Governor Mark Gordon’s Office, in partnership with the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE), opened the 2023 application period for the Wyoming RISE award. The RISE award, created by Congress in 2019 and overseen by the U.S. Department of Education (ED), honors classified school employees who provide exemplary service.
A classified school employee can be someone who works in any grade, from pre-kindergarten through high school, in any of the following occupational specialties: paraprofessional, clerical and administrative services, transportation services, food and nutrition services, custodial and maintenance services, security services, health and student services, technical services, and skilled trades.
Nominees must, at a minimum, demonstrate excellence in the following areas: work performance; school and community involvement; leadership and commitment; local support (from co-workers, school administrators, community members, etc.); and enhancement of classified school employees’ image in the community and schools. Letters of recommendation can be cited.
Submit nominations using the RISE award application by June 30, 2023. Parents, students, local educational agencies, school administrators, professional associations, labor organizations, educational service agencies, nonprofit entities, private schools and their representatives, and other groups are eligible to nominate individuals for this award.
The two top applicants in Wyoming will be nominated to the department by November 1, 2023. The agency will select a single nominee to receive the RISE Award in spring 2024. Governor Gordon will honor nominees and finalists. If a state finalist is selected to be the national honoree, the department will recognize the honoree and share their story to inspire excellence among classified school employees across the country.
See photos of the 2022 Awardees.
For more information, contact Robin Grandpre, Project and Performance Manager, at 307-777-5315 or robin.grandpre1@wyo.gov.