Student of the Week 2024-2025
Dec. 16 - Quincy Dereemer
Quincy Dereemer, a senior at Central High School, was selected as Laramie County School
District 1’s Student of the Week for the week of Dec. 16.
Dereemer was chosen by the committee for demonstrating consistency and commitment
to her academics, athletics and activities. She maintains a weighted GPA of 4.114 and
challenges herself by taking diTicult courses.
Serving as the student body president, Dereemer is admired for her natural leadership,
kindness and willingness to help others. Recently, she received the Hidden Hero Award
from the Wyoming Association of Student Councils, recognizing her positive influence on
the school community. According to Central Principal, Dr. Karen Delbridge, her leadership
has brought lasting changes to the school that will impact students for years to come.
In addition to her academic success, Dereemer is involved in art, Spanish club, tennis,
theatre and student council. She is known for her balance of hard work, humor and
maturity, and is always ready to take on new challenges. Dereemer’s contributions,
character and leadership make her a standout student at Central.
While it was diTicult to only pick one, Deremmer selected Julie Grant as her favorite
teacher because Grant has taught her to love school and learning.
Dec. 9 - Roman Johnson
Roman Johnson, a seventh grade student at Johnson Junior High, was selected as Laramie County School District 1’s Student of the Week for the week of Dec. 9.
Johnson was chosen by the committee for his kindness, positive attitude and dedication to helping others.
Johnson enjoys learning about history in world geography class and is always willing to help his classmates. He is known for being inclusive and supportive, especially with students in the behavior program.
Johnson works hard in the weight room, focusing on his goal of joining the Marine Corps.
Outside of school, he enjoys playing video games and listening to punk rock, with the Misfits being his favorite band.
Johnson selected Ash Vanderdrink as his favorite teacher because he appreciates her positive attitude and support in English class, which he finds challenging. He also enjoys that they share common interests in gaming and music.
Dec. 2 - Mariah Bledsoe
Mariah Bledsoe, a senior at East High School, was selected as Laramie County School District 1’s Student of the Week for the week of Dec. 2.
Bledsoe was selected by the committee for her determination, academic excellence and positive impact on the East High community.
Bledsoe maintains a 3.979 GPA, ranking 12th in her class; and has taken multiple concurrent and dual enrollment courses to challenge herself academically. She is a member of the National Honor Society and has served in leadership roles within East High’s FCA.
In addition to her academic achievements, Bledsoe is a student athlete. She plays softball for East and WYCO and serves as an athletic trainer for the East High football team.
Bledsoe is known for her work ethic and caring nature, going above and beyond in everything she does. As an office assistant, she regularly helps the office staff, even coming in on her days off to assist with tasks.
Following graduation, Bledsoe will attend Waldorf University in Iowa to pursue a degree in health promotions and exercise science. She has also accepted a scholarship to play softball.
Bledsoe selected Anna Beckman as her favorite teacher because of Beckman’s engaging and fun teaching style. Bledsoe has had Beckman for two different science classes and appreciates how she makes science enjoyable and exciting.
Nov. 25 - Satta Koroma
Satta Koroma, an eighth grade student at McCormick Junior High, was selected as Laramie County School District 1’s Student of the Week for the week of Nov. 25.
Koroma was selected by the committee for her display of leadership and academic excellence. She maintains a 4.0 GPA, excels in math and social studies, and demonstrates a strong work ethic and commitment to her studies.
Known for her collaborative spirit, Koroma works well with her classmates and is always ready to offer help when needed. Teachers describe her as a pleasure to have in class, noting that she is never afraid to ask questions to ensure she understands the material.
In addition to her academic success, Koroma is an active participant in volleyball, basketball, track and tennis. She consistently demonstrates good sportsmanship and encourages teamwork, helping to create a positive environment on the court and track.
In her free time, Koroma enjoys spending time with her sisters, doing crafts and having movie nights.
Koroma selected Phillip Bennett as her favorite teacher, who she describes as supportive and caring. “He is fun to be around and balances teaching and having fun,” Koroma said.
Nov. 18 - Elysiana Hernandez
Elysiana Hernandez, who is a senior at Triumph High, was selected as Laramie County School District 1’s Student of the Week for the week of Nov. 18.
Hernandez was selected by the committee for her perseverance, compassion and leadership.
During her time at Triumph, Hernandez has demonstrated a strong work ethic and dedication to academic success. She maintains above average grades and attendance.
Hernandez is known for her open-mindedness and kindness. She approaches each day with determination which inspires her teachers and peers.
Hernandez selected Leigh Ann Ojeda as her favorite teacher because she motivates students to achieve their goals and challenges them to reach their full potential. “She is very supportive, especially when we face challenges, both in class and in our personal lives,” Hernandez said.
Triumph is proud to forever call Hernandez a part of its family.
Nov. 11 - Cyler Van Der Hoeven
Cyler Van Der Hoeven, who is an eighth-grade student at Carey Junior High, was selected as Laramie County School District 1’s Student of the Week for the week of Nov. 11.
Van Der Hoeven was unanimously selected by the committee for being an exemplary student that strives for greatness.
Van Der Hoeven excels in academics, attendance and helping others. He is a role model for his peers, known for his kindness, determination and grit. Beyond the classroom, he is always eager to assist fellow students and embodies qualities of diligence and ambition.
After high school, Van Der Hoeven plans to pursue a nursing degree at the University of Wyoming.
Van Der Hoeven selected Tonya Moore as his favorite teacher because of her kindness and passion for teaching.
Nov. 4 - Issac Rios Quintana
Issac Rios Quintana, who is an 11th grade student at South High School, was selected as Laramie County School Districts 1’s Student of the Week for the week of Nov. 4.
Rios Quintana was selected by the committee for his leadership and commitment to education. He is an outstanding individual who has been a good student this fall, persevering through credit recovery.
