Laramie County honors spelling bee champions and East High track state winners

The Laramie County School District 1 Board of Trustees meeting on April 7, 2025, celebrated the remarkable achievements of local students in various academic and athletic competitions, highlighting the dedication and talent present in the community.

One of the standout moments of the evening was the recognition of the top five winners of the 2025 Laramie County Spelling Bee. ELA Coordinator Shannon Brooks praised the students for their hard work, noting that they competed against 212 peers from 19 schools. The winners included Monica Netburn in first place, Blake Winter in second, and Henry Wright in third, with all participants demonstrating exceptional commitment, especially as three of them also placed in the state spelling bee.

The meeting also honored the East High School indoor track champions, including DJ, who won the high jump with a personal record of 6 feet 4 inches, and Maggie, who excelled in the 1,600 and 3,200-meter races. Coaches highlighted the challenges these athletes faced, training in hallways and enduring harsh weather conditions, yet their perseverance led to significant accomplishments.

Wrestling champions from East High School were recognized next, with Liam Fox celebrated as a four-time state champion, a rare achievement in Wyoming. His teammate Kozat, a sophomore, also earned a state title, showcasing the strength of the wrestling program.

Central High School's achievements were equally impressive, with the girls' cross country team winning the state championship by a narrow margin, thanks to the efforts of dedicated runners who overcame challenges throughout the season. The Central boys' swim and dive team was also acknowledged, particularly diver Brady, who is nationally ranked and has set multiple pool records.

The evening concluded with the recognition of the Central High School girls' basketball team, who achieved a historic 25-2 record and dominated the state tournament, winning the championship with remarkable performances.

These recognitions not only celebrate individual and team successes but also reflect the strong support from families and the community, emphasizing the importance of dedication and teamwork in achieving excellence. The board's acknowledgment of these accomplishments serves to inspire other students and reinforce the value of hard work and commitment in both academics and athletics.