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Academics For All, Sheridan, Wyoming (2026)

06/17/2026

The Academics for All Committee would like to congratulate this week's Summit Award winner, Caitlyn Brown. Brown is an amazing young lady who excels in academics and loves the outdoors, specifically, hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and dirt biking. Time spent in the great outdoors clears her mind and helps her focus on priorities. She is the daughter of Katarina and Carson Brown.
Brown’s commitment to excellence is reflected in her 4.25 GPA and in being a member of the National Honor Society. While attending Sheridan High School (SHS) she has taken full advantage of being involved in extra-curricular activities and classes to prepare for the next phase of life. She attributes the Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization as being a huge contributor to her success and for exposing her to leadership skills that will assist her in future endeavors.
Agriculture and math are Brown’s favorite subjects. Brown noted she has always been good with numbers and naturally has a math brain. SHS math teacher, Mr. Gale Smith, was Brown’s teacher for three years at SHS and helped deepen her passion for math and numbers. Mr. Smith praised Brown as a very engaged student and noted, “Caitlyn is one of the most dependable and genuine students I’ve had in my 31 years of teaching. She consistently does the right thing, treats others with respect, and sets a great example in and out of the classroom. In my advanced math classes, she is always willing to help others and does so in a way that is patient and respectful. She’s the kind of student you can trust completely, and her character is a big reason she is so deserving of the Summit Award.”
Agriculture is also a top interest of Brown. She initially got involved in FFA when attending Sheridan middle school. As a freshman, Brown took the Vocational Agriculture class which further validated her desire to be involved in FFA. During her senior year, she has served as the Treasurer of the SHS John B. Kendrick Chapter. In Brown’s view, “FFA gave me a place to be myself, pursue my dreams, and teach me crucial life skills. FFA has pushed me to go outside of my comfort zone, which has let me achieve things that I didn’t think I could.” Brown competed at the FFA State level in the following events developing valuable skills: freshman - horse evaluation; sophomore - ag mechanics and horse evaluation; junior - ag mechanics and ag sales; and senior - ag sales.
Ms. Chaney Beyer, SHS Agriculture Teacher and John B. Kendrick FFA Advisor, noted, “Caitlyn consistently demonstrates initiative, reliability, and exceptional attention to detail. When assigned responsibilities, she completes them thoroughly and efficiently, frequently arriving early and remaining until tasks are finished. Academically, Caitlyn couples a rigorous course load with strong academic performance, reflecting the pride she takes in her work. She approaches challenges with grit, determination, and sustained focus. These qualities, together with her confident and professional communication, equip her to build productive relationships across teams and with external partners.”
When asked about special role models in her life, Brown quickly recognized her parents. Specifically, she noted her dad has taught her a strong work ethic with his dedication to his business, Carson’s Home Appliance. Additionally, her mom has always been there for her in all circumstances. SHS retired agriculture teacher, Ward Cotton, was also instrumental in sparking Brown’s interest in FFA which has become a vital part of her life.
To round out Brown’s involvement, she volunteers at Kendrick Manson and works part-time at her father’s business, Carson’s Home Appliance. Volunteering at Kenrick Mansion provides an opportunity to learn and share the history of the Kendrick family and Sheridan with others. While working at Carson’s Home Appliance, she has observed patience, work ethic and learned how to fix appliances. Brown noted that it is gratifying to help others and is an independent feeling to be able to fix things on your own.
Brown has a bright future ahead as she is on track to receive an associate’s degree in business with an accounting certificate at Sheridan College in May 2027. After this accomplishment, her plan is to obtain her bachelor’s degree in business. She is the recipient of the following scholarships: Above and Beyond; Hathaway, and the Agnes Greisen Memorial Scholarship. Brown is planning to pursue a career in the financial industry as a financial advisor or loan officer.

