall, captain of the Sandia Prep Swim Team, and soon she will add the title of "Doctor" to her name. After gaining admission offers from competitive colleges around the country, including the University of Virginia, Georgia Tech, UT-Austin, Case Western Reserve University and others, Hannah received a golden ticket admission offer to the University of New Mexico's BA-MD program. Only 28 students are accepted into this program each year.

The UNM BA-MD program provides a direct pathway for New Mexico high school students to earn a Bachelor's degree and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, offering a reserved seat in the highly-ranked UNM School of Medicine. It focuses on addressing the state's physician shortage by offering mentoring, a unique Health, Medicine & Human Values curriculum, the Last Dollar Scholarship, and guaranteed entry for students committed to serving rural and underserved communities. You can read more about the program here.

Congratulations on this prestigious accomplishment, Hannah!

Senior Hannah Leng '26

Sandia Prep Team Claims First Place at NMSU Innoventure Challenge

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

The Design & Innovation Department at Sandia Prep is built on a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration. By bridging different fields of study, we provide students with a "real-world" professional experience—mimicking the dynamics of an engineer working with a programmer or an entrepreneur leading a technical team.

This year, that collaborative spirit reached a new milestone. Students from Arren Buck’s Mechatronics class joined forces with Daniel de León’s Entrepreneurial Studies class to compete in the New Mexico State University Arrowhead Entrepreneurial Center’s Innoventure Challenge. The year-long competition requires teams to engineer a functional prototype for a significant problem and develop a comprehensive business plan to bring that product to market. To reach the finals, Sandia Prep’s three teams had to outperform 33 other high schools from across New Mexico and El Paso through three rigorous rounds of competition.

In a dominant showing, Sandia Prep secured three of the six finalist spots at the main event. This year’s challenge tasked students with designing a prototype to provide cooling and reduce heat stress for humans or animals outdoors. Team Maddox—comprised of Maddox Rios-Bruner '26, Cole Updegraff '26 and Josiah Henderson '27—took home First Place honors. Their winning entry featured a series of wearable cooling prototypes, including a specialized vest and backpack attachment utilizing advanced cooling technology. In addition to the title, each team member was awarded an iPad. This victory marks Sandia Prep’s second appearance in the finals since 2019. We are incredibly proud of all our participants. Congratulations, Team Maddox!

Team Maddox

Prep Alum Signs with Pro Soccer Team

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Sandia Prep alum Miles Merritt ’23 recently signed with the Ventura County Fusion professional soccer team.

Merritt will play with the team for the summer and then return to Michigan State University for his senior season.

Merritt came to Prep as a sixth grader. “Soccer was his life and still is,” said Prep Boys Varsity Soccer Coach Tommy Smith. “He played for me his ninth- and 10th-grade years and was an All State player as a sophomore.”

Prep’s soccer team took state that year, Smith added.

Merritt was “an all around good kid and leader” who was dedicated from Day 1 to soccer and to being a possible college/pro-level player, Smith said.

In his junior and senior years, Merritt was selected to play for the New Mexico United Academy team. At that time, players could not play for anyone else while on the United team, Smith explained.

After graduating from Prep, Merritt played for The University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio.

This year, he played at Michigan State and has one more year of eligibility.

Merritt credits Prep for helping shape him into the student-athlete he is today. “My time at Prep was filled with every teacher invested in me and providing resources in order for me to grow and chase my dream,” he said. “I can’t thank them enough.”

Congratulations, Miles!

Sandia Prep Collaborates with Landmark Musicals on Mary Poppins

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Sandia Prep is once again collaborating with Landmark Musicals on a "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" production.

Disney's Mary Poppins begins this weekend and stars numerous Prep students, faculty, parents and alumni.

One of the most popular Disney movies of all time is capturing hearts in a whole new way: as a practically perfect musical! Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, Cameron Mackintosh and Disney's Mary Poppins delighted Broadway audiences for over 2,500 performances and received nominations for nine Olivier and seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

The jack-of-all trades, Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren't the only ones upon whom she has a profound effect. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that, "Anything can happen if you let it."

Disney's Mary Poppins is an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, breath-taking dance numbers and astonishing stagecraft.

Showtimes are:

Saturday, March 14, at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 15, at 2:00 p.m.
Friday, March 20, at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 21, at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 22, at 2:00 p.m. (Relaxed Performance)*
Friday, March 27, at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 28, at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 29, at 2:00 p.m.

