Clubs & Activities

Student Council: A Look at What's Ahead

By Katie Lynema & Carolynn Kluver

Staff Writers

Worland- The WHS student council dance committee worked on decorations for the upcoming winter formal on January 31. June Hansen, one of the members of this committee, said "We're putting our superfluous mind together for ideas to decorate for the dance.” Students coordinated on what time to start decorating and getting the speakers set up for the music.

The fundraiser committee on student council went over a Make-a-Wish fundraiser that they had at the Prevention Night basketball game. The council raised the money through a 50/50 raffle. The winner donated her winnings back to the fundraiser, and the total amount raised was over $700. The committee wrote thank you notes for Male-a-Wish and brought them to that community on Wednesday.

In other fundraising news, the pop vending machines raised around $2000 for student council over the last two weeks.

The fundraising committee plans to talk to the freshman class sponsors to see if the freshman would be willing to sell crumble cookies at the games and before school around Valentines day, as this has been a valuable fundraiser in past years. They also plan to do a silent auction for something the teacher gives, such as a homework pass; that will be happening sometime in February. Worland Mayor Rebecca George will come on February 17 to sit in on the student council meeting.

The student council community service group brought donuts to the Worland Police Department during advisory last week to show the appreciation that the school has for them with everything that they help out, as well as for the hard work they put in to keep all of us safe. Advisor Brenna Abel noted that police department does so much for the community and for the school and we want to show them that we really appreciate all they do. Abel and the crew are also writing thank you notes.

Photo C. Kluver- Student Council’s dance committee- Left to right: Jazmine Wilkinson, June Hansen, Brinley Erickson, Cameron Lloyd, Kinlee Hofmann, Ashlyn Hamer, Margaret Grzybowski, Audrey Benson, Louise Bair- discuss plans on decorations for winter formal.

Photo C. Kluver- Student Council’s fundraising committee- Left to right: Jasper Richardson, Anna Siegfried, Tessa McClain, Kathya Navarro, Laramie Trauntvein, Ethan Partridge, Kale Kinelen, Ave Tapia, Allie Stamatakos- discuss past and future money raising events.

Photo C. Kluver- Student Council’s community service committee- Mrs. Abel, Aedyn Donahue, Kaela Nelson, Kaden Ankeny-Davila, Daisy Weaver, Tylee Clark, Sarah Tommerup, John Arellano- discuss a way to thank police officers for their service.

Photo K. Aagard- Left to Right: Ivy Radabaugh, Jazzlyn Blake, Abby Scallions, Kaitlyn Harstad, Elijah Goble, Rylan Anderson, Waylon Cauffman, Kadance Aagard enjoy a nice, fun card game after a great effort of rounds at Natrona County in Casper, Wyoming.

Photo K. Aagard- Poetry finalist Jazzy Blake poses at the Natrona Speech and Debate meet.

The End of the Superstar Road: Natrona Speech and Debate Wrap Up

Addison Seghetti

Staff Writer

Worland- The much anticipated Speech and Debate Casper Meet of January 30-31 has officially come to an end. As for the final results, six Worland High School Students made it to the semi-finals, and one made it to the finals.

The semi-finalists were Tanner Lowrey and Elijah Goble in Duo performance; Ivy Radabaugh, Kadance Aagard, and Elizabeth Goble in Poetry; and Alayna Moore in Congress. In Poetry, Jazzlyn Blake made it to finals and took second place at the tournament.

“I feel it was a rough tournament for all of us, but I’m proud of my whole team,” Blake said during an interview.

As a whole team, Assistant Coach Aurora Guthrie reported they broke the top 12 in the divisions they competed in.

“A lot of our kids broke to semis, which is great,” Guthrie stated. “We need to fine tweak some things in their performances, and they should be set for Districts and State.”

WHS Senior Kadence Aagard said she's proud of how many students have made it to semifinals, and she attributes a lot of that to how close the team is and that they function as a family.