06/17/2026

Our summit Award recipient this week is Rosa Lepe-Sanchez. Lepe-Sanchez, is a bilingual student, speaking fluent Spanish and English. She said, “I use my bilingualism to help others in my community and advance my education”. She has taken five Advanced Placement classes. These classes include: U S Government, Chemistry, Calculus, Psychology, Spanish, and Cultural Anthropology, for dual enrollment.
Her favorite classes, during high school, have been We the People, taught by Mr. Michael Thomas and Conversational Spanish class with Sr. Rafa Escoto. She said that Escotos’s class was “fun and very productive”. She nominated Thomas, as her outstanding teacher. Thomas and his class, have had a profound impact on Lepe-Sanchez. We the People, “was “challenging”. I don’t believe that I have ever had a teacher that has been so passionate & knowledgeable about the contents of their class. Overall, his class gave me a new perspective on how to view government and I developed beneficial habits that will positively impact my future.” She continued,
“I now understand how important individual participation really is and I know I can make a difference in my community”. “…my We the People class, it not only pushed me to become better at public speaking, but it also put into perspective how much control I have in my own learning and outcomes.”

When asked about Lepe-Sanchez, Thomas, said the following: "During her time on the We the People team, Rosa consistently distinguished herself through her strong work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to excellence.
Rosa helped our We the People team win the state competition and earn a chance to represent Wyoming at the National Finals in Washington D.C. In addition to her academic strengths, Rosa possesses strong character. She is disciplined, responsible, and deeply motivated to succeed, qualities that will serve her well in higher education and beyond."
Advanced education is definitely in Lepe-Sanchez's future. She is deciding between the University of Nebraska, at Lincoln and the University of Wyoming, in Laramie for her undergraduate degree. The University of Wyoming is in the lead. Lepe-Sanchez, intends on majoring in Occupational Rehab Therapy. She wants to help children and elderly recover mentally.
She has worked at La Herradura, Mexican Restaurant. She has worked different at the restaurant in several capacities. The many skills that she learned have and will serve her well. She explains she was very shy when she began to hostess. She credits working this position as having helped her overcome her shyness.
Besides her academics and work, she has been involved in Student council all 4 years. She is the Student Counsel Senior Vice President. She has also been a math tutor for English as a second language, participated in track, and Girls Run Club.

Some of Lepe-Sanchez’s’ best memories are of her friend group. She says they are very supportive, positive, and cheer each other on. Her words of wisdom for the underclassmen of Sheridan High is: “when overwhelmed, focus on the moment and the positives. Work hard, stay balanced, branch out and meet new people."

05/17/2026

Academics for All is pleased to name Alivia Denzin as a Summit Award winner. Denzin, daughter of Maggie Bergstrom, is an excellent student with a weighted GPA of 4.125. Her high school resume includes a variety of advanced, dual and concurrent enrollment, and AP classes. Additionally, she completed internships in radiology and pediatric medicine. She is active in Student Council and Interact Club, a student branch of Rotary dedicated to community service. Denzin served as Miss Wyoming’s Teen, competing at the national level in the Miss America’s Teen pageant. Also, she dances competitively, a sport she describes as “having no off season.”
Denzin’s nominee for the Outstanding Educator award is Sheridan High School English teacher Claire Ge**er. Denzin appreciates Ge**er’s passion for education that “ensures each student learns to the best of their ability” as well as teaching methods that “make literature exciting and motivate active engagement.” Ge**er writes, “I am so impressed with Alivia. She's kind, talented, and has worked hard toward achieving some impressive goals. I had her as a 10th grader, in a college writing class in the fall, and now in a literature class; it’s been fun to see her grow as a student as well as a writer and speaker. In class, I appreciate her diligence and thoughtful contributions. I have the utmost confidence that she will go on to do great things.”
Additionally, Denzin names Erin Osborne, math teacher at Sheridan High School, as another significant mentor during her high school career. Osborne relates that “Alivia handles the rigors of high-level academics, competitive dance, and the responsibilities of Miss Teen Wyoming with a maturity well beyond her years. In AP Statistics, she pursues deep understanding of the concepts. As my student aide, she needs no oversight in the tasks I ask her to complete. She absolutely eases my work load with consistent integrity. She leads with both excellence and character, and I am incredibly proud to see her honored with the Summit Award.”
Denzin plans to pursue a degree in nursing with the ultimate goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner. After graduating from SHS, she will attend the University of Alabama. Denzin’s role as Miss Wyoming’s Teen and the relationships she formed through competing in the Miss America’s Teen pageant gave her the platform on which to work towards bringing awareness and assistance to the issue of veteran mental health, an issue she speaks passionately about. Denzin credits her mother and grandmother as her strongest advocates, exhibiting “kindness, resilience, and unconditional love” while encouraging her to strive for excellence as she navigates challenges. Denzin describes her motivation as “deeply rooted in a passion for helping others and becoming a compassionate individual committed to making a positive impact in my community and beyond, contributing meaningfully to the lives of others.”