*Relaxed performance - The March 22 matinee will be a relaxed performance, intended to be sensitive to, and accepting of, audience members who may benefit from a gentler theater environment. These performances are open to all; however, they are intentionally modified to accommodate patrons with sensory and vestibular sensitivities, anxiety, dementia, autism spectrum disorders, learning differences, or challenges attending the theater.

Purchase tickets here.

Students Discover the Power of Purposeful Design

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000

A small piece of furniture helped Sandia Prep students make a big difference for families in need.

During the first semester, students in the Industrial Design class designed and built step stools that were later donated to Saranam, a local organization dedicated to “empowering families to end their homelessness and poverty through housing, education and supportive community.”

Industrial Design is one of Prep’s Impact Classes, part of the school’s Impact Lab -- an innovative hub for community engagement and real-world learning. Open to students in grades 6-12, the program goes beyond traditional community service by teaching leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration through hands-on projects and partnerships with local organizations.

The idea for the stools grew out of teacher Waseem Touma’s connection with Sunny Holmes, community engagement coordinator at Saranam.

“I remembered she mentioned something about the families there having little ones and could use step stools,” he recalled.

Students began by learning how to safely use classroom machinery and how to design, mill, assemble, and finish their pieces with stain or paint. But the project required more than technical skill -- it demanded empathy and thoughtful design.

“They had to take into consideration who it was for, so being for kids, it had to be light enough to lift, no sharp edges, handles to carry, and stable enough for the parent to use as well,” Touma explained. “With all the requirements needed, they still had the opportunity to design it how they wanted, leading to individually designed step stools instead of 15 identical pieces.”

Before building the final versions, students created half-scale models to refine their ideas and techniques. The mini stools were not only practical prototypes -- they were also “really cute!” he proclaimed. After testing and revising their designs, students scaled them up to create full-sized, functional pieces that blended craftsmanship with creativity.

“For me, the key to these impact classes is to give back to the community,” Touma said.

For several students, the experience proved more meaningful than they anticipated.

“I think the project was more meaningful than I expected at the start,” said sophomore Keegan Price ’28. “I’m not always super into hands-on projects, but knowing it had a real purpose made it different.”

Realizing that his step stool could help someone reach a cabinet or make it easier for a child to reach the sink to wash their hands was especially gratifying, Price added.

“It also showed me that impact doesn’t always have to be something big or dramatic -- sometimes it’s just about making something solid, useful, and safe for someone else,” he said.

Senior Addyson Combs ’26 said the project “taught me to think critically and view the designs of the stool from a child's perspective and an adult's at the same time, to ensure that it will be a functional one for families.”

Having a clear purpose kept her motivated throughout the process.

“I hope that as a class we learned about remembering the meaning behind why we made these stools and will keep that in mind for future projects, that no matter the challenges, it will be worth it because we are doing it for a good cause,” she said.

Sophomore Ingrid Hurley ’28 said she valued learning more about Saranam’s mission.

“I hope this project will impact the families by giving them furniture for their houses and also by giving them a little bit of hope through knowing that the community is there for them and wants to help them out in any way possible,” she said.

Hurley also appreciated the opportunity to immediately apply new skills in a meaningful way.

“I am very glad we are using the class to connect the woodworking skills we learned to actually help out the community in need,” she said.

Sandia Prep Partners with Stanford’s Challenge Success to Strengthen Student Well-Being

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Few issues in schools today are more complicated than cell phone use.

They distract students, can serve as conduits for bullying, and may aggravate isolation and mental health struggles. At the same time, they can be important tools for safety, connection, and learning support.

Sandia Prep is one of three schools nationwide selected to partner with Challenge Success, a program from Stanford’s Graduate School of Education, to help develop a toolkit for schools worldwide to create and implement effective cell phone policies.

The cell phone conversation is part of a broader effort to examine how Prep and its families can better promote student well-being and engagement. Alongside two California schools -- La Cañada High School in Flintridge and Legacy Magnet Academy in Tustin -- Prep is working with Challenge Success to analyze school systems, survey students, provide parent education, and explore changes that foster balance and fulfillment in students’ lives.

The team is studying topics such as schedule and time demands, motivation, assessment, school climate, anxiety, and learning conditions -- and how these factors influence student health and well-being.

“Challenge Success is about creating a world where teachers and students feel heard and supported in their daily lives,” explains Prep sophomore Jill Barrett ’28, who attended a fall conference at Stanford with fellow students and faculty.

