Excellence2017 Academic Awards Banquet
The celebration of Natrona County’s outstanding seniors and significant educators
Sunday, April 30, 2017
Excellence2017 Academic Awards Banquet
The celebration of Natrona County’s outstanding seniors and significant
educators
Excellence 2017 Academic Awards Banquet
The Academic Awards Banquet
The Academic Awards Banquet was started in 1998 to recognize the top academic achievers* among all students graduating from the four high schools in Natrona County School District #1. Each honoree is asked to nominate three NCSD educators who have most inspired them in their studies.
The banquet is organized each year by a committee of volunteers, including Linda Bryce, Anne Ladd, Elizabeth Horsch, Linda Hurless, Ann Ruble, Cidne Skavdahl, Vicki Stamp and Patsy Smith. This committee works closely with the district superintendent and is assisted by his staff.
Every year a graduate of a Natrona County public high school is invited to address this prestigious group of students. This year, organizers asked Geraldine Wright, an alumna of Natrona County High School, to speak. Geraldine is a professor of Insect Neuroethology and has studied the behavior, neurophysiology, and nutritional ecology of honeybees and bumblebees both in the U.S. and in England.
Initially, the banquet was funded by members of the Chamber of Commerce and other individuals in Casper who believed in recognizing academic excellence. In 2000, a permanent endowment was established by the Casper Star-Tribune, The John P. Ellbogen Foundation, Barbara J. Marshall, The McMurry Foundation and Tom and Marta Stroock. The Casper College Foundation has demonstrated its generous support of this program by managing these funds. In addition, the John P. Ellbogen Foundation and Ruth R. Ellbogen Foundation annually donate funds for the Ellbogen Meritorious Educator Awards, presented to those educators who have received the most nominations from students honored at the banquet.
*Honorees are selected based on their grades and ranking at the end of the first semester of their senior year.
“My teachers made learning fun and enjoyable, and they taught me valuable lessons that I have carried with me throughout my
life. They taught me to believe in myself, work hard, and have fun.” 1
Excellence 2017 Academic Awards Banquet
Program
Sunday, April 30, 2017 Dinner
Program
Introductions Kim DeVore, Master of Ceremonies Opening Remarks Steve Hopkins, Superintendent, NCSD #1
Remarks Kevin Christopherson, Chairman, NCSD #1 Board of Trustees
Speaker Geraldine Wright (Natrona County High School, 1990)
Meritorious Educator Awards Presenter: Superintendent Hopkins Ruth R. Ellbogen Foundation awards for elementary and high school educators John P. Ellbogen Foundation awards for middle and high school educators
Student Awards Kelly Walsh High School Brad Diller, Principal Midwest High School Chris Tobin, Principal Roosevelt High School Shawna Trujillo, Principal Natrona County High School Shannon Harris, Principal Concluding Remarks Kim DeVore, Master of Ceremonies
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“Each of these teachers connected to me on an emotional level with their support and endearing advice. They reminded me of my worth and the fact that I can academically accomplish anything I set my mind to.”
Excellence 2017 Academic Awards Banquet
Benefactors
Casper Star-TribuneJohn P. Ellbogen Foundation
Barbara J. MarshallMcMurry Foundation
Marta Stroock
The above benefactors believe that the hard work and dedication of students and educators who have demonstrated a high level of excellence in education should be recognized by the entire community. These generous endowments guarantee the funding of the Academic Awards Banquet for the high schools of the Natrona County School District.
The planning committee would like to thank the Casper College Foundation Board, Ms. Paulann Doane, executive director, and Ms. Denise Bressler, chief financial officer, for demonstrating their support for the Academic Awards Banquet by managing these funds. Additionally, we would like to thank Kim DeVore for acting as master of ceremonies. Nate’s Flowers and Gifts has graciously provided tonight’s flower arrangements. And lastly, the planning committee wishes to thank the following employees of the Natrona County School District for their hard work on behalf of the Academic Awards Banquet:
Annette Ambrosino Allen Bruggman Cheryl Caster Libby Crown Kathi Hawley Connie Sanders
“ These teachers are the reason why I am graduating with so much pride. I don’t know if I would have made it this far without their open-minded teaching. Not only did they teach
me how to think efficiently and morally but they taught me how to be a good person too.”
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Excellence 2017 Academic Awards Banquet
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Champions of the Academic Awards Banquet
In MemoriamThe following Casper community members have been instrumental in
founding and maintaining the tradition of the Academic Awards Banquet. We gratefully acknowledge their vision and contribution to a valuable
program that has since been repeated in other communities.
