Photo J.Tharp- Brenna Abel checks on students in her new World History class.
By Xiomara Garcia
Staff Writer
Worland- Brenna Abel has taken over Rick Dorn’s history classes at Worland High School. Abel now teaches 1st period government and 8th period world history.
Abel taught history for 8 years in Thermopolis before coming to Worland in 2017 to teach special education. Brandon Vickers, a veteran history teacher, is working alongside Abel to create the same learning environment for their history classes.
“I think it’s great to teach about things you’re passionate about. I love seeing kids learn about the historical context and how it impacts the world we live in today,” Abel said.
Abel noted she’s enjoying being back in the general education classroom for part of her day, and she’s thankful to Vickers for his time and teamwork to help her get off to a strong start.
"Mrs. Abel took to teaching history like a duck to water!" Vickers said. "She is doing an amazing job, both with her students and with challenging me to bring my 'A game' to the classroom every day. I'm worried if I hit the easy button she'll be disappointed in me, and I like and respect her too much to let her down. I'm sure some of her students feel the same way."
Students say the change has been good.
"I do enjoy her class," said sophomore Grace Scallions. "I feel like I'm learning a lot."
Photo K. Kiser- Northern Wyoming News Managing Editor Karla Pomeroy visits with WHS journalism students January 22. She answered a variety of questions, offered professional advice, and discussed journalism ethics.
By Kinley Kiser & Jessica Tharp
Staff Writer & Advisor
Worland- Karla Pomeroy, a managing editor for the Northern Wyoming News came into Worland High School on January 22 to talk to the Journalism class. Pomeroy fielded questions about her job at the newspaper and conveyed to the class that her job consists of getting real stories with no manipulative photos.
Pomeroy earned a journalism degree from the University of Wyoming. She has been in the journalism business for 40 years and came to Worland when the Northern Wyoming News was still a daily newspaper. It went to a weekly edition in 2019. Pomeroy said she wears many hats while working both as a reporter and an editor.
Pomeroy answered student questions about ethics in journalism, what the job entails, and what she does to try to do the best job possible and maintain positive relationships with the community.
“Democracy dies in the dark. I absolutely believe that,” Pomeroy said. “If we are not reporting on it, people can do whatever they want and nobody knows about it. We do not report rumors.”
Pomeroy told students she prepares for interviews by planning ahead questions she wants to ask, which might help young journalists who are nervous about approaching people feel more comfortable. She stated that the downside to reporting for a local newspaper is that it takes long hours to cover evening meetings, and sometimes people are less likely to trust her because she works in journalism. Pomeroy said that as a reporter, she has to make sure she’s reporting the facts to protect herself and other people.
In terms of photography, Pomeroy said it is not an ethical practice to edit objects out of photos that are published and that reporters must maintain the integrity of journalism. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and manipulative editing can change the perception of what is happening at that particular time, which is not journalistic honesty.
When asked about recent attempts to censor journalism on different platforms, Pomeroy replied, “Freedom of the press matters” and is guaranteed in the Constitution.
Pomeroy encouraged students to explore their writing and photography curiosities to see what may be available in college and noted the field is changing rapidly with new AI and technological advancements.
Photo J.Tharp- Yearbook and Journalism students (top) Krew Neighbors, Tell Slagle, Donovan Warren, Kalistynn Crippen, Maddy Robertson, Kinley Hoffman, Taylar Mazet, (bottom) Dani Madrid, Leila Anderson, Xio Garcia, and Colt Weber prepare to hear keynote the speaker at State Journalism in Powell.
The Scoop
By Dani Madrid
Staff Writer
Powell– Wyoming Student Media Association (WSMA) held its State competition in Powell on October 20th. Worland High School Yearbook/Journalism advisors Sarah Staley and Jessica Tharp took 21 students to experience and learn about the latest journalism trends at North West College.
Workshop topics covered subjects like editing, photography, digital copy, and capturing a reader's attention. "It was informative and gives us a direction for next year," Staley commented. Tharp stated, “I really enjoyed attending for the first time. I was impressed with the variety of workshops and the keynote speaker.”
While at the conference, Tharp joined a committee to broaden the categories for state submissions and will work with the journalism teacher from Cody on a creative literary section. This ties to what Tharp has been working on in Green Blocks with the Creative Literary Publication. Both Staley and Tharp said they look forward to attending with a new group of students next year.
Photo J. Tharp- Keynote speaker Vin Cappiello addresses a packed lecture hall at Powell College for State Journalism October 20th.
A Trip to Remember
By Aryanna Allen
Staff Writer
Yellowstone National Park — On Monday, October 6th, 14 students and four teachers boarded a bus for Yellowstone National Park. Worland High School trip organizer Tim Barrus, teachers Pam Greek and Brandon Vickers, and Principal Bruce Miller chaperoned the 14 students. Students were given journals to take notes in during the three-day trip. Students were also required to present their journals at the school board meeting on Tuesday, October 28th. Highlights of the trip included exploring Yellowstone Lake and Old Faithful, and hiking to the Wolf Den. Students made observations in their notebooks and were also able to draw and make artistic creations. The fall weather cooperated, and students were able to participate in many activities planned by Barrus. “There was freedom to choose some of our activities, and I chose artistic ones,” said junior Jacklynn Bozeman. Junior Lily Baldwin commented, “I enjoyed being around all the nature and the mountains.” Barrus, a science teacher at WHS, organizes the Yellowstone trip every year and takes a new group of students and teachers each fall. This year was Barrus’s 15th year of organizing and inviting students to take part in this unique Yellowstone experience.
