Jolley receives ‘Dirty Jobs’ scholarship

The Big Horn County School District No. 1 Board of Trustees held its regular monthly meeting after a public comment session Thursday, Oct. 8.

The meeting began with recognition from the board.

Recent graduate Triffen Jolley received a scholarship from Mike Rowe, host of “Dirty Jobs.” The scholarship will cover Jolley’s tuition for a four-year electrical program or a trade program of his choice. The board congratulated Jolley.

Employees of the month were Kayla Honeyman, recognized as an outstanding intervention paraprofessional, and Sally Bernhisel, recognized for embracing her new role as middle and high school counselor with determination, dedication and a commitment to helping students and staff.

The board approved the employment of Gerry Burton as head middle school track coach and Talon Burton as assistant middle school track coach.

As part of its Strategic Framework Review, the board discussed the pillars of purpose, process and people. The components relate to public meetings and the district’s service to the public. For the next public comment session, scheduled for November 12 in Burlington, the board moved to adopt a more formal process. Speakers will state their names and address the board to speak for or against the four-day school week.

Superintendent Matthew Davidson reported that the Wyoming High School Activities Association board voted against a proposal to eliminate regional track meets in Wyoming. He also told trustees that the policy team has been heavily involved in developing screen-time guidelines.

“It is apparent that technology is embedded in our teaching and learning processes at every age and stage,” Davidson said. “Our goal is to use this teaching and learning tool productively and intentionally.” A formal policy may be some time away, but guidelines are being developed, he said.

WyomingChef is a new statewide cooking competition for Wyoming students in grades 5-12. Students will create an entree that could be adapted for a school meal program. Finalists will prepare their recipes at the state competition. Scholarships are $250 for students in grades 5-8 and $500 for students in grades 9-12.

The food services department is seeking interested students. Recipe submissions are due April 5, 2027. According to the department, teachers, family and consumer science and career and technical education instructors and other school staff members can help students develop their ideas.

The board also approved donations from T-Mobile and Pivotal Therapy. The meeting adjourned one hour after it began.