As of now, the team is off for a break but is still practicing their pieces to improve. In three weeks, Districts are coming up in Riverton, and in five weeks Sate will be in Cheyenne. The team looks forward to these important tournaments, and they hope to work hard and improve at the smaller upcoming tournaments in order to place at State and Districts.

Goodbye Tinsel, Hello Truck Bed

Photo K. Tharp- Beckett Tharp, Zeke Bain, and Zane Lentsch help unload a truck with Christmas trees on January 10th.

Goodbye Tinsel, Hello Truck Bed

By Tylee Clark

Staff Writer

Worland- The annual FFA Christmas Tree Cleanup proved to be a resounding success. FFA members volunteered their time on Saturday January 10th to drive throughout the community collecting discarded Christmas trees from residents. The FFA members and other volunteers cleaned up 110 trees in all.

Working in teams, members covered multiple neighborhoods and made several trips to the designated drop-off location. Their efforts helped keep back alleys clear of debris while ensuring the trees were properly disposed of and turned into mulch.

The event not only provided an important service to the community but also allowed FFA members to demonstrate leadership and responsibility. Organizers expressed their appreciation to all the volunteers and residents who participated in this year’s cleanup.

Chief Washakie Advisor Grace Godfrey stated, “We've worked with the NRCS, and Rotary is part of the Christmas tree recycle program for at least 20 years. And so every year, we get assigned areas in town, and it's always a fun time to help the community, be outdoors, and be together. ”

Chief Washakie member Aspyn Hamilton said, “Yes, it was very successful. It was super fun, and it was a great activity to do for our community and help out.”

The Road to Natrona County: Behind the Scenes With Speech and Debate

Photo A. Seghetti- Waylon Cauffman works on bills for Congressional Debate.

Photo A. Seghetti- Ivy Radabaugh and Jazzlyn Blake perform their duo "My Sister's Keeper" by Jody Piccoult.

The Road to Natrona County: Behind the Scenes With Speech and Debate

Addison Seghetti

Staff Writer

Worland- The Speech and Debate Natrona Country meet is one of the biggest tournaments during the season. Worland High School Speech and Debate members attending are Alayna Moore, Waylon Cauffman, Abby Scallions, Dani Madrid, Kadance Aagard, Jazzy Blake, Ivy Radabaugh, Tanner Lowrey, Samrye Smart, Xander Smart, Elijah Goble, Elizabeth Goble, Rylan Anderson.

Students will perform at designated times with coaches prior to the competition to help improve them before the tournmanent. They will begin in Casper with team warm-ups.

The more experienced students said they are more prepared now, and newer competitors will be prepped by Thursday. Competitors said they will come together as a team and boost each other to help them prepare.

“The group works well together and they build each other up whether they do great or not, and they are really good at team bonding," said WHS Speech and Debate Coach Aurora Gunthrie.

Gunthrie explained the Natrona meet is one of the most important meets because competitors see schools from all around the state that are tougher in multiple categories, and they offer other national qualifying categories to practice for districts.

The Natrona meet will take place at Natrona County High school Friday January 30th, and Saturday January 31st. After this tournament, the team gets a week off before they travel to Gillette and some smaller meets before finally tackling Nationals and State Speech and Debate.

Making Magic With Music

Photo L. Lauridson- WHS students (left-right) Lily Bladwin, Thomas Nelson, Elizabeth Durant, Landon Miller, Johnny Thomas, and Lily Richardson pose with music directors Connor Dennis (left) and Lauren Laurdison.

Making Magic With Music

By Natalie Bishop

Staff Writer

Cody- On the 19th and 20th, six WHS students attended the All-State Music Festival in Cody, Wyoming. The audition process is available to every high school student who is talented on a musical instrument. These auditions are then graded on a scale by music teachers from across the state.

This event is not a “competition” per se, but rather an honor ensemble.

Each student chosen for this elite group receives the music in advance to practice before the clinic in Powell. If they do not know the music beforehand, they will be cut from the performing group.

Participating music students had two conductors: Dr. Jeffery Redding and Dr. Jonathan Hinkle, both renowned musical conductors, according to WHS Director Connor Dennis.

