EVANSTON — Uinta BOCES No. 1 held its graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 20, in the Davis Middle School auditorium. Friends and family attended to celebrate with the 28 students who received a variety of diplomas and awards.

The students walked down the aisles to the piano processional played by Sara Maisey as the audience stood to honor the students who filled the first three rows of seats. BOCES Executive Director Mike Williams welcomed everyone, then introduced the first speaker, Uinta County School District Assistant Superintendent Doug Rigby.

“I use the analogy of four legs on a stool in speaking of success in life,” Rigby said. “The first leg is attitude; a strong work ethic and the ability to persevere. The second leg stands for integrity; be true to your beliefs. The third is grit; the mental toughness and the ability to learn through failure. The fourth leg is purpose; not just a goal but a broader aspiration that transcends the day-to-day struggles. You and only you can decide to make the most of your life.”

Shelby Powell, college and career readiness adult education director, explained the different programs BOCES offers. The BOOST program is for students 16 to 24 years to earn the high school equivalency. The adult basic education program helps single parents and other adults achieve their GED and prepare for employment.

The ready to work program provides on-the-job training. She told the students how proud she was of them and told them to reflect on how far they’ve come and to press forward in their lives.

“We celebrate your dreams and accomplishments,” Williams said. “You are on a lifelong journey of education. I want to thank the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services for their 90 to 92 percent graduation success rate.”

Jim Jessen of Western Wyoming Community College (WWCC) addressed the students.

“Congratulations,” he said. “What’s next, college or the workforce? Our world will change because of your contributions. On behalf of WWCC, we congratulate the graduates.”

Two graduating students then provided remarks. Hayden Godfrey a graduate from Western Wyoming Community College and a reporter for the Uinta County Herald, was first to speak.

Godfrey began with humor by thanking the staff for providing the soap box for him to stand on.  He then thanked the WWCC staff and teachers who he said are remarkable.

“I want to give a special thank you to the supportive staff at the Uinta County Herald, where I work as a reporter, and to the members of Sagebrush Theatre, who gave me a wonderful opportunity to perform, and for their friendship; and to my friends and family. Thank you all, it’s been a pleasure,” Godfrey said.

High school equivalency graduate and valedictorian Terry W. Jeppson addressed the audience.

“This ceremony holds a special place in my heart,” Jeppson said. “I want to thank the teachers and, especially, Mrs. Carroll, who provided us with practical skills, financial information and other life skills.  Also, congratulations to my fellow graduates.”

Powell and Williams then came forward to present special awards.

They first recognized the four adult education students graduating with honors. These students scored at the college-ready level on all five individual tests of the high school equivalency test — reading, writing, math, science and social studies. Those students graduating with honors are: salutatorian Adriano Borin, Madison Connelly, Mason Cooke and Jeppsen.

The valedictorian and salutatorian are based on the combined total score of the high school equivalency test.

Next, the students who were awarded membership into the National Adult Education Honor Society (NAEHS) were recognized. Membership in the NAEHS is based on several criteria that are valuable in the workforce and post-secondary education, including dependable attendance, positive attitude, self-reliance, effort and initiative. Students are nominated by instructors and program administrators and nationally fewer than 5% of adult education students receive this recognition.

Powell said, “This year we are delighted to recognize two outstanding students from the class of 2023. Our first recipient earned her HSE this spring during the adult basic education morning class while working full-time in the afternoon and evenings. She had perfect attendance and a positive ‘can do’ attitude. She also attended our Work Ready class and received the certifications from them. Her dream is to pursue a military career with the U.S. Marines, and they will be lucky to have her on their team. We are pleased to present our first NAEHS award to Lamara Arthur.”

The next recipient of the NAEHS award was Teyha Shine. Shine earned her high school equivalency and graduated from the 31st BOOST class. Though she faced many challenges, Powell said, Shine had almost perfect attendance, accomplished all of her academic and workforce tasks and was a delight to have in class.

The next two awards were for learner of the year and student leadership. The learner of the year award is given to a student who overcame obstacles and struggles and never quit, Powell said.

“The Learner of the Year for 2022-2023 is Danica House,” Powell said and asked House to come up to the stage to receive her award.

Angela Contreras earned the student leadership award.

“Angela demonstrated a consistent positive attitude and gave constant support and encouragement to her fellow students,” Powell said.

Dan Wheeler, chair of the Uinta BOCES board of directors, then read the graduates’ names as they came forward to receive their diplomas or certificates.

Graduating from Western Governors University with a BS in Human Resources/Business was Nicole Dawn Espy. 

Graduates of Western Wyoming Community College were: Candy Ann Hamblin, BAS Business Organizational Management; Hayden Godfrey, AA Psychology; and Cherise McBride, Registered Nurse.

Twenty students received their Wyoming Certificate of High School Equivalency (HSE): Simon Alexander Angwin, Lamara Arthur, Denise Mae Bame, Jayden Bitsue, Adriano Borin (salutatorian and earning honors), Serina Castongia, Madison Connelly (honors), Angela Contreras, Mason Cooke (honors), Kaleb Davis, Danica House, Terry W. Jeppsen (valedictorian and honors) Christian Langford, Mindy D. Murray, Shawn Richardson, Teyha Shine, Blake Thornburg, James Clyde Tucker Jr., Ashton Z. Tueller and William Elias Wilson.

Ryleigh-Ann Cole, Erin Guise and Racquelle McComb graduated from Ready to Work programs.

Tauni MacGreggor graduated as a certified nursing assistant.