Ruth & Jack EllbogenMick McMurry
Barbara MarshallMarta Stroock
“My influential educators were and still are the ones who were honest with me and pushed me to the potential that they knew I could reach.”
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Student growth, high academic achievement and adult-student relationships are what we strive for at the Natrona County School District. The group of students and staff members that we honor in 2016-2017 exemplifies successful attainment of that goal.
The Academic Awards Banquet provides an opportunity to publicly recognize the great academic work achieved by the top 10 percent of each school’s graduating seniors, as well as the adults whom they have deemed as significant to their experience in the Natrona County School District.
The Board of Trustees and I have worked to outline priorities by which to measure our success. One of these priorities clearly is being exemplified tonight. NCSD will focus on excellence for each and every student and engage students, faculty and staff in supporting and promoting that focus.
I am very proud of our Academic Award recipients, their families and all of the educators who worked to provide them with positive and inspiring opportunities to be champions. I also am very thankful to the community for supporting such a celebration. Truly, none of this could have been done without any of you.
Congratulations, students and staff, on a job very well done.
Recognizing students and the adults who inspired them
“My teachers pushed me to do my best everyday, and they helped me realize that I can do whatever I put my mind to.”
Steve Hopkins, NCSD #1 Superintendent
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Geraldine WrightNCHS Alumna
Geraldine Wright is a third generation Wyoming native brought up in Casper. She was also a third generation student of Natrona County High School. After graduating, she attended the University of Wyoming to study botany. At the University of Wyoming, she also developed an interest in insects and was able to travel to London to study entomology at the Natural History Museum. Soon after, she was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to study at Oxford, where she was awarded a PhD in Zoology for her dissertation on insect nutrition. She returned to the USA to work as a postdoctoral researcher at Ohio State University where she began her work on honeybees.
At this time she learned about the neuroscience of the sense of smell and was involved in research aimed at studying the bee’s olfactory system as fellow at the Mathematical Biosciences Institute at Ohio State University and the Rothenbuhler Honeybee Laboratory. In 2005 she was appointed to a lectureship at Newcastle University in England, and in 2014 was made full professor. During her time at Newcastle, she developed her own research program to study the bee’s sense of taste and smell, the way that bees learn, and bee nutrition. Some of her notable work includes a study published in Science that found that caffeine in floral nectar makes bees better at remembering floral scents associated with nectar rewards.
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Lexy ArnoldKelly Walsh High School
Parent: Jennifer LegerskiCollege: University of WyomingSignificant Educators: Tim Freymuth, Alison Seago, Kayla Wilcox
Kelli BennionKelly Walsh High School
Parents: Des & Carrie BennionCollege: Brigham Young University or Utah State UniversitySignificant Educators: Joni Bunce, Todd Trupp, Judy Prewitt
Brandie BeddesNatrona County High School
Parents: Arvin & Barbara BeddesCollege: University of WyomingSignificant Educators: Brian Sanders, Melissa Erdahl, Jo Schiller
Zachary BeranNatrona County High School
Parents: Doug & Paula BeranCollege: Casper College then University of NebraskaSignificant Educators: Robert Ewings, Sara Tuomi, John Foy
Mickelle BisbeeKelly Walsh High School
Parents: Rita & Joe PekuriCollege: University of WyomingSignificant Educators: Nancy Brauchie, Catherine Hedlund, Stephen Brater
Madison Brandt Natrona County High School
