Riverton students share national FCCLA and speech-and-debate experiences; trustees praise leadership gains

Students from Riverton High School and surrounding district schools recounted recent national competitions Monday night, telling the Fremont County School District No. 25 Board of Trustees that the experiences expanded their leadership skills and opened college- and career-related opportunities.

Sasha Kenyon, identified as this year’s chapter president of Riverton FCCLA, said she placed third at nationals in a skill demonstration event and described the process: “I placed third at nationals for my skill demonstration, which is lesson plans, modifications, and development. I had to create 3 different lesson plans about a topic I chose... I was the only kid from Wyoming in all of the levels... to place top 3,” she told trustees. Kenyon added she won a gold at state and scored a 99 in the national skill demonstration.

Tessa Kenny, who told the board she serves as state and chapter vice president of public relations, described serving on the national nominating committee and representing Wyoming as a voting delegate: “I represented Wyoming as our singular voting delegate, which is called Alonzo, and I cast our vote for the 10 students to be elected on the National Executive Council,” she said. Other students, including Austin Strickland, Wiley Darr, Kelly Bradley and pairs Lily Apple Eve and Maddie Mayhew, described placements at state and national competitions, fundraising to attend nationals, and the social and professional benefits of the events.

Speech and debate students and sponsor Sam (Ms.) Pearson reported the speech and debate team traveled to Des Moines, Iowa, and are planning another trip to Virginia and Washington, D.C.; she said fundraising has already begun. Students in the speech and debate delegation emphasized the scale and competitiveness of nationals and noted skills gained. One student described competing in World Schools debate and the “invaluable” research, critical thinking and teamwork developed in the event.

Board members repeatedly praised the students and their sponsors. Trustee Lynette said, “I don't really have any questions, but I want to tell you how proud I am of you,” and added that the experience “will serve you later and in jobs.” Other trustees thanked sponsors and district staff who supported travel and outreach.

Why it matters: Students’ participation and placements at national-level competitions reflect extracurricular strength and student leadership development in the district. Trustees noted growth in FCCLA membership and national qualifiers from recent years and highlighted the role of sponsor teachers and district support in expanding opportunities.

Ending: Trustees encouraged ongoing fundraising and district support for national competition travel; the board noted plans to put student clubs and travel updates on future agendas as fundraising and planning continue.