WHS students practiced with the conductors for days before their performance, and then performed for friends, family, and the community on January 20th.

“It was fantastic. Each conductor had their own personality they bring to help students perform their best,” Dennis said.

WHS Junior Thomas Nelson reflected on his time during All-State: "It was really cool to be around all those people that genuinely want ot be there and love music."

Worland Takes 1-2a Sweepstakes at Speech and Debate

Photo A Seghetti- (Left to Right) Thunder Basin Speech and Debate Semifinal and Finalists Alayna Moore, Luis Matamoros, Xander Smart, Ivy Radabaugh, Kadance Aagard, and Elizabeth Goble proudly display their awards in Gillette.

By Addison Seghetti

Staff Writer

Worland- On January 9th-10th, the Worland Speech and Debate Team traveled to Thunder Basin High School in Gillette to compete in the first tournament of the season. The members put hard work into their pieces, and it paid off for the team.

In CX Policy Debate, Alayna Moore and Luis Matamoros earned second place; in Congressional Debate, Alayna Moore won sixth place; in Impromptu Speech, Xander Smart made it to semi-finals; in poetry, Elizabeth Goble won sixth place, Ivy Radabaugh took 1st place, Kadance Aagard made it to Semi-finals.

“I feel like this is a great start to the season,” said Radabaugh. “I never expected to take 1st in poetry, but this was a great achievement. I have a feeling we’re going to do great the rest of the season.”

Overall, Worland took 2nd in 1a-2a Sweepstakes. The team will travel to Riverton to compete again on January 16th-17th.

A Winter Concert in Worland

Silent Night? Not with This Band.

Photo T. Clark- Worland High School Concert Band Plays "Ukrainian Bell Carol."

🎶 GLOOOOOOOOORIA 🎶

Photo J. Tharp- Worland High School Concert Choir sings "The First Noel."

Tylee Clark

Staff Writer

Worland- Worland High School Band and Choir’s Winter Concert was a collage of Christmas classics that filled the auditorium with holiday spirit.

The Choir performed well-known favorites such as “The First Noel,” “Winter Wonderland,” and “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” showcasing strong vocals, blend, and harmony.

The band followed with spirited renditions of “Silver Bells,” “Ukrainian Bell Carol,” “Sleigh Ride,” and several additional seasonal pieces, highlighting their energy, precision, and musical growth.

WHS choir director Connor Dennis, stated, “We had very limited time in the auditorium, and our students adapt well in a quick amount of time.” and half of the music was picked by the students, which shows how engaged the students are.

Loren Lauridson, WHS Band Director, said, “I thought the Winter Concert overall went really well. It was exciting to debut the percussion ensemble.”

Together, the ensembles created a festive atmosphere that left the audience smiling, applauding, and fully immersed in the joy of the winter season.

A Night of Handel's Messiah

Photo K. Tharp- WHS Choir Director Connor Dennis delivers a solo during "The Messiah."

Notes of Joy

Photo K. Tharp- Abbie Scalions, Lily Baldwin, Elena Nelson (front row), Judy Martinson, Megan Randow, Elizabeth Durrant, and Briedi Nelson perform a section of "The Messiah" by Handel.

Photo K. Tharp- The Community Choir fills the United Methodist Church with song December 2.

A Night of Handel's Messiah

By Aryanna Allen

Staff Writer

Worland- On December 2, at 7 in the evening, 11 Worland High School students and 17 community members performed “Handel’s Oratorio the Messiah” at Worland United Methodist Church. The annual Christmas concert always starts the Christmas season.

The community members included business members, parents, former students, and two WHS teachers, Megan Randow and Jessica Tharp. Conner Denis, WHS choir director, performed a solo, making the performance an hour in total.

Each year the community comes together for this performance to raise money for the WHS choir. All of the money made goes to the choir students who travel to state or national competitions. This year, they managed to raise quite a bit of money for the students.

“Belive it or not, community members paid to sing with us, and it was great. We put on a beautiful concert,” Denis said.