Parents: Paul & Lisa BrandtCollege: University of WyomingSignificant Educators: Stephanie Jensen, Randy Bower, Dana Berg
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Kendra Brutsman Kelly Walsh High School
Parents: Kara & Paul BrutsmanCollege: Casper College then University of WyomingSignificant Educators: Jill Thompson, Eric Freeman, Jann Keller
Garrett Burrows Kelly Walsh High School
Parents: Dwight Burrows, Andrea BurrowsCollege: University of Maryland, Virginia Tech, University of WyomingSignificant Educators: Paul Kasza, Becky Underwood, Shane Palmer
Alyssa Burton Kelly Walsh High School
Parents: Tonya & Ryan BurtonCollege: Utah State University or Brigham Young University-HawaiiSignificant Educators: Connie Edleman, Inga McCoy, Larry Meeboer
Trey Campbell Natrona County High School
Parents: Toby & Tana CampbellCollege: University of Wyoming Significant Educators: Brock Burch, Sharon Chapman, Jim Cobb
Garrett Catlin Natrona County High School
Parents: Jim & Leslie CatlinCollege: University of WyomingSignificant Educators: Greg Paulson, Gloria Pereda, Suzanne Akin
Mackenzie Chadderdon Kelly Walsh High School
Parents: Bryan & Jennifer ChadderdonCollege: University of WyomingSignificant Educator: Beth Williams, Joni Bunce, Kristi Barr
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Abigail Chambers Kelly Walsh High School
Parents: John & Katie ChambersCollege: University of Wyoming, Stanford University, Brigham Young University-HawaiiSignificant Educators: Steve Ellbogen, Bart Wilder, Todd Trupp
Mathew Christopherson Natrona County High School
Parents: Blane & Janet Christopherson College: University of WyomingSignificant Educators: Ashlie Howell, Diane Miller, Gloria Pereda
Colby Cloward Kelly Walsh High School
Parents: Sarah & Jared ClowardCollege: Fashion Institute of Technology or University of WyomingSignificant Educators: Randy McIntyre, Beth Williams, Kerin Dillon
Jacob Marvin Collier Kelly Walsh High School
Parents: Marc & Tanya CollierCollege: South Dakota School of Mines and TechnologySignificant Educators: Ryan Owens, Jackie O’Briant, Joan Fenster
Garrett Condelario Natrona County High School
Parents: Kevin & Christine CondelarioCollege: Idaho State UniversitySignificant Educators: Lynn Leslie, Becky Sondag, Toni Billings
Madison Coventry Kelly Walsh High School
Parents: Bryan & Shelly CoventryCollege: University of WyomingSignificant Educators: Bryan Coventry, Greg Paulson, Joan Davies
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Brianna Crisp Natrona County High School
Parents: Darren & Michelle CrispCollege: Montana State UniversitySignificant Educators: Ron Powell, Stephanie Jensen, Diane Miller
Richelle Dietz Kelly Walsh High School
Parents: Rich & Lisa DietzCollege: Casper CollegeSignificant Educators: Shannon Nelson, Brent Rose, Addey Lloyd
Michaella Dukart Kelly Walsh High School
Parents: Shawn & Eulynda DukartCollege: University of Wyoming Significant Educators: Sarah Hanson, Brent Rose, June Brown
Paige Ehrenhart Natrona County High School
Parents: Jeff & Tricia EhrenhartCollege: University of OregonSignificant Educators: Brianna Farrell, Diane Miller, Noreen Stutheit
Chelsey Elvestad Kelly Walsh High School
Parent: Julie Elvestad College: Montana State UniversitySignificant Educators: Becky Underwood, Maggie Daniels, Wendi Elsen
Trevor EvensonKelly Walsh High School
Parents: Robert & JaNette EvensonCollege: University of WyomingSignificant Educators: Kayla Wilcox, Beth Williams, John Foy
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Hope Noelle Gillespie Roosevelt High School
Parents: Jacqueline KleistCollege: Casper CollegeSignificant Educators: Kimberly Kent, Jill Felbeck-Jones, Mary Semino
Emily Elizabeth Gorman Kelly Walsh High School
Parent: Tamara Ann GormanCollege: Casper College then University of WyomingSignificant Educators: Kathy Keefe, Becky Underwood, Barbara Foster
Samantha Gossman Kelly Walsh High School
Parents: Laura Gossman, Fred GossmanCollege: University of WyomingSignificant Educators: Lisa Smith, Brent Rose, Connie Peck
Abbigail Faxon Natrona County High School
Parents: Traci & Greg FaxonCollege: University of WyomingSignificant Educators: Randy Bower, Stephanie Jensen
