Joan Mitchell has offered her service and efforts to the communities of Marbleton and Big Piney as well as Big Piney High School for many years. Her continued service to the community can be witnessed by her selection as the 2016 Community Member of the Year. The efforts she has made over the years are easily recognizable by the wonderful Senior Citizen’s Center she manages as well as the beautiful homes that surround the Center.
At Big Piney High School, Joan offered her time and expertise as the coach of the Big Piney High School cheerleaders. From 1994 through 1998, Mitchell developed and maintained an outstanding group of cheerleaders. Her co-ed group of cheerleaders quickly became a fan favorite not only in Big Piney but also around the state as Puncher teams took to the courts. They were highlighted by the Sheridan paper during the 1997 Wyoming State Basketball tournament. Earlier in 1995, her spirit group was recognized by the University Cheerleading Association as the 2A State Champions as well as the overall State Champion.
In the 1997-1998 school year, The Wyoming High School Activities Association finally recognized cheerleading as a sanctioned activity and provided for a state competition of spirit squads. Coach Mitchell’s squad appeared and won the first ever WHSAA Co-Ed Cheer Division and placed second in the Cheer Dance division. Coach Mitchell retired from cheerleading after that competition but the tradition and skills that she developed continue as the Puncher cheerleaders were among the best in the following two years and continue to do well today.