The WHS all-district choir participants include June Hanson, Avaree Utterback, Abigal Scallions, Kale Kienlen, Amelia Mitchell, Kadence Aagard, Lily Baldwin, Ivy Radabaugh, Annie Page, Edward Martinson, Hunter Ruffing, Corbin Yule, Kaden Ankeny-Davila, Jonathan Thomas, Thomas Nelson, Elijah Carver, and Skyler Green. The all-state choir students are Lily Baldwin, Elizabeth Durrant, and Thomas Nelson. The all-nw choir students are Lily Baldwin, Elizabeth Durrant, Kaden Ankeny-Davila, Thomas Nelson, Edward Martinson, and Skyler Green.

“For the past five years, I’ve really enjoyed working with students to produce beautiful Christmas music. It brings back a lot of memories from my high school choir days,” Tharp stated.

The WHS choir vision statement states, “Our vision is to provide all students, staff, parents,and community members with access to high quality musical experiences, and to equip our students with the skills necessary to pursue music in any capacity after graduation.”

Some more upcoming events are the WMS winter concert on December 16th, all-state music on January 18th, all-nw music on March 4-7th, and singing Valentines beginning on January 6th.

State Drama One Act Plays

Tin Woman

Photo A. Allen- WHS students Alayna Moore (center), Samrye Smart (left), Dani Madrid (bottom), and Collyn Ramirez (left) discuss a new character during the "Oz" by Don Zolidis dress rehearsal, Oct. 14, at WHS Little Theater.

In Sync in Motion

Photo A. Allen- WHS students Tanner Lowry, Dameon Wood (left), Zaili Young and Elizabeth Goble (right) brainstorm a play-within-a-play during rehearsal of the student-written production In Sync at the Little Theater.

Would You Like a Lollipop?

Photo A. Allen- Munchkin Mayor (Waylon Cauffman) offers Beth (Alayna Moore) a lollipop before she departs to meet the Wizard during the performance of "Oz" by Don Zolidis at WHS Little Theater.

State Journalism Recap

By Addison Seghetti

Staff Writer

Worland- On October 20th, 2025 he Yearbook class went to State Journalism to show their 2024-2025 yearbook.

At the event, they won 3A Best in Show, which is voted on by all of the schools' advisors. WHS Yearbook member Louise Bair won a $25 dollar gift card for winning an on-the-spot caption.

Bair said, “I wasn’t expecting to receive an award at State Journalism but, I’m really proud of myself for the accomplishment.” Congratulations to Louise Bair and the yearbook staff for their rewards at State Journalism.

Photo A Seghetti- On the spot caption winner Louise Bair stands and gives a smile.

The Road to National FFA

Photo T. Clark- Chief Washakie FFA members Dash Hart, Aspyn Hamilton, Lylah Geis, Tylee Clark, Kyston Rollema, and Laramie Trauntvein pose with FFA Advisor Grace Godfrey at the National FFA Convention in Indianappolis, Indianna.

Photos T. Clark- Kyston Rollema, Tylee Clark, Aspyn Hamilton, Laramie Trauntvein, Dash Hart, and Lylah Geis enjoyed fun tours at Fair Oaks Dairy (above) and a classy steak dinner (below) on their road trip to Indianappolis.

Photo T. Clark - Night Out - FFA Students pose in front of a steak house as they represent Worland HIgh School's Chief Washakie FFA Chapter at the National Convention.

Hard Hats - FFA students wear hard hats as they get on the job tours and training at a Dairy in Indianpolis, Ind.

Jack-O-Lantern - Students pose in front of giant jack-o-lanterns during a fall festival while out and about.

Tylee Clark

Staff Writer

Indianapolis- Six Chief Washakie FFA Members embarked on a week-long trek to Indianapolis, Indiana, to attend the FFA National Convention in October. The group included Advisor Grace Godfrey and students Lylah Geis, Tylee Clark, Laramie Trauntvein, Apsyn Hamilton, Kyston Rollema, and Dash Hart. The event took place in the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Along the way, they visited the Corn Palace in South Dakota, Plant Peddlers Greenhouse in Cresco, Iowa, Fair Oaks Dairy, Valero Ethanol Plant, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, all in Indiana.