05/11/2026

Look at the roster of the Sheridan American Legion Baseball’s Troopers and you will find this week’s Summit Award winner, Gunnar Lamb. With years of experience on the field, this outstanding ballplayer eagerly anticipates the change in calendar from winter to spring into summer. Lamb attributes many skills learned as a team player for instilling confidence in his approach to sports, school and family life.

As a senior at Sheridan High School, Lamb’s weighted GPA of 4.2 demonstrates his attention to studying and the attainment of knowledge. He has availed himself of a variety of dual enrollment courses through Sheridan College as well as AP pre-calculus, AP psychology, and AP environmental science. He recognizes the teachers as Sheridan High School for being outstanding and always available to provide assistance when needed.

In his junior year, Lamb became a member of the inaugural group of students in the SHS Essential Photovoice Club. This club, which meets weekly through the spring semester, uses themed photography to help participants document and reflect on their lived experiences, while also providing a meaningful way to share their challenges and strengths. The participants are broken into small groups of five, each with a facilitator to help focus the dialog and support the students.

According to Lamb, “Essential Photovoice brought us together and connected us in ways I couldn’t imagine. I learned about lives very different from my own.” Coordinator, Julie Greer, from the Center for a Vital Community, praised Lamb for his courage to “jump in on this new, outside the box venture. Gunnar shared openly, asked thoughtful questions of his peers and was very reflective.” Greer continues, “Gunnar has continued his participation by serving as a student facilitator this year. He works each week to be prepared and is encouraging of his small group’s contributions. In both years, he has given wholeheartedly of himself.”

As a captain of his Sheridan Troopers team, Lamb has received recognition as 2nd team All State two years running. Their team goal this year is to win a state championship after falling to the Gillette Riders in the championship game last year. Lamb praises coach Austin Cowen for leading their team not only in baseball knowledge, but for imparting valuable life lessons. “Coach Cowen believes in teammates before yourself and learning to be outstanding people outside of baseball, lessons we apply in baseball and in life,” according to Lamb.

In reflecting on Lamb, Cowen states, “It has been a pleasure coaching Gunnar over the past several years. Throughout our time together I have seen tremendous growth in Gunnar and he has taken so many huge steps to becoming a better man. He has been so consistent for us and has learned from past miscues to allow himself to grow not only as a player but as a person. I am so proud of how far he has come and look forward to seeing what big things he accomplishes in the future.”

Yearly volunteer opportunities for Lamb occur during the annual Sheridan American Legion Trooper camp for young players. Additionally, Lamb and his teammates help with the YMCA Youth Baseball League. These young men serve as coaches and mentors to aspiring young players.

A big thank you from Lamb goes out to his parents, Scott and Kim Lamb, and sisters Carson, Hayden, and Ashley. Their attendance at games and events is greatly appreciated by Lamb. Their support and closeness as a family encourage Lamb to be his best in school and baseball.

Lamb is currently examining his choices for post high school. Continuation of baseball at the collegiate level is one of his options and one he is most interested in pursuing. An additional option is enrollment at the University of Montana. Wherever his options take him, he plans to study finance for a degree in accounting. For now, his sight is focused on the baseball diamond and to hit it out of the park with his Trooper teammates.

