Governor Mark Gordon, in partnership with the Wyoming Department of Education, is seeking nominations for the 2026 Wyoming RISE award, which honors classified school employees for their exemplary service. Submit nominations for the RISE award by September 30.
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., who speak to the nominee’s exemplary work), and the enhancement of classified school employees’ image in the community and schools. Letters of recommendation can be cited.
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 top two applicants in Wyoming will be nominated to the U.S. Department of Education (USED) by November 1. USED will select a single classified school employee from among the nominees to receive the RISE Award in spring 2026.
Governor Gordon and Superintendent Degenfelder will honor nominees and finalists at their school in the spring of 2026. If a state finalist is selected to be the national honoree, USED will recognize the honoree and communicate their story to inspire excellence among classified school employees.
For more information, contact Madison Lacey, Teacher Leadership & Awards Consultant, at madison.lacey@wyo.gov or 307-777-6840.