Students found it fascinating to learn about the Speedway's history and to see the impressive list of winners who have raced there.

Rollema commented, “My favorite part of the trip was getting to go on the four tours: Plantpeddler, Fair Oaks Dairy, Valero Ethanol Plant, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. I was very excited to be a National Finalist [at the convention]. When I walked on stage, I thought for sure I was going to be in the top 5, but I was still very happy to receive 9th place.”

Rollema explained that he and Hart worked together on this project. Their project investigates the depth of weld penetration achieved using the four categories of Shielded Metal Arc Welding electrodes: Fast Fill, Fill Freeze, Fast Freeze, and Low Hydrogen.

Hart commented that he's been to Nationals three times, and he's been the treasurer all three years.

Hart said, “This year was great. We won 9th place in nationals for Power Structural and Technical Systems Division 6.” His favorite tours were the Indianapolis Speedway and Fair Oaks Dairy.

Godfrey commented, “I have been going to the National FFA Convention as a teacher since 1998. I have missed some years, when I moved to Worland, because we didn't qualify to go, and we would go every other year.

“I had a blast this year,” Godfrey continued. “Each year, I try to come up with different things for us to do or to tour so that if a person has been before, they are not seeing the same thing.

My favorite part of the trip was listening to the keynote speaker at the 1st general session of the convention. His name was A'ric Jackson, and I thought he had a really good message.

If we are fortunate enough to go next year, we will do the majority of our tour in the Louisville area, which would then include a mom and pop candy making shop, Louisville Slugger, and Churchill Downs.”

Trauntvein stated, “My favorite tour had to be the Valero ethanol plant. I found it really interesting that they use penicillin in each fermenting batch to protect the yeast from any infection. I thought that was pretty neat, and then the trip was incredible. It was a lifetime experience that I will never forget. It was really neat for me to think about how there were over 60,000 FFA members there, and we are all there for one reason, which is incredible to me.”

Chief Washakie earned 2 Star National Chapter honors, along with the following accomplishments:

9th place nationally in AgriScience PST Div 6- Hart and Rolema

Seven Worland students received Bronze National FFA Proficiency Awards for their hands-on learning and career development through their SAE projects:

Cayden Robertson – Agricultural Mechanics Design and Fabrication
Kyston Rollema – Equine Science (Placement)
Laramie Trauntvein – Veterinary Science
Owen Lungren – Grain Production
Reaghan Foss – Swine Production (Entrepreneurship)
Shayden McDonald – Agricultural Education
Zane Lentsch – Vegetable Production

In addition, 8 students represented Worland FFA on the national stage in the National FFA Agriscience Fair, showcasing original research projects across multiple scientific divisions:

Allie Stamatakos and Marlee Earl – Animal Systems, Division 4
Asael Vega and Beckett Tharp – Power, Structural, and Technical Systems, Division 4
Ava Tapia and Tylee Clark – Plant Systems, Division 4
Emma Glanz – Food Products and Processing Systems, Division 3
Laramie Trauntvein – Environmental and Natural Resources, Division 5

First Choir Concert of 2025

By Addison Seghetti

Staff Writer

Worland- The choir concert for both middle school and high school was held at the Worland Middle School auditorium on October 21, 2025. The groups featured in the program were Concert Choir, Treblesome Choir, Jazz Choir, and the new addition of Lad’s Choir.

Bella Beamer of the Concert Choir reflected, “It was pretty good. All four groups performed very well, and Mr. Dennis was proud of how we did.”

This is a great outlook for the choir program for the future, and the public looks forward to what Dennis and his amazing groups have in store for them next at the Christmas Concert.

Photo T. Decker- WHS Choir Director Connor Dennis introduces the Concert Choir in the Worland Middle School auditorium on October 21, 2025.

FBLA

Photo J. Tharp- FBLA member Taylar Mazet serves a warm drink to Keegan Scott at the new School Grounds coffee shop in the commons at WHS Wednesday morning.