05/03/2026

Academics for All is pleased to recognize and honor Olivia Hardesty as this week’s Summit Award finalist. Hardesty is the daughter of Natalie and Jared Hardesty.
Academically, Hardesty maintains a weighted GPA of 4.306 while taking numerous challenging classes including five AP courses and several dual enrollment and college courses. Hardesty named both math and English as her favorite subjects.
Her academic success is explained by math instructor Camille Dudrey, “Olivia is always smiling and working hard. She is taking five AP classes and does well in all of them while also balancing work and extracurricular activities. She is willing to go the extra mile to truly understands the content and is committed to doing her best in every class. …While getting to know Olivia, I see that she is a great friend, stays true to herself, and is extremely driven. Our conversations frequently go beyond academics to life, books and movies. I am excited about her goal of attending the Air Force Academy, as is she! Olivia dreams big, lives loud, loves science fiction movies, and has the work ethic and attitude to accomplish anything se sets her mind to!”
An outstanding athlete, Hardesty has participated in multiple sports at Sheridan High School. “Track is a very huge part of my life, and I have been quite successful. I am a three time all state, all conference, indoor 2023 state team champion, outdoor 2024 team state champion and am a school record holder in indoor 4x400, outdoor 4x400, 4x100, indoor 4x200, 60-meter dash, and sprint medley. These results have not come easily, many hours have been dedicated to improving each detail of my form or fitness.”
Coach Taylor Kelting comments that he had the privilege of teaching and coaching Hardesty since she was a sixth grader at Sheridan Junior High. “Olivia has always been a hard worker –a trait she developed early on from her parents. Everything she accomplished is a direct result of her strong work ethic. She is also an excellent listener and a true technician with her skills, both on and off the track. She can process instruction quickly and then go out and execute it with purpose. Over time, Olivia has grown into a great leader and a phenomenal teammate. She leads by example, but she is also a strong motivator to both her teammates and classmates. Her attitude, dedication, and leadership make her a pleasure to coach.”
In addition to being a superior student and talented athlete, Hardesty is a four-year member of student council, serving as class vice president her freshman, sophomore and junior years and class president as a senior. She is also a member of National Honor Society and participated in We the People.
Michael Thomas is Hardesty’s nominee for outstanding educator describing him as someone who has a huge passion for helping his students. He was my We the People coach last year and he did an incredible job, and it was obvious to all my teammates how much he really cared. He made sure to devote time to thoroughly explain and help the student understand.” According to Thomas, “Olivia exemplifies the qualities this award seeks to recognize –academic excellence, leadership, integrity, and a genuine commitment to bettering her school and community. What truly distinguishes Olivia, however, is her heart for service. She has volunteered extensively through the Jae Foundation Wyoming Teen Outreach Team, where she helps organize events and fundraisers focused on su***de prevention and youth mental health awareness. She also gives back locally, assisting with junior high track meets and participating in community clean-up efforts.”
Hardesty has had multiple work experiences during high school. She has been a hostess at LaHerradura for four years, a server at Perkins and worked as a shipping and receiving clerk and cashier at Kings Saddlery.
This outstanding young lady will no doubt find success as she enters the Air Force Academy following graduation.

04/26/2026

Academics for All is pleased to honor Cameron Sulz, son of Kim and Chris, as this week’s Summit Award finalist. Sulz is an avid volunteer in our community, participates in the marching and jazz bands, and was a member of the 2025 State Champion We the People team. Throughout his educational career, Sulz has taken numerous Advanced Placement classes and college level courses, including US History, Pre Calculus and Calculus, US Government, and Physics - all while maintaining an outstanding 4.0 GPA.
Of his high school experience, Sulz says, “SHS has helped me prepare for the necessary rigor of coursework I have in my future. SHS has offered me the chance to take many different college classes through Sheridan College. This has been incredibly valuable to me as I have already achieved over a semester's worth of college credits.” He names Mrs. Garnhart, SHS teacher, as an Outstanding Educator. “She is a teacher who truly cares about her students. She employs a sense of familiarity with her students to ensure that they feel comfortable in her class environment.” Garnhart thinks highly of Sulz, as well, saying, “Cameron Sulz is an outstanding young man who represents the Broncs of SHS with pride and integrity. He is a kind, welcoming presence in the halls. Cameron is a strong leader within our music department and has also distinguished himself as a leader in our speech and debate program.”
Sulz says his faith inspires him to continually work at self-improvement and quotes C.S. Lewis: “Courage is not simply one of the virtues but the form of every virtue at the testing point, which means at the point of highest reality.” Sulz states that his greatest time of growth has come when he had the courage to face his own insecurities. One of the places he lacked confidence was in public speaking, so he joined the Speech and Debate club! He felt he lacked political philosophy, so he enrolled in AP US Government and Politics and joined the We the People team! He has enjoyed many successes in both endeavors, including winning the Wyoming state competition for We the People and traveling to Washington, DC to compete in the national event.
Through his junior and senior year, Sulz has spent time visiting with the elderly at Westview. He thoroughly enjoys the chance to make real connections with those he visits. He says, “it fills my heart seeing the joy that I can bring.”
Sulz enjoys reading and names Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings series as a favorite. “Samwise Gamgee, through little acts of courage and kindness, brought about greatness and so can each and every one of us.” Sulz has embraced this concept and states “I have found joy in simple acts such as shoveling a neighbor’s yard, seemingly insignificant, but has continually blessed my life and those around me.”
Sulz says Computer Programming is his favorite subject. “My mother is the one who got me interested in science as a whole. Early in elementary school I was introduced to coding on the Scratch programming site. From there, I spent hours when I was much younger creating all sorts of games.” Surely, this foundation will drive his desire to pursue a degree in computer science at Brigham Young University, after he completes a mission to Boston for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Along with the rich experiences provided by SHS and his motivation to remain a life-long learner, we are sure Sulz will achieve many successes.