Through tutoring peers in his industrial tech class, he has demonstrated the importance of being respectful to teachers and how to inspire other students through his example.
Rios Quintana is active on the football team, where he models sportsmanship and determination.
Rios Quintana selected Paul Weatherford as his favorite teacher because he connects with students and makes learning enjoyable. In describing Rios Quintana, Weatherford says, “He always greets me with a smile and a fist bump, which shows both his enthusiasm and honorability.”
Oct. 28 - Gabriel Rodriguez
Gabriel Rodriguez, who is a senior at Central High School, was selected as Laramie County School District 1’s Student of the Week for the week of Oct. 28.
Rodriguez was selected by the committee for his positivity and for being a role model in maintaining strong grades and attendance.
Rodriguez's hard work and persistence are evident in his involvement with wrestling and welding. He is known for his friendly demeanor and his effort to include all students.
Following graduation, he plans to pursue a career in welding and hopes to continue wrestling in college.
Rodriguez selected Steven Winchell as his favorite teacher because of his engaging teaching style and ability to make learning enjoyable.
Oct. 21 - Hayleigh Brakel
Hayleigh Brakel, who is an eighth grade student at Johnson Junior High, was selected as Laramie County School District 1’s Student of the Week for the week of Oct. 14.
Brakel was selected by the committee for her academic perseverance and positive influence on her peers. She excels in her classes and maintains good grades while serving as president of the National Junior Honor Society.
Her teachers highlight her natural leadership and kind demeanor seen in and out of the classroom. She encourages others and fosters a supportive classroom environment.
Outside of the classroom, Brakel is Johnson’s volleyball team leader. During games, she cheers for her teammates, gives it her all and maintains a positive attitude.
Brakel chose Jessica Bailey, the dean of students at Johnson, as her favorite educator. Brakel said she appreciates that Bailey encourages her to strive for her best and consistently checks in on her.
Oct. 14 - Loriana Walter
Loriana Walter, who is a senior at East High School, was selected as Laramie County School District 1’s Student of the Week for the week of Oct. 14.
Walter was selected by the committee for her leadership and involvement at East and the community. She currently maintains a 3.94 GPA while challenging herself in taking advanced placement, and concurrent enrollment courses.
Walter actively participates in choir, National Honors Society, yearbook, dance and cheer, along with many other clubs and activities outside of school.
Following graduation, Walter plans to attend North Dakota State University to study agricultural communications and business.
Walter selected Shannon Stephens Hamilton as her favorite teacher because of the joy she brings to learning and her solution-oriented approach, as well as the time she takes to listen to students.
Oct. 7 - Wilson Pilger
Wilson Pilger, who is an eighth grade student at McCormick Junior High, was selected as Laramie County School District 1’s Student of the Week for the week of Oct. 7.
Pilger was selected by the committee for his academic excellence and positive influence. He has maintained a 4.0 GPA while taking all honors classes and participating in cross country, track and field, advanced band, and Cheyenne Little Theatre productions.
According to his teachers, Pilger’s unique personality does not go unnoticed. His positive presence impacts everyone around him. He is responsible, kind and dedicated, both inside and outside the classroom. In his free time, he enjoys hanging out with friends and skiing.
Pilger selected Jason Cook as his favorite teacher because he is kind and energetic. He appreciates seeing Cook outside of the classroom as his cross-country coach, where Cook fosters a safe and supportive environment for all students.
Sept. 30 - Ches McCart
Ches McCart, a senior at Triumph High, was selected as Laramie County School District 1’s Student of the Week for the week of Sept. 30.
McCart was selected by the committee for his display of leadership, hard work and problem solving skills.
During his time at Triumph, he has maintained a high GPA and participated in student council. Following graduation, McCart plans to attend Laramie County Community College to study psychology.
In his free time, McCart enjoys reading and plays goalie for the Cheyenne Capitals hockey team. He also works as an assistant teacher for the ASK program at Sunrise Elementary.
McCart selected Sara Willson as his favorite teacher because of her upbeat and positive nature and the support she has given him throughout his years at Triumph.
Sept. 23 - Thomas Baesler
Thomas Baesler, who is an eighth grade student at Carey Junior High, was selected as Laramie County School District 1’s Student of the Week for the week of Sept. 23.
Baesler was selected by the committee for his strong work ethic and consistent kindness. He regularly checks in with teachers and principals, which demonstrates his commitment to his academics and personal growth.
Baesler inspires other students through his kindness and hard work. He is described as an amazing student with a bright future.
Baesler selected Jennie Allen as his favorite teacher because she is always there for him and he enjoys her teaching style. “She always ensures that I am on track and doing what I need to do,” he said.
Sept. 16 - Camella Wedemeyer
Camella Wedemeyer, a senior at South High School, was selected as Laramie County School District 1’s Student of the Week for the week of Sept. 16.
Wedemeyer was selected by the committee for her display of school values and academic performance. She maintains high academic standing while actively participating in multiple advanced placement and concurrent enrollment courses. She has a passion for science, music, tennis and soccer.
Wedemeyer is a member of the wildlife club and collaborates closely with club sponsor Makala Knox to bring ideas to the group. Her commitment extends beyond the classroom, as she assists her peers with understanding material and stays after class to help clean lab supplies. She hopes to become a wildlife biologist.
In addition to her academic and extracurricular achievements, Wedemeyer is an active student athlete, participating in both tennis and soccer. Her contributions to her teams and her school community exemplify South’s core values of Honor, Enthusiasm, Responsibility and Determination (HERD).
Wedemeyer selected Makala Knox as her favorite teacher because she makes learning fun, engaging and exciting. In describing Wedemeyer, Knox says “she strives to do the best she can in everything she does.”