J. Levi Foster Kelly Walsh High School
Parents: Mike & Misty FosterCollege: Brigham Young UniversitySignificant Educators: Lynnette Wiginton, Inga McCoy, Brandie Reed
Ethan FrankNatrona County High School
Parents: Kevin & Melissa FrankCollege: US Naval AcademySignificant Educators: Becky Sondag, Noreen Stutheit
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Isaac Heady Natrona County High School
Parent: Kathy RideoutCollege: University of Wyoming Significant Educators: Annie Kepler, Lisa Smith, Gloria Pereda
Sara Heili Natrona County High School
Parents: Stacie & Wayne HeiliCollege: Sheridan College, Savannah College of Art and Design, Minneapolis College of Art and DesignSignificant Educators: Mary Johnson, Colby Frontiero, Lori Lancaster
Lyle Hepworth Natrona County High School
Parents: Connie & George HepworthCollege: Casper College, University of WyomingSignificant Educators: Lisa Gray, Judy Prewitt, Nicole Rapp
Molly Harshman Natrona County High School
Parents: Jenny & Shaun HarshmanCollege: Casper College Significant Educators: Heather Wetzel, Carla Larsen, Kyle Corley
Garrett Grant Natrona County High School
Parents: Matt & Susie GrantCollege: University of Wyoming Significant Educators: Robert Wallace, Dwight Ballard, Joni Bunce
Preston Gromer Kelly Walsh High School
Parents: Scott & Janel GromerCollege: Rice University, Georgetown UniversitySignificant Educators: Sally O’Brien, Paula Volker, Bryan Coventry
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Beth Herzberg Roosevelt High School
Parents: Kathy & Jared KinserCollege: Casper College, University of Florida, University of ArizonaSignificant Educator: Sally Keith
Cailin Hodgson Kelly Walsh High School
Parents: Danielle Michard, Doug HodgsonCollege: Indiana University, University of Northern Colorado, Washington State University Significant Educators: Todd Trupp, Paul Ferguson, Jackie O’Briant
Karley HoelscherRoosevelt High School
Parents: Kristen & Ryan Scheid, Corey WeddleCollege: Casper CollegeSignificant Educators: Josh Thompson, Aaron Hinton, Kim Lau
Brianna Hunter Kelly Walsh High School
Parents: Jennifer & Bill HunterCollege: Colorado State University or University of Nevada-Las VegasSignificant Educators: Desiree Riley, Inga McCoy, Angie Geiger
Sydnee Jensen Kelly Walsh High School
Parents: Scott & Stephanie JensenCollege: University of Wyoming, Manchester UniversitySignificant Educators: Chellsie Johnson, Meghan Bauers, Jason Foery
Trevor JohnsonNatrona County High School
Parents: Sarah Johnson & Bob JohnsonCollege: University of WyomingSignificant Educators: Jared Swenson, Thomas Smith, Lynne Murray
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Alissa KoppKelly Walsh High School
Parents: Monica & Cory KoppCollege: Arizona State University, University of Wyoming Significant Educators: Maggie Daniels, Inga McCoy, Randy Bower
Lia KoppKelly Walsh High School
Parents: Monica & Cory KoppCollege: University of Wyoming, Colorado State University, Arizona State UniversitySignificant Educators: Brent Rose, Carla Itzen, Maggie Daniels
Desiree Laman Roosevelt High School
Parents: Rachael Bickels, Larry LamanCollege: Casper CollegeSignificant Educators: Melanie Kelly, Cindi Brachtenbach, Nicole Reutner
Keaton Lovato-Hegdahl Natrona County High School
Parents: Mark Hegdahl, Carol LovatoCollege: University of Wyoming, Ohio State UniversitySignificant Educators: Tom Grogan, Eberle Buhler, Christina Argent
Hailey Martin Kelly Walsh High School
Parents: James & Whitney MartinCollege: University of WyomingSignificant Educators: Scott Reinsbach, Brent Rose, Robert McKay
Aidan McCroskey Natrona County High School
Parents: Hal & Wendy Jo McCroskeySignificant Educators: Dennis Howell, Mike McLellan, Kala Williamson
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Madi McLimore Natrona County High School
Parents: Bryan & Andrea McLimoreCollege: Casper College, University of Wyoming, Chadron State College Significant Educators: Maggie Courtade, Eric Reish, Tyrone Fittje
Ana Merchant Kelly Walsh High School
