CHEYENNE – Wyoming State Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder and the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) announce the inaugural cohort of the Wyoming Patriot Schools Program. 12 schools statewide have met 8 of the 13 criteria to be recognized as a Wyoming Patriot School.
This voluntary initiative was developed as part of Superintendent Degenfelder’s civics and patriotism initiative and in collaboration with the WDE Citizenship Stakeholder Cabinet and the Wyoming Semiquincentennial Task Force. Participating schools are recognized for going above and beyond to foster civic engagement.
“Congratulations to the inaugural recipients of this award for setting a powerful standard of civics education across Wyoming,” said Superintendent Degenfelder. “We live in the greatest country on earth, and by instilling a deep appreciation for our nation’s history, constitutional principles, and civic duties, these schools are preparing our students to be responsible, informed, patriotic leaders in the future. Thank you to the administrators, teachers, parents, and students whose dedication and collaboration continue to inspire the next generation of American citizens. The very future of our nation depends on it.”
The Wyoming Patriot Schools include Sheridan High School, Cody High School, Cody Middle School, Guernsey Sunrise Schools, Laura Irwin Middle School in Basin, Saratoga Middle/High School, Rozet Elementary School, Henderson Elementary School in Cheyenne, Truman Elementary School in Green River, Riverside Middle/High School in Basin, Tongue River Middle School in Ranchester, and H-E-M Junior/Senior High School in Hanna.
“We believe that understanding our nation’s history is fundamental to preparing students for the future,” said Russell Wilde, Principal, Tongue River Middle School. “We are committed to helping students recognize the people, principles, and defining events that have shaped our country—from the vision of our Founding Fathers and the sacrifices of our veterans to the historical events that continue to influence our society today. Through this commitment, we strive to cultivate informed, engaged, and responsible citizens who understand the significance of our nation’s history, appreciate the freedoms and opportunities they have inherited, and recognize that the future of our country rests, in part, in their hands.
Schools must reapply each year to maintain recognition. Applications will be open from August to September each year and will be recognized on Veterans’ Day. Schools interested in participating can visit Wyoming Patriot Schools and download the guidebook to begin preparing.
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Media Contact:
Dicky Shanor, Chief of Staff
307-777-7675
dicky.shanor@wyo.gov