Photo J. Bozeman-
WHS students visit the mud pots on their trip. They learned about how they are formed and heated.
Photo J. Bozeman-
Students have time to explore Yellowstone during hikes and free time. They spent time at beautiful Yellowstone Lake.
Photo J. Bozeman-
While sightseeing, the group observes this famous view. They listened to the waterfall while taking in the serenity and peaceful scenery.
By Addison Seghetti
Staff Writer
Worland- Meet the new paraeducator at Worland High School, Sergio Nieto. Nieto lived in Mexico for sometime as a marketing manager and was also a high school teacher before he moved to Wyoming with his wife and six children. His wife is from Wyoming, and the family moved back in October. He said he has adjusted to the American culture and has been helping students at WHS succeed. Nieto’s favorite thing about working at WHS is he can focus on certain students, and he loves the small town life. Nieto might not be ready for the cold, but he said he will handle it. Welcome to the Warrior Family, Nieto.
Nieto Poses for The Camera
Photo: G. Craft - New staff member, Paraeducator Sergio Nieto, showing his best pose.
Front Office Fun!
By Addison Seghetti
Staff Writer
Worland- Meet our new office staff member, Kristin Decker! She is a former Worland High School student who graduated in 2006 and is so happy to be back in a familiar building. What she enjoys about her job is all the people she gets to see come into the office. She also states that the other office staff were friendly and helpful on her first day, and she loves the variety of students that come by everyday. Decker concludes that what she likes about life is how everywhere in the world gets better, and she hopes she’ll stay and work here for a long time at WHS. Welcome to the Warrior Family!
Photo: B. Seghetti - New staff member in the office, Kristin Decker, shows off her best smile.
By Leila Anderson
Staff Writer
Worland – Worland Drama Club welcomes new head director, Phillip Nelson. In a recent conversation, Nelson said that he has been involved in the W.D.C. for three years. He started out helping kids understand their event and has now become the primary director.
Nelson commented that he decided to take the position of director because he really enjoys acting, and he wanted to keep involved. Nelson expressed that he is really excited for this year's play, and he chose this play because last year’s play was very heavy and sad, and he wants this year’s play to be light and fun. We're glad you're here, Nelson!
Bookworm
Photo A. Madrid- Philip Nelson opens a book while posing for the camera.
Here for Support
By Dani Madrid
Staff Writer
Worland - Worland High School welcomed Angela Kluver to the learning support staff for the 2025-26 school year. In a recent interview, Kluver shared that she moved from Colorado. Kluver explained how the pathways drew her to WHS. She believes that in high school, students are learning how to learn and apply their learning. One of Kluver's favorite quotes is, “Whether you think you can or you can't, you're right.” She feels that this highlights the importance of a positive mindset. Welcome to Worland!
Photo A. Madrid- New staff member Angela Kluver helps a student in biology.
By Gabby Craft
Staff Writer
Worland - Worland High School has a new staff member, Nathan Butz. He grew up in Worland, WY, and returned because he wanted to live in a small town with a community of nice people.
Butz said, “It is weird to be back in high school,” which he attended before graduating. Butz is currently working on an education degree to become a high school science teacher and is working now as a paraeducator. He has also been in Worland most of his life. Butz is always willing to lend a hand whenever someone needs it. Welcome back to WHS!
SMILE!
Photo A. Madrid- Mr. Butz stops in the hall to take a quick photo.
By Leila Anderson
Staff Writer
Worland – Jereme Carne will be teaching mathematics and aviation, and he comes with 10 years of experience. Carne is excited to start an aviation pathway and teach a drone class. He has been in Worland his whole life, except for a nine-year stint in Florida. He worked at Basin for 9 years in math, CAD, woodwork, and drones.
Carne says he's not sure what sparked his interest in aviation, but he notes that no one else in his family shares his passion. Occasionally, pilots would let a kid come into the cockpit and start the plane. He was one of those kids who got to go into the cockpit and start the plane. Carne also teaches a flying class at the airport as a pilot instructor, but he says he never thought he would be teaching an aviation class at a high school. Get ready to wear your Warrior gear, Carne!
Ready for Math!
Photo A. Madrid- Mr. Carne takes a pose for the camera.
By Jacklynn Bozeman
Staff writer
Worland- New paraeducator, Jillian Decker, enthusiastically joined the team this Fall. Decker comes all the way from San Diego. She served six years in the military, then taught as a paraeducator before moving to Wyoming where she decided to help teach students with different needs. Decker, who was on an IEP (Individualized Education Program) as a student, now wants to ensure that other students in need receive the same opportunities and extra help. Welcome to the team!
Time To Get Your Dancing Shoes On!
Photo A. Madrid- Mrs. Decker dances at the homecoming pep rally for a teacher dance.