Parents: Kim & Leah MerchantCollege: University of WyomingSignificant Educators: Gary DePaolo, Linda Jaap, Christine Dunbar
Harriet J. NorcrossKelly Walsh High School
Parents: Cope & Elizabeth NorcrossCollege: Brigham Young University, Utah State UniversitySignificant Educators: Brandie Reed, Lisa Smith, Shannon Nelson
Molly OlsenNatrona County High School
Parents: Bryan & Christy OlsenCollege: Idaho State UniversitySignificant Educators: Christy Olsen, Rockie Phillips, Becky Harshman
Micah MillerNatrona County High School
Parents: Judy Naginey, Reid MillerCollege: University of Northern Colorado, University of North Texas, University of WyomingSignificant Educators: Shawn Weis, Noreen Stutheit, Greg Paulson
Michael Millan Natrona County High School
Parents: Mitchel & Teresa MillanCollege: University of Northern Colorado,University of WyomingSignificant Educators: Noreen Stutheit, Shawn Weis, Greg Paulson
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Miranda OlsonNatrona County High School
Parents: Ken & Morgan Olson College: Casper College, Brigham Young UniversitySignificant Educators: Scott Underbrink, Jackie O’Briant, Caroline Mooren
Alex OrrNatrona County High School
Parents: Boyd & Jaycie OrrCollege: Idaho State University, Casper CollegeSignificant Educators: Eric Freeman, Becky Sondag, KC LeClere
Grady Parrish Kelly Walsh High School
Parents: Joe & Carrie Parrish College: University of WyomingSignificant Educators: Vicky Johnson, Brian Chadderdon, Nick Gilbert
Nicholas J. Ray Midwest High School
Parents: Troy & Tricia RayCollege: UndecidedSignificant Educators: Troy Corson, Randy Ridgeway, Justin Whitlock
Samuel Reifke Kelly Walsh High School
Parent: Roberta ShaneCollege: University of Michigan, Montana State, Purdue UniversitySignificant Educators: Chris Asay, Paul Kinner, Kora Huffman
Tatiana Rice Kelly Walsh High School
Parents: Tanya & Daniel RiceCollege: University of WyomingSignificant Educators: Inga McCoy, Brandie Reed, Nancy Brauchie
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Nic RobinsonKelly Walsh High School
Parents: James & Susan RobinsonCollege: University of Michigan, University of Wyoming, University of ColoradoSignificant Educators: Cindi Brachtenbach, Bryan Coventry, Cheri Grutkowski
David RobitailleNatrona County High School
Parents: John & Beth RobitailleCollege: Michigan State UniversitySignificant Educators: Eberle Buhler, Diane Miller, Craig Carlsen
Thomas Robitaille Natrona County High School
Parents: John & Beth RobitailleCollege: Carroll CollegeSignificant Educators: Diane Miller, Eric Freeman, Eberle Buhler
Drew Rone Kelly Walsh High School
Parents: Marvin & Janna RoneCollege: University of Wyoming, Colorado School of Mines Significant Educators: Linda Hurless, Alicyn Roberson, Steve Howery
Sam ScottKelly Walsh High School
Parents: Winne & Sam ScottCollege: South Dakota School of Mines and TechnologySignificant Educators: Debbie Salvador, Brian Chadderdon, Becky Underwood
Jensen SherwinKelly Walsh High School
Parents: John & Amy SherwinCollege: Casper CollegeSignificant Educators: Jennifer Hicks, James Spaulding, Joni Bunce
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Jacob Silva Natrona County High School
Parent: Tina SilvaCollege: University of Wyoming, University of Northern Colorado, South Dakota School of Mines and TechnologySignificant Educators: Anna Wilkinson, Colby Frontiero, Vickie Obermueller
Clacie SimmonsKelly Walsh High School
Parents: Stacey Jones and Zebediah JonesCollege: Carroll College, University of WyomingSignificant Educators: Aaron Hinton, Nancy Brauchie
Luke SorensonNatrona County High School
Parents: Randy and Michele SorensonCollege: US Naval Academy Significant Educators: Jackie O’Briant, Diane Miller
Jared Spaulding Kelly Walsh High School
Parents: Jim & Tammy SpauldingCollege: University of Wyoming Significant Educators: James Spaulding, Debbie Reid, Kristi Barr
Jonah SpicherKelly Walsh High School
Parents: Steven & Kenda SpicherCollege: Stanford University, Yale University, or the Olin College of EngineeringSignificant Educators: Dwight Ballard, Annette Pace, Paul Kasza
Jack SpillersNatrona County High School