04/19/2026

Academics for All is pleased to announce Kayley Alicke as a Summit Award winner. Alicke, daughter of Falk and Libby Alicke, is an excellent student, outstanding athlete, and a fierce competitor. Alicke’s high school coursework has included AP, dual and concurrent enrollment, and advanced classes. She has a weighted GPA of 4.196. Alicke plans to attend college and major in business; she is considering a possible focus in marketing. Alicke has not determined where she will attend college at this time, as she is still deciding whether she will compete in Nordic skiing at the collegiate level. She competed on the cross-country and Nordic skiing teams for her entire high school career, commenting that both sports require year-round training with no “off-season.” Alicke received state honors in track and cross country and is one of only three girls in Sheridan High School Cross-Country history to achieve All-State honors every year at the state cross-country meet. Additionally, Alicke earned state championships her junior and senior years in Nordic skiing, as well as qualifying for the Junior Nationals multiple times.
Alicke named Sheridan High School science teacher Lyndsay Groteluschen for the Outstanding Educator award because of her positive attitude, teaching style, and welcoming of student questions. Groteluschen said of Alicke, “I had the privilege of teaching Kayley in both general chemistry and conceptual physics, and she is a very hard-working student. She has a very positive and upbeat attitude, and her work ethic was always something to be admired. Kayley accomplished high levels of success both in the classroom and out, and it was really fun to watch her excel at whatever she set her mind to. She brings a quiet consistency wherever she goes, and I could always count on her to be a steady lab partner and subtle class leader. There is no doubt in my mind that Kayley will go on to accomplish great things.”
Additionally, Alicke identified Art Baures, cross-country coach and retired Social Studies teacher from Sheridan High School, as a significant mentor during her high school career. Baures remarked of Alicke that, “Kayley represents the best in what a student athlete should aspire to be at Sheridan High School. Her dedication and efforts in the classroom and her activities are phenomenal, and she has a love for what she does in both venues. I have always been impressed with how she plans and brings her best efforts into her endeavors.”
Baures went on to say that, “Kayley is wonderful to work with because she has a positive attitude, and her work ethic is always at the highest level possible. In addition, she has a great rapport with her teachers, classmates, and teammates at Sheridan High School. As a coach, I have enjoyed working with her because she has a quiet determination that serves as an example to everyone around her on the SHS Cross Country Team as well as the SHS Nordic Ski Team.”
Baures concluded his comments saying, “It is exciting to think about Kayley’s inevitable success in college and beyond because she has very few limitations and will be an asset to any organization or community that she chooses to join. I am impressed with all of her accomplishments, and I am proud to have worked with Kayley as a coach and teacher. We will miss her at Sheridan High School, but we are so optimistic about her future.”
Alicke is an extremely self-motivated student and athlete. She enjoys the setting of goals and the efforts of reaching them. Also, staying calm under pressure is key for her. However, paramount for Alicke is a lesson she learned during the high-pressure situations that she experiences as a competitive athlete and that she continually strives to implement. Alicke endeavors to keep her focus on the reality that her identity should not be based on a “single moment or circumstance” of earning an achievement or award. Instead, Alicke prioritizes finding growth and purpose in setting and working toward goals yet also maintaining balance in her life between school, sports, relationships, and faith.