Student Leadership and Collaboration

Prep’s student team -- selected through an essay process -- includes Linden Groves ’27, Elizabeth Lewis ’27, Jill Barrett ’28, Elle Gordon ’29, and Landon Maestas ’30. Faculty and staff participants include Dean of Student Life Brian Tregembo, Assistant Head of School for Middle School Susi Hochrein, School Psychologist Dr. Amber L. Hayes, and history teacher Tom Gentry-Funk.

At Stanford, the group worked with a coach to develop strategies for gathering student voice and attended workshops on high-achiever stress, academic and athletic burnout, and increasing belonging.

Barrett is optimistic about the initiative’s impact. “I think it will change Prep for the better by creating a more welcoming environment where people aren’t afraid to ask for help when they’re struggling, and also to give Prep a more student voice,” she said.

Eighth grader Landon Maestas ’30 said he felt personally connected to the work. “I know how stressful school can be with grades, expectations, or just fitting in,” he says.

For junior Linden Groves ’27, the focus on sleep deprivation stood out. “I believe this program provides the opportunity for our community to more easily make data-driven and customized decisions to benefit our school,” he added.

What the Data Revealed

In November, upper school students completed the Challenge Success–Stanford Survey of School Experiences. Results highlighted both strengths and challenges:

82% of Prep students reported at least one stress-related health symptom in the previous month, such as exhaustion, difficulty sleeping, headaches, or stomach problems.
Only 9% reported feeling “very confident” in their ability to cope with stress.
Students averaged seven hours of sleep per night, and 79% sleep with their phone in their room.
79% reported a trusted connection with an adult at school; 91% reported a trusted connection with at least one other student.
89% reported being fully engaged behaviorally, cognitively, and affectively, meaning they put a lot of effort into their schoolwork, find it to be meaningful, and enjoy what they are doing.
Students listed major stressors as grades, tests, workload, homework, and procrastination/time management.
48.8% check grades online daily.
65% report “too much” homework, and 60.9% believe reducing the homework load would improve the student experience.

Turning Insight into Action

As part of the Challenge Success program, students have launched several initiatives.

Upper school students Elizabeth Lewis ’27, Jill Barrett ’28, and Elle Gordon ’29 introduced the “I Wish” campaign, inviting students to anonymously share messages with teachers, coaches, and trusted adults. Examples included:
“I wish my teachers knew that I only get five hours of sleep a night.”
“I wish my teachers knew that I am trying my hardest.”
“I wish my teachers knew just how long and stressful my days are.”

The team decorated mailboxes and distributed “I Wish” slips to collect responses.

Linden Groves ’27 and Landon Maestas ’30 are also working with Dr. Charles Becknell (father of Silas ’27 and Averie ’31) to host “listening-in” sessions with affinity groups, including the Black Student Union (BSU), Hispanic Heritage Club, and Native American Sandia Prep Alliance (NASPA).

Prep has continued collaborating with its two cohort schools to share ideas and support one another. In January, the school hosted Challenge Success School Partnership Coach Dr. Brandon Wiley to explore how the partnership can further support student engagement, belonging, mental health, and academic success.

Cell Phones and Community

Research continues to link adolescent cell phone use -- particularly among middle school students -- to mental health challenges.

In July, Sandia Prep communicated updated electronics policies to families. “We believe that it’s crucial for our students to be able to engage with their learning without the distraction that comes from cell phone notifications,” Head of School Heather B. Mock said in an email. “We also want to be sure our students and faculty have ample time and space to engage face-to-face, developing important connections. After all, strong relationships are at the heart of a Sandia Prep education.”

Prep’s policy will continue to evolve as the school finds new ways to help students and families manage screen time, she added.

To learn more about Challenge Success and its mission to help students lead healthy, purposeful, balanced lives, visit challengesuccess.org.

Prep’s Head of School Honored by Albuquerque Business First

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Sandia Prep Head of School Heather B. Mock has been named one of Albuquerque Business First’s Women Who Mean Business honorees.

Of nearly 150 nominees, ABF narrowed the list to 25. For 22 years, the journal has recognized women who are not only dedicated to their career fields but also to the communities they call home.

“These individuals excel in their respective industries and contribute to their communities in meaningful ways,” according to an ABF article about the awards.

The honorees represent a wide spectrum of professions, from entrepreneurs to executives. “Each of these honorees has something in common: They are the changemakers, leading the charge to move New Mexico forward,” the article explained.

