Natrona County School District honors language teacher of the year and NCHS Thespian state champions

Randall Bauer introduced Catherine Behnke as the Wyoming Association of Language Teachers teacher of the year and told the Natrona County School District #1 Board she expects Behnke to advance to regional and national competition.

Behnke told the board she teaches Spanish at CY Middle School and that her master’s degree from the University of Salamanca shaped her instruction. “When I talk to somebody in Spanish long enough, I will go into the Barcelona lisp,” she said, adding that she teaches a “standard” or textbook Spanish intended to be widely understood.

The board also celebrated Natrona County High School’s International Thespian Troupe No. 1 as state champions. A presenter noted the troupe’s long history — the first troupe was founded at Natrona County High School in 1929 — and singled out the high school’s performing-arts program led by Zach Schneider and Ryan Landman for its contribution.

A theater representative described the structure of the Wyoming State Thespian Festival and listed student winners in individual and technical categories, noting several perfect scores and honors. Student awardees named included Kevin Cousineau, Olivia Stevens, Orion Tonoco, Lainie Chienever, Chance Harmon, Aliyah Booth, Kai Clark, Liliana Griffin and August Schneider, among others. The presenter said Olivia Stevens received a perfect score in theater marketing and that the troupe’s arena play, directed by Ryan Landman, won first place.

The troupe announced upcoming, free performances of the musical "Alice by Heart," scheduled for Feb. 26–Mar. 7; trustees encouraged the public to attend.

The recognitions were followed by applause and brief trustee remarks praising both the teacher and theater students.