Parents: Jack & Jennifer Spillers College: Casper College, University of WyomingSignificant Educators: Toni Billings, Diane Miller, Eberle Buhler
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Clayton Stirling Natrona County High School
Parents: Cory & Renee Stirling College: Montana State UniversitySignificant Educators: Annette Pace, Shawn Weis, Emily Catellier
Elizabeth Straight Natrona County High School
Parents: Thomas & Jennifer StraightCollege: University of WyomingSignificant Educators: Patrick Kukes, Diane Miller, Audrey Egan
Tori Strom Kelly Walsh High School
Parents: Kirk & Teresa StromCollege: University of WyomingSignificant Educators: Ben Schanck, Kaoru Slotsve, Jill Thompson
Joel Strube Kelly Walsh High School
Parents: Cathy & Beecher StrubeCollege: University of WyomingSignificant Educators: Becky Underwood, Beth Williams
Allee SzewczykKelly Walsh High School
Parents: Michael & Lindee Szewczyk College: Casper College, University of Wyoming, Colorado Christian University Significant Educators: Anne Barreda, Kristi Barr, Nicole Rapp
Diana Thomas Roosevelt High School
Parent: Janell ThomasCollege: Casper College, University of Wyoming, Montana State UniversitySignificant Educators: Rick Zimmer, Melanie Kelly, Jaime Bachert
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Madison Tinker Natrona County High School
Parents: Chris Tinker-Madsen & Dino MadsenCollege: University of WyomingSignificant Educators: Polly Beebout, Diane Miller, Dana Berg
Colby Uran Midwest High School
Parents: Karla Sand, Wade UranCollege: Central Wyoming CollegeSignificant Educators: Jeremy Prisbrey, Jacob Stutheit, Robyn Chivers
Kasen Urhammer Natrona County High School
Parents: Steven & Cynda UrhammerCollege: Central Wyoming CollegeSignificant Educators: Audrey Egan, Robert Ewings, Barb Maguire
B.J. Vandervoort Natrona County High School
Parents: Brandon & Tracy VanderVoort College: University of Wyoming, Montana TechSignificant Educators: Stephen Brater, Jared Swenson, Debbie LaChance
Angel Rodolfo Varela Munoz Tilynn Vega-Rush Roosevelt High School
Parent: Casi RushCollege: Casper CollegeSignificant Educators: Sherri Litzinger, Mary Semino, Jim Cobb
Roosevelt High School
Parent: Olga MuñozCollege: UndecidedSignificant Educators: Jaime Bachert, Rene Grogan, Melanie Kelly
˜
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The following students also qualified for the Academic Award honor:Aurora Bowden (KWHS)
Richard Gonzales (KWHS)
“ The most influential educators in my life were the ones who helped me grow academically while also encouraging
me to pursue my creativity. They were the teachers who had faith in my abilities, even when I didn’t, and gave me the
courage to chase my dreams.”
MaKayla Wheeler Kelly Walsh High School
Parents: Danica Steele, Michael WheelerCollege: University of Puget Sound, University of Wyoming, Whitman CollegeSignificant Educators: Jennifer Bower, Brandie Reed, Stanley Hahn
Charles Wiggins Natrona County High School
Parents: Randy & Sheila WigginsCollege: University of Wyoming, Michigan State UniversitySignificant Educators: Gloria Pereda, Kyle Corley, Eric Freeman
Madison Wilhelm Kelly Walsh High School
Parents: Paul & Heidi WilhelmCollege: University of Washington, University of Wyoming Significant Educators: Ken Reed, Beth Williams, Alison Seago
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Suzanne AkinChristina Argent
Chris AsayJaime BachertDwight Ballard
Kristi BarrAnne Barreda
Meghan BauersPolly Beebout
Dana BergToni Billings
Barbara BosterJennifer BowerRandy Bower
Cindi BrachtenbachStephen BraterNancy Brauchie
June BrownEberle BuhlerJoni BunceBrock Burch
Craig CarlsenEmily Catellier
Brian ChadderdonSharon Chapman
Robyn ChiversJim Cobb
Kyle CorleyTroy Corson
Maggie CourtadeBryan CoventryMaggie Daniels
Joan DaviesGary DePaolo
Kerin DillonChristine DunbarConnie Edleman
Audrey EganSteve Ellbogen
Wendi ElsenMelissa Erdahl
Robert EwingsBrianna Farrell
Jill Felbeck-JonesJoan Fenster
Paul FergusonTyrone FittjeJason Foery
John FoyEric FreemanTim Freymuth
Colby FrontieroAngie GeigerNick GilbertLisa Gray
