Melissa Ogden Castro not only represents Orem with grace and dignity but also exemplifies the McKay School's mission to "nurture the full potential of others — for the benefit of the world."
As Miss Orem 2026, Ogden promotes the benefits of dual language immersion programs. While many believe these programs primarily benefit students learning a second language, research has found they also strengthen multilingual students' first language.
"Some Latino parents think that if their kids are in school learning Spanish, they won't learn English as well," Ogden said. "But that's not true. The research shows very clearly that as kids keep developing their first language, their second language will improve too."
Growing up in a Spanish-speaking home inspired Ogden to help multilingual students recognize the value of both their language and their culture. She remembers how cultural dance gave her a sense of belonging as a child. She often felt different from her peers because of her Latina and Spanish-speaking background, but dance celebrated her heritage and helped her feel seen. She carried that passion into BYU's Living Legends program, where she performed Native American and Latino dances.
While she was in high school, the director of the Miss Orem Pageant invited Ogden to compete. However, the COVID-19 pandemic prevented her from participating that year. After returning home from her mission, she decided to try again and served as a Miss Orem attendant. The experience showed her the positive impact the pageant program can have on participants and the community.
After spending the next two years focusing on her studies and performing with BYU Living Legends, Ogden felt prompted to return to the Miss Orem Pageant. Her growing passion for education and dual language immersion became the foundation of her platform. It allowed her to speak confidently about the impact she hopes to make and the benefits of dual language immersion programs. That passion helped her stand out and ultimately earn the title of Miss Orem 2026.
Reflecting on a recent Orem City Council meeting, Ogden said she was grateful for the opportunity to represent Latino parents and students who were not present. Nearly one in five students in the Orem School District speak Spanish as their first language, yet there was little representation from that community at the meeting. Ogden introduced herself not only as a multilingual student but also as a future educator.
"I just felt grateful that I have this position, even if it was just that one moment where I could say, 'Let's not forget these people,' even though none of them were at the meeting," Ogden said.
She continues to serve her community by attending city council and school board meetings, working with local school administrators and using social media to educate parents and teachers about the benefits of dual language immersion programs.
Ogden has come to appreciate the positive impact the pageant program has on her community. For her, becoming Miss Orem is not about wearing a crown or fulfilling a childhood dream. Instead, it is about advocating for children like herself who need someone to recognize the beauty, intelligence and diversity multilingual learners bring to the classroom.
In addition to winning the title, Ogden received the Talent Award, People's Choice Award and Spirit of Miss Orem Award. The scholarships she earned through the pageant will help her pursue a master's degree.
Throughout her year as Miss Orem, Ogden will continue using her platform to advocate for students and education in her community. She will also compete in the Miss Utah Pageant in June 2027.
After graduating from BYU, Ogden plans to teach elementary school, earn a master's degree and eventually become a school administrator. She hopes to continue advocating for multilingual learners and expand access to dual language immersion programs throughout her career.