The recipients will be honored at an awards ceremony on Friday, March 27, from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Sandia Resort & Casino, 30 Rainbow Road.

The former United States Ambassador to Kenya (2022-2024) and an experienced executive who has had roles in multiple major companies, Meg Whitman will be the event's keynote speaker.

Congratulations, Heather!

Prep Senior Lands Prestigious Scholarship

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Sandia Prep senior John Wegrzynek ’26 has been named a recipient of the Davis New Mexico Full-Ride Scholarship. This incredible, competitive scholarship is awarded to approximately 50 seniors who are residents of New Mexico and provides them with a fully funded scholarship at one of the six Davis partner colleges located around the West and Midwest.

"John Wegrzynek's selection as a Davis New Mexico Scholar is an incredible honor and affirms the wider community's recognition of his academic and personal achievements,” said Sandia Prep Director of College Counseling Pablo Torres. “Sandia Prep is honored to have John as a student and soon-to-be alum. We cannot wait to learn about his future accomplishments in college and beyond."

The Davis New Mexico Scholarship promotes college access for all first-generation college-going students in New Mexico through its partnerships with local affiliate organizations and schools.

You can read more about the Davis NM Scholarship here: https://www.davisnm.org/

Congratulations, John!

Big Dreams from a Small School: Logan Lemons ’27 Commits to UNM Baseball

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000

It’s uncommon for a high school student-athlete in New Mexico to make a verbal commitment to a college team as a junior -- especially when that athlete comes from a small 3A school and the commitment is to a Division I program.

And when that athlete is part of a no-cut team -- where no one tries out, no one is hand-selected, and anyone who shows up and works hard gets to play? Practically unheard of.

But Sandia Prep junior Logan Lemons ’27 is defying the odds in his pursuit of playing professional baseball.

Lemons recently announced his verbal commitment to play baseball at the University of New Mexico. The achievement feels especially meaningful because, as he explains, athletes from smaller schools often get overlooked.

“For me being a 3A athlete, it means that much more to me having this opportunity. I feel 3A sports get looked down on because of the size of the division and the assumption that it isn’t as competitive compared to bigger classifications,” he said.

Prep Baseball Coach Matt McCoy says that earning a Division 1 opportunity -- particularly as a junior -- speaks to Logan’s “exceptional talent, work ethic, and maturity.”

“Logan’s achievement reflects a level of ability that clearly rose above classification boundaries,” he adds.

To put this accomplishment in perspective: only about 8 percent of high school baseball players nationwide go on to play at the collegiate level, and just 2.4 percent compete in Division I.

Recent NCAA roster changes have made the path even steeper, with Division I team sizes reduced from 40 players to 34 -- eliminating roughly 18,000 roster spots across the country.

“We know that not everyone with talent and drive gets the recognition or opportunities they deserve, and that perspective makes this moment even more meaningful,” says Logan’s mom, Candice Lemons.

McCoy says UNM’s staff clearly saw what his Prep coaches witnessed daily: advanced skill, natural athleticism, and a baseball IQ beyond his age. “Logan is consistently one of the hardest workers on the field, and he combines that with leadership, humility, and the ability to perform in big moments,” he explains. “Coaching him as a sophomore, I saw a player who not only excelled statistically -- earning First Team All-District -- but also elevated the players around him.”

Candice credits Sandia Prep with helping guide both Logan and his older brother, Lucas ’23, toward success in the classroom and on the field.

“Sandia Prep’s holistic approach to education has been truly transformative for Logan,” she explains. “The school has encouraged him to explore new interests, discover his strengths, and develop confidence -- all of which have contributed to his growth as both a student and an athlete. The care and encouragement from his teachers and coaches have meant the world to our family, not only for Logan but also for Lucas.”

Also a baseball player, Lucas went on to play at Marian University in Fond du Lac, Wisc.

Candice says Logan’s Prep coaches “have consistently gone above and beyond, offering training support, mentorship, and an abundance of positive encouragement.” She adds, “Prep is filled with educators who genuinely care about their students, and we feel incredibly grateful for that.”

To see a student-athlete from Prep’s no-cut athletics program succeed at this level is gratifying, McCoy says. “It reinforces what we believe at Sandia Prep: when kids are given opportunity, support, and high expectations, great things can happen. Logan’s success shows that elite athletes can grow in inclusive environments.”

Logan’s passion for baseball started early.

