Laramie County School District 1 announced the winners of this year’s Educational Support Person of the Year (ESPY) awards. Heidi Pfoor, a social worker at McCormick Junior High, received the Student Support award and Wendy Gains, the office manager at Triumph High, received the District Support award.

The winners, along with 26 other LCSD1 staff members, were nominated by their fellow staff, their students or other community members for displaying a level of professionalism and dedication worthy of this award. The ESPY award has two divisions: the Student Support award is given to a staff member who works with students as their primary duty, while the District Support award is given to a staff member who supports LCSD1 by other means.

Pfoor was selected as the Student Support Person of the Year for her tireless efforts to serve the students of McCormick Junior High. According to her nomination form, even though Pfoor does not directly work with every student, nearly every student at McCormick knows and seeks her support, approval and guidance.

“It is impossible to measure the significance of an impact on a student life,” her nomination form states, “but when I consider the ways in which Heidi has supported students at McCormick Junior High, I am certain she has not only saved but improved countless lives.”

The District Support award was given to Gains due to her effectiveness in supporting Triumph High staff and her personal policy of treating staff and students with dignity and respect.

“Without Wendy, we wouldn’t be able to meet the needs of the students,” the form states. “(She) sees into the future and knows what needs to be completed before a teacher or student asks. She is always one step ahead of us.”

Pfoor and Gains were selected from five finalists, which included Christine Fitzgerald, a library paraeducator at Arp Elementary; Andria Mason, a secretary at Central High; and Carolyn Peterson, a special education paraeducator at Triumph High.

Also nominated were April Barker, Jaclyn Baxter, Misty Binstock, Sydney Brennecke, Gardenia Castro, Jill Curry, Megan Elkins, Caroline Enns, April Eslick, Stacey Ferguson, Kim Harrison, Fredrick Hurlburt, Kristin Layman, Karen Low, Renee Lumaye, Nichole Lyon, Zanyaille Lyons, Maggie Peel, Kathy Ponder, Brenda Schroeder, Gardner Skillern, Amanda Wilson and Amanda Wolff.

LCSD1 thanks all of these nominees for their fantastic work. The LCSD1 Board of Trustees will recognize the ESPY nominees during their May 5 meeting.

The East High Speech and Debate team recently took first place at the 2025 Wyoming State Championship, making this the schools third consecutive win at state. 

Rosie Zubrod, who is a senior, was selected as the Wyoming Student Ambassador. This award honors a competitor who exemplifies leadership, sportsmanship and dedication beyond their own team

Individual results are as follows: 

Humorous Interpretation

• Sophomore Jonathan Quintana–Semifinalist
  
• Sophomore Addy Goodman–6th Place (2nd in 4A)
  

Original Oratory

• Junior Ellie Kerschner–5th Place
  
• Sophomore Andrew Schulz–4th Place (3rd in 4A)
  

Extemporaneous Speaking

• Junior Sadie Zwonitzer–State Champion (1st in 4A)
  

Informative Speaking

• Senior Rosie Zubrod–4th Place (3rd in 4A)
  
• Junior Ellie Kerschner–State Champion (1st in 4A)
  

Dramatic Interpretation

• Sophomore Addy Goodman–Semifinalist (3rd in 4A)
  
• Senior Chloe Fitzgerald–4th Place (2nd in 4A)
  
• Senior Cristina Welch–3rd Place (1st in 4A)
  

Duo Interpretation

• Sophomore Layla Kling and Sophomore Meiya McQueen–Semifinalists
  

Program Oral Interpretation (POI)

• Sophomore Bridget DeMelfi–Semifinalist
  
• Senior Cristina Welch–3rd Place (3rd in 4A)
  
• Senior Chloe Fitzgerald–2nd Place (2nd in 4A)
  
• Sophomore Andrew Schulz–State Champion (1st in 4A)
  

Lincoln-Douglas Debate

• Junior Natalyia Kopack–State Champion (1st in 4A)
  

Public Forum Debate

• Junior Ella Golwitzer and Sophomore Jared Haynes–3rd Place (3rd in 4A)
  

Policy Debate

• Senior Brayden Lyday and Senior Jeri Tolle–State Champions (1st in 4A)

Margaret Robinson, head cashier at Sunrise Elementary, has been selected for the Laramie County School District 1 Board Employee Spotlight for the month of March. 

For 10 years, Robinson has been a dedicated LCSD1 employee who consistently creates a positive and enjoyable work environment. She has a strong rapport with the students and is known for being a reliable and supportive colleague. Robinson also plays an important role in strengthening the Nutrition Services team.

Seventh through 12th grade students from across the state recently participated in the 13th annual World Languages Day hosted by the University of Wyoming. The event celebrates language learning through competition, workshops and cultural engagement.

Students participated in multiple categories and earned top awards for their performance in spoken and written language competitions, video presentations and artistic submissions. 

The placements for LCSD1 students are as follows.  

Spanish: Writing—Poem

Spanish: Writing—Short Story

Spanish: Video

French—In-Person Competition

Spanish—In-Person Competition

People’s Choice Awards

Tracy Notgrass, library paraeducator at Rossman Elementary, has been selected for the Laramie County School District 1 Board Employee Spotlight for the month of February. 