By Ella Garcia

Staff Writer

Worland- The smell of freshly ground coffee just hits differently in so many ways. Not sure where to get some in the morning before school? Visit the new School Grounds coffee shop in the commons.The Worland chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) provides coffee and more thanks to Advisor Amy. Lamm and her FBLA students.

School Grounds started early this September providing students and teachers with a little pick-me-up before morning classes. They offer drinks such as lattes, chai, and London Fogs, as well as the famous Red Bull Spritzers favored by the Freshmen Class. Their drinks are tasty and affordable compared to other local vendors.

Lamm and her students have been working hard to make this coffee shop reach new heights. WHS sophomore Bella Beamer has been one of Lamm’s students who helped start up this year’s coffee shop, making drinks left and right for teachers and students..

Beamer affirms, “It’s stressful at times, but fun getting to make the coffees, and once you get the hang of how to make the coffees, it goes pretty smoothly.”

Students are taught how to make exceptional coffee and other assorted drinks for coffee-lovers out there. They enjoy what they do and make the morning start off great, one sip at a time. Just like a school needs Wi-Fi, many WHS teachers need coffee and are often the first in line in the morning.

“I’m so excited this project is finally off and running!” said WHS teacher Jessica Tharp. “It’s a great idea that brings a great atmosphere to our school. I’m impressed.”

Word about School Grounds is spreading fast, so be sure to arrive in plenty of time in the morning to get in line. The shop is open daily at 7:30 a.m.

FFA

Living with Gratitude

Photo J. Tharp- Chief Washakie FFA member Beckett Tharp, just out of the hospital after a near-death crash of his truck, talks with FFA Advisor Grace Godfrey and her husband Joe.

Lending a Helping Hand

Photo J. Tharp- Members of Chief Washakie FFA gather with smiles to help at a fundraising dinner in Hyattville for fellow member Beckett Tharp. Tharp fell asleep on his way to work and rolled his pickup. From left are Lylah Geis, Brynlee Roady, Bella Beamer, and Maclee Roady.

Eye on the Judge

Photo J. Tharp- Chief Washakie FFA member Zane Lentsch exhibits his market hog at the 2025 Washakie County Fair in July.

Photo H. Brooks - Beckett Tharp and his parents Kyle and Jessica prepare to leave the hospital after Tharp spent time recovering from his accident at Billings Clinic.

By Jacklynn Bozeman

Staff Writer

Worland- Beckett Tharp was in a car wreck on the morning of June 26th this year, Tharp, a junior at WHS, broke his neck in two places, back in five places, collar bone, shoulder blade, and some ribs when he fell asleep and rolled his pickup truck without wearing a seatbelt. He was life-flighted to Billings and spent a week in the hospital. Since then, he has had a nice and speedy recovery and is continuing with physical therapy. His goal is to get back to rodeo competitions soon.

A fundraising dinner was held in July to help pay for the hospital expenses, with the Chief Washakie FFA chapter helping with the dinner. FFA students are now starting the “Buckle Up With Beckett” movement to encourage seatbelt usage and save lives.

Beckett said he is so grateful for this amazing community and how much they did to help, he also said “I never get into a vehicle without putting on my seatbelt now.”

Tharp’s mom, teacher at WHS, said, “This has taught everyone a valuable lesson. I think it’s common in rural areas for people to not wear seatbelts. We’re so appreciative of our supportive community.”

According to FFA advisor Grace Godfrey, officers will be monitoring seatbelt usage before and after the campaign to see how well the message improves the habits of students and faculty around the campus. They also printed seatbelt stickers to hand out to students and staff to raise awareness. For stickers or more information, contact a Chief Washakie FFA member.

Chamber BBQ

WHS Choir Members Step Outside

Photo J. Tharp - WHS Choir members Elizabeth Durrant and Annie Page team up with WHS Director Connor Dennis, Naomi Durrant, Hillary Wall, and Joey Durrant to sing the National Anthem at the Annual Worland-Ten Sleep Chamber BBQ In August.

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