“When I was about 3 years old, I think I told my mom that I wanted to be a pro player,” he says.

Plenty of kids dream of becoming pro athletes -- but Logan had the rare mix of drive, athleticism, and steady growth to back it up. He’s also been supported by his family -- dad Jason, mom Candice, and brother Lucas -- along with his club coaches, teammates, and his deep faith.

In addition to his Albuquerque Baseball Academy coaches, the Lemons family credits several Prep coaches -- Scott Brandt, Damien Segura, Paul Huitt, and Matt McCoy -- for their guidance, and longtime Prep Athletic Trainer Cathy Walters for keeping Logan fit and resilient.

“Her dedication to keeping our athletes healthy and strong has had a tremendous impact on both of our boys,” Candice said.

Another rare aspect of Logan’s journey: while many student-athletes specialize early, he’s continued to play both varsity baseball and basketball since eighth grade -- an opportunity that Prep makes possible.

That first season on the varsity baseball team was especially memorable, as he played middle infield alongside his brother Lucas, then a senior.

“It was the most fun I’ve had playing sports,” Logan shares.

Logan’s commitment to UNM will become official during the early signing period in November 2026. Until then, he plans to do what he’s always done -- stay focused on academics, basketball, and, of course, keeping his eye on the ball.

A young Logan Lemons pitching

A young Logan Lemons playing baseball

Logan Lemons '27 with his brother Lucas Lemons '23

Logan Lemons playing baseball at Sandia Prep

Logan Lemons at the beach

Logan Lemons playing basketball at Sandia Prep

Logan Lemons plays both varsity basketball and baseball at Sandia Prep

Logan Lemons '27 and his brother Lucas Lemons '23 celebrate winning a state championship for Sandia Prep

Logan Lemons '27 has verbally committed to playing baseball at the University of New Mexico

Mountain Bike Team Captures Second Straight State Championship

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 05:00:00 +0000

The Sandia Prep Mountain Bike Team successfully defended its high school state title, earning a second consecutive State Championship after an outstanding season marked by teamwork, consistency, and heart.

The team was led by captain Jane English ’27, who captured her third consecutive individual Girls State Championship, and by Logan Davis ’28, who earned an impressive third overall among the boys. All season long, the team rode with unity and determination -- pushing each other to improve while celebrating one another’s successes.

A pair of freshmen made a massive impact this year: Liam Miller-Aragon ’29 led the huge Boys 4th Category, winning the overall series title, while Rijken Ohlsen ’29 grew stronger every race, finishing 4th overall in the same division. Oliver Yancey-Bott ’27 rounded out the top five and played a key role in fueling team spirit and camaraderie throughout the season. In the Boys 3rd Category, Sebi Miller-Aragon ’27 continued his strong riding to secure third overall for the series, and Leo Hubenthal ’27 capped off the year with his first podium, finishing fifth overall.

Miles Vroman ’29 was another standout performer, finishing sixth overall in the Boys 2nd Category, and contributing critical points, leadership, and effort to the team’s championship run. Other key Varsity riders included Alex LaVoie ’29, Miles Roman ’29, Nathan Del Rosario ’28, and TJ Dandade ’29 -- each bringing focus, determination, and heart that helped define the team’s collective success. Additional high school team members -- Chase Berman ’27, Adelyn Orwix ’29, Alex Okandan ’28, Derek DelCampo ’28, Mason Lamoureux ’28, Michael Clenaghan ’28, and Miles Hall ’29 -- also played essential roles in the team’s growth and spirit.

The New Mexico State Championship Mountain Bike Race took place on September 27-28 at Oak Flats in Tijeras. The event was organized by USA Cycling.

The future of Sandia Prep mountain biking looks incredibly bright, thanks to a talented and committed middle school squad. Nairi Faulring ’32 won all four races to claim the 6th Grade Series Championship, while Julia English ’31 battled through a deep field to finish second overall in the 7th Grade Girls division. Aspen Washburn ’30 stood on the podium in all four races in the top 8th Grade group. Meanwhile, Ayrton Prevost ’32, a skilled sixth grader, also reached the podium in every race of his season. Mia Del Rosario ’32, also sixth grade, worked her way up the field every race, podiuming the last three, and at the finale took it to the line in a sprint finish against teammate Nairi for second place.

With strong performances across every level, a supportive team culture, and rising talent in the middle school ranks, the Sandia Prep Mountain Bike Team’s future is filled with promise and momentum.