04/12/2026

Theodore “Ted” Keegan has built a high school career defined by intellectual curiosity, artistic passion, and a deep commitment to leadership—both on stage and in school. Through a rigorous academic schedule, extensive involvement in theater and civic programs, and a strong support system, Keegan embodies the qualities of integrity, character, and drive earning a 4.25 GPA.
Throughout his journey, Keegan has been supported by his family, including his father Josh Keegan, stepmother Jennifer Keegan, and mother Chelsey Auch, all of whom have played important roles in encouraging his success.
Academically, Keegan has challenged himself with Advanced Placement and college-level coursework, while also immersing himself in a wide range of extracurricular activities. He has been especially active in Drama Club, Spanish Club, and the We the People program, where he has demonstrated both leadership and a passion for civic engagement. His ability to balance these commitments reflects a disciplined work ethic and a genuine enthusiasm for learning.
A defining influence in Keegan’s life has been his father’s pursuit of higher education. Growing up, daily conversations about complex ideas—often drawn from his father’s nursing textbooks—instilled in him a love of learning. “Learning was always part of our everyday life,” Keegan shared, noting that this environment motivated him to pursue rigorous coursework and strive for excellence.
Equally impactful is Keegan’s role as the oldest of nine siblings. This unique perspective has shaped not only his worldview but also his aspirations. He is driven to set an example, showing his younger siblings that achievement through education, extracurricular involvement, and goal-setting is within reach. “The world I want for them shapes the world I want to help create,” he explained.
His passion for theater has been a central part of his high school journey. He nominated Grace Cannon-Wallace for the Outstanding Educator award, citing her dedication, leadership in theater, and unwavering personal support stating, “Grace is the most dedicated, passionate educator I have ever interacted with. The Fall Drama program has flourished under her leadership. Her guidance has informed much of my personal growth and pursuits in life.”
Cannon-Wallace shared that Keegan has contributed as a playwright, dramaturg, actor, director, and crew member, demonstrating both versatility and dedication. “Ted is a truly remarkable and delightful student! I am routinely astounded by his depth of knowledge and the heights of his passion. It has been a tremendous pleasure to work with Ted on various theater projects. I have learned so much from him and his joyful approach to leadership.”
Keegan credits a wide network of mentors and educators for his success, including several SDCD2 educators, Cannon-Wallace, AJ Longhurst, Melissa Suchor, and Dimitri Dugal, all of whom have guided and inspired his work in the classroom and on stage.
His achievements reflect both his dedication and talent. Keegan earned the Trustees Scholarship from the University of Wyoming and was awarded the Seal of Biliteracy with Advanced Distinction. In theater, he received All-State honors and qualified for the International Thespian Festival in playwriting, monologue, and duet acting—an accomplishment that will take him to competition this June.
In the classroom, Keegan’s intellectual engagement has set him apart. He discovered new skills and perspectives while participating in We The People, referring to the program as the most impactful experience of high school. “The skills and lessons I have taken away from that year in leadership, communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution will stay with me forever.”
SHS We The People instructor Michael Thomas shared, “I can say with confidence that Keegan is one of the most dedicated, insightful, and capable students I have encountered.” Thomas also noted that Keegan’s thoughtful questions, diverse perspectives and ability to challenge assumptions elevated classroom discussions and contributed to the team earning the Unit One Award at the national competition in Washington, DC.
Looking ahead, Keegan plans to pursue a degree in theater, potentially alongside Spanish, combining his artistic and academic interests. While he is still considering his final college decision, he is currently leaning toward the University of Wyoming, with additional applications pending.
With his impressive academic achievements, creative talents, and strong convictions, Keegan not only excels but also inspires and challenges those around him creating a lasting impact.

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