Rene GroganTom Grogan
Cheri GrutkowskiStanley HahnSarah Hanson
Becky HarshmanCatherine Hedlund
Jennifer HicksAaron HintonAshlie HowellDennis HowellSteve HoweryKora HuffmanLinda Hurless
Carla ItzenLinda Jaap
Stephanie JensenChellsie Johnson
Mary JohnsonVicky Johnson
Paul KaszaKathy KeefeSally KeithJann Keller
Melanie KellyKimberly KentAnnie Kepler
Significant Educators
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Significant Educators, continued from page 22
Paul KinnerPatrick Kukes
Debbie LaChanceLori LancasterCarla Larsen
Kim LauKC LeClereLynn Leslie
Sherri LitzingerAddey LloydBarb MaguireInga McCoy
Randy McIntyreRobert McKayMike McLellanLarry Meeboer
Diane MillerCaroline Mooren
Lynne MurrayShannon NelsonJackie O’BriantSally O’Brien
Vickie ObermuellerChristi OlsenRyan OwensAnnette PaceShane PalmerGreg PaulsonConnie PeckGloria PeredaRockie Phillips
Ron PowellJudy Prewitt
Jeremy PrisbreyNicole Rapp
Brandie ReedKen Reed
Debbie ReidScott Reinsbach
Eric ReishNicole Reutner
Randy RidgewayDesiree Riley
Alicyn RobersonBrent Rose
Debbie SalvadorBrian SandersBen Schanck
Jo SchillerAlison SeagoMary SeminoKaoru Slotsve
Lisa SmithThomas SmithBecky Sondag
James SpauldingJacob Stutheit
Noreen StutheitJared SwensonJill Thompson
Josh ThompsonTodd TruppSara Tuomi
Scott UnderbrinkBecky Underwood
Paula VolkerRobert Wallace
Shawn WeisHeather WetzelJustin Whitlock
Lynnette WigintonKayla WilcoxBart Wilder
Anna WilkinsonBeth Williams
Kala WilliamsonRick Zimmer
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Natrona County School District #1Board of Trustees
Academic Awards BanquetPlanning Committee
Linda BryceElizabeth Horsch
Linda HurlessAnne LaddAnn Ruble
Cidne SkavdahlPatsy SmithVicki Stamp
Kevin Christopherson, ChairmanRita Walsh, Vice Chair
Dave Applegate, TreasurerDebbie McCullar, Clerk
Toni BillingsRay Catellier
Angela ColemanDana HowieClark Jensen
Steve Hopkins, Superintendent
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2001Scott Underbrink, Natrona County High School
Becky Underwood, Kelly Walsh High School
2002Ruth R. Ellbogen Meritorious Elementary School Educator
Awards
Christine McKay Horken, Paradise Valley Elementary School
Linda Hurless, Verda James Elementary School
John & Jane Wold Meritorious Junior High School
Educator Award
Melanie Boyes, CY Junior High School
Drs. Gail & Anne Zimmerman Meritorious Junior High
School Educator Award
Judy Izzarelli, Centennial Junior High School
John P. Ellbogen Meritorious High School
Educator Awards
Cindy Poe, Natrona County High School
Sue Simons, Kelly Walsh High School
2003Ellbogen Meritorious Elementary School
Educator Awards
Judy McLellan, Sagewood Elementary School
Susan Mayfield, Manor Heights Elementary School
Ellbogen Meritorious Junior High School
Educator Awards
Linda McKay, Dean Morgan Junior High School
Brent Shaeffer, East Junior High School
Ellbogen Meritorious High School
Educator Awards
Rodney Mahaffey, Natrona County High School
Barbara Matteson, Natrona County High School
2004Ellbogen Meritorious Elementary School
Educator Awards
Mike Carlson, Paradise Valley Elementary School
Cyndy Novotny, Woods Learning Center
Ellbogen Meritorious Junior High School
Educator Awards
Jim Kauffman, Centennial Junior High School Ken Reed, Centennial Junior High School
Ellbogen Meritorious High School
Educator Awards
Cynthia Farrell, Kelly Walsh High School
Anne Underbrink, Natrona County High School
2005Ellbogen Meritorious Elementary School
Educator Awards
Marcia Strausner, Verda James Elementary School
Christy Olsen, McKinley Elementary School
Ellbogen Meritorious Junior High School
Educator Awards
Eric Reish, Centennial Junior High School
Bart Wilder, Casper Classical Academy
Ellbogen Meritorious High School
Educator Awards
Nancy Brauchie, Kelly Walsh High School
Jeannette McCoy, Kelly Walsh High School
Meritorious Educator AwardsThe Ellbogen Award recipients are determined based on the selections of significant educators by
honored students in that year’s graduating class. Educators are eligible to win only once in a six-
year period, and only current or former NCSD employees are considered for the awards.