Notgrass has been a dedicated LCSD1 employee for 27 years, consistently going above and beyond in her role. Supervisors note that Notgrass strives to make the Rossman library an enjoyable place for students and plans lessons that are educational and fun. 

Notgrass is also known for being willing to mentor new library paraeducators so they can be successful.

Milo Gurule, head custodian at Freedom Elementary, has been selected for the Laramie County School District 1 Board Employee Spotlight for the month of January. He will be recognized on Monday, Jan. 13 at 6 p.m. in the Storey Gym Boardroom, 2811 House Ave. 

Gurule has been a valued member of the custodial team since 2002, consistently going above and beyond in his role. Supervisors note that they can always rely on him to assist at other buildings, confident that he will treat each one with the same care and attention as his own.

Gurule is known for being willing to assist whenever and wherever help is needed. 

Brendan Inkster, band director at McCormick Junior High, was selected as the 2024 Outstanding Young Music Educator of the Year for the Wyoming Music Educators Association (WMEA). 

According to WMEA President Michael Jaycox, this award recognizes a WMEA member for distinction in music education and is made for young teachers that have made an exemplary contribution to the music experience of their students.

“Although early in his career, Inkster has demonstrated skills that rival those of veteran teacher”, Jaycox said. 

Inkster will be formally recognized at the WMEA State Conference in January. 

Laramie County School District 1 Nutrition Services Smart Spoon Café is hosting a recipe contest for students. The contest is divided into two age groups: Junior Chef (kindergarten through sixth grade) and Iron Chef (seventh through 12th grade).

Recipes will be judged based on common ingredients, ease of preparation in school kitchens, visual appeal, flavor, nutrition and cost. Three finalists from each group will be selected by Feb. 14. Finalists will then prepare their recipes for a panel of judges on Feb. 26. The winning recipes will be featured on school lunch menus in May.

Recipe guidelines are as follows: 

• The recipe must be an entrée containing grains and proteins.
  
• Ingredients must include exact measurements, with at least three items from the common ingredients list (one must be a protein).
  
• Recipe should be cookable in one hour or less.
  
• Step-by-step preparation instructions are required.
  
• Include the number of servings the recipe yields.
  
• Recipe should be low sodium, low fat and may be adjusted to meet USDA guidelines.
  
• Optional: Include a photo or drawing of the completed dish.
  

For a list of approved ingredients, contact Smart Spoon Café at smartspooncafe@laramie1.org.

All entries must be submitted by Jan. 13 via mail or email:

Mail: 3320 Maxwell Ave.

Email: smartspooncafe@laramie1.org

Twelve members of the team received the SkillsUSA Statesman Award at the conference. 

This award is a prestigious recognition presented to members who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of SkillsUSA’s mission, values and framework. Recipients exhibit knowledge of the organization’s history, structure and the significance of its emblem components. They also showcase leadership skills and a commitment to personal and professional development.

This is the first year SkillsUSA Wyoming has offered this award, making South students the first LCSD1 students to receive it.

The recipients of the award are Abby Chavez, Abigail Belknap, Jack Boose, Jaelyn Brown, Araya Feazell, Hannah Fisher, Forrest Heschke, Keely Henderson, Ziva Shank, Keegan Potter and Evan Van Kirk.

According to East High Speech and Debate Coach Marcus Viney, the team showcased exceptional talent, with students earning a record-breaking 25 individual first place finishes—an achievement that highlights their hard work, dedication and skill.

Individual results are as follows:

Emma Andrews, Semifinals Drama, Semifinals POI

Taylor Grace Byers, tied for 1st Novice LD, 4th Novice Info

Donovan Carll, 1st Novice Extemp

Sadie Casey, Semifinal Duo, Semifinals Oratory

Cadie Cooper, 5th Novice Congress, tied for 1st Novice LD

Leila Cuthbert, Semifinals Novice Impromptu , 3rd Novice Oratory

Bridget DeMelfi, 5th Duo, 5th POI, 4th Poetry

Madi Dyl, 6th Duo, 7th Info

Bri Elwood, 5th Poetry

Ethany Frint, tied first 1st Novice LD

Mikkel Gortel, 5th Info

Ella Golwitzer, 1st PF

Lillian Gonzalez, Semifinals Novice Impromptu, 2nd Novice Extemp, 2nd Novice Duo

Addison Goodman, Semifinals POI, 4th Drama, 2nd Humor

Uriah Graham, Semifinals Duo

Rebekkah Greenwalt, Semifinals Oratory, Semifinals Impromptu, 1st PF

Damien Harwell, 6th Novice Humor

Jared Haynes, Supers Congress, 1st PF

Samantha Jordan, 1st Drama, 5th Duo

Carter Kennedy, 1st Novice Congress

Ellie Kerschner, Semifinals POI, 1st Oratory, 2nd Humor, 4th Info, 2nd Duo

Layla Kling, 1st Duo, 3rd POI

Finn Knepper, Semifinals Extemp, Semifinals Impromtu, 1st PF,

Natalyia Kopak, 7th Congress, 5th LD

Austin LaVanway, Semifinals Drama

Joselyn LaVanway, 1st Novice Poetry, 2nd Novice Drama

Danica Lees, Semifinals Oratory

Raeley Lind, 2nd Novice Humor, 1st Novice Info, 1st Novice PF

Maci Little, Semifinals Oratory, 6th Duo