“ They were caring, loving, friendly, patient, and always
wanted the best out of me.“
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Meritorious Educator Awards2006
Ellbogen Meritorious Elementary School Educator Awards
Wendy Doctor, Southridge Elementary School
Noreen Stutheit, Park Elementary School
Ellbogen Meritorious Junior High School Educator Awards
Marci Flicek, CY Junior High School
Jeff McMullen, Centennial Junior High School
Ellbogen Meritorious High School Educator Awards
Diane Miller, Natrona County High School
Sandra Sherman, Kelly Walsh High School
2007Ellbogen Meritorious Elementary School Educator Awards
Randy McIntyre, Park Elementary School
Jeanne Spawn, Gifted & Talented
Ellbogen Meritorious Junior High School Educator Awards
Brenda Kennedy, CY Junior High School
Tim Wilcox, Centennial Junior High School
Ellbogen Meritorious High School Educator Awards
Fred Maguire, Kelly Walsh High School
Chad Sharpe, Kelly Walsh High School
2008Ellbogen Meritorious Elementary School Educator Awards
John Bolender, Woods Learning Center
Linda Hurless, Retired
Barbara Maguire, Park Elementary School
Ellbogen Meritorious Junior High School Educator Awards
Kaye Hunt, Dean Morgan Junior High School
Melanie Boyes, CY Junior High School
Ellbogen Meritorious High School Educator Awards
Cindy Poe, Natrona County High School
Becky Underwood, Kelly Walsh High School
2009Ellbogen Meritorious Elementary School Educator Awards
Wayne Tuttle, Verda James Elementary School
Eric Freeman, Southridge Elementary School
Ellbogen Meritorious Junior High School Educator Awards
Randall Bower, CY Junior High
Roger Switzer, Midwest Schools
Ellbogen Meritorious High School Educator Awards
Mary Beth Peden, Natrona County High School
Bob Matson, Natrona County High School
Duane Reimer, Kelly Walsh High School
2010Ellbogen Meritorious Elementary School Educator Awards
Brenda Bosco, Fort Caspar Academy
Anne Marken, Crest Hill Elementary School
Ellbogen Meritorious Junior High School Educator Awards
Aaron Hinton, Centennial Junior High School
Matt Sharpnack, Casper Classical Academy
Ellbogen Meritorious High School Educator Awards
Duane Reimer, Kelly Walsh High School
Anne Underbrink, Natrona County High School
2011Ellbogen Meritorious Elementary School Educator Awards
Janet Mills, Verda James Elementary School
Marcia Strausner, Verda James Elementary School
Ellbogen Meritorious Junior High School Educator Awards
Deborah McCullar, Dean Morgan Junior High School
Ken Reed, Centennial Junior High
Ellbogen Meritorious High School Educator Awards
Nancy Brauchie, Kelly Walsh High School
Sally O’Brien, Kelly Walsh High School
26
“They were always energetic and passionate about life and teaching, and I looked forward to going to their classes everyday.”
Excellence 2017 Academic Awards Banquet
Meritorious Educator Awards
27
2012Ellbogen Meritorious Elementary School Educator Awards
Dorinda Jacobson, Fort Caspar Academy
Noreen Stutheit, Park Elementary
Ellbogen Meritorious Junior High School Educator Awards
Jennifer Alvar, Dean Morgan Junior High
Jaime Bachert, Dean Morgan Junior High
Ashlie Howell, Centennial Junior High
Ellbogen Meritorious High School Educator Awards
Diane Miller, Natrona County High School
Anna Wilkinson, Natrona County High School
2013Ellbogen Meritorious Elementary School Educator Awards
Michelle Adkins, Southridge Elementary
Randy McIntyre, Park Elementary
Ellbogen Meritorious Junior High School Educator Awards
Kayla McGurrin, Centennial Junior High
Jeff McMullen, Centennial Junior High
Ellbogen Meritorious High School Educator Awards
Justin Kidneigh, Kelly Walsh High School
Brandie Reed, Kelly Walsh High School
Brian Sanders, Natrona County High School
2014Ellbogen Meritorious Elementary School Educator Awards
Linda Hurless, Verda James Elementary
Lynne Murray, Crest Hill Elementary
Ellbogen Meritorious Junior High School Educator Awards
Linda McKay, Dean Morgan Junior High
Ernie Smith, Centennial Junior High
Bart Wilder, Casper Classical Academy
Ellbogen Meritorious High School Educator Awards
Melanie Boyes, Roosevelt High School
Scott Underbrink, Natrona County High School
Beth Williams, Kelly Walsh High School
2015Ellbogen Meritorious Elementary School Educator Awards
Annie Kepler, Verda James Elementary
Annette Pace, Fort Caspar Academy
Ellbogen Meritorious Middle School Educator Awards
Karen Sue McCutcheon, Woods Learning Center
Gene Smith, Dean Morgan Junior High
Ellbogen Meritorious High School Educator Awards
Inga McCoy, Kelly Walsh High School
Becky Underwood, Kelly Walsh High School
2016Ellbogen Meritorious Elementary School Educator Awards
June Brown, Fort Caspar Academy
Caroline Mooren, Manor Heights Elementary
Wayne Tuttle, Verda James Elementary
Ellbogen Meritorious Middle School Educator Awards
Randall Bower, CY Middle School
Aaron Hinton, Centennial Middle School
Ellbogen Meritorious High School Educator Awards
Patrick Kukes, Natrona County High School
Todd Trupp, Kelly Walsh High School
“ All of these educators have not only encouraged me
while I was a part of their class but have continued to be
a presence in my life. They are all beyond willing to help
in anyway they can.“