Mustang Musings

The month of May is busy with events and activities. It is rewarding and fun to see all of the successes and growth culminating with the end of the school year. As students and staff end one year and prepare for another year, it's a great time of reflection of some of the great things happening!

I would like to congratulate the WGHS Class of 2024 one more time. May you remember your roots as you find your wings!

WGSD principals and directors being recognized at the West Grand Board of Education May meeting for the profile trait "Foundation."

There was a whirlwind of happenings with college and career opportunities

Major happenings include:

1. On Monday, May 9, students from both East and West Grand attended a career fair with over 50 local businesses in attendance for students to connect with and learn about. Here is 2024 Career Fair SkyHi Article Link
2. 8th graders completed and presented their mini-capstones as part of their final project in middle school
3. Hosted KFFR during Teen Week

Seniors attending post secondary education or military completed a "pennant" signing.

Final College Pennant Board:

• Oregon Tech: Alejo Aguilar Pineiro, Lillian Hufford
• Brigham Young Idaho: Louisa , Will Parmenter
• U of Wyoming: Grace Wahl
• Kansas State: Ashlyn Eisenman
• Western Colorado: Erika Janssen
• Trinidad State: Morgan Lujan
• Colorado Mountain College: Ricardo Lopez Damas
• Colorado Northwestern CC : Makenzie Jackson
• Arapaho CC: Vincent Schenk
• US Navy: Damon Simmons

Senior Rachel Williams was the May Intern of the Month. She interned with the local radio station KFFR. Rachel was integral in the KFFR Teen week broadcast as seen here interviewing students.

Check out the entire KFFR Youth week broadcast: https://kffr.org/youth-week-2024/

As is a tradition, the Class of 2024 walked down the K8 hallways with the Kindergarten class, who is the WGHS Class of 2036. This is symbolizes the walk and journey of the K-12 educational experience!

On Saturday, May 25 West Grand High School celebrated the graduating Class of 2024!

There were 27 graduates that walked across the stage, earning their high school diploma. The commencement address was given by Mrs. Crystal Ratcliff. Speeches were also given by Salutatorian, Wendy Eller, and Valedictorian, Lillian Hufford.

We are proud of this class and wish them the best as they move on from West Grand.

For the second year in a row, West Grand hosted an 8th Grade Crossover Ceremony, marking the right of passage of the 8th grade class completing their education from WG Middle School and moving on to the WG High School.

Students were recognized for classroom, activity, and leadership characteristics and performances. The main speaker selected by the class was WG Teacher, Nellie Thomson. Student speakers included: Vivian Edson, Josslyn Etler, Devon Mahorney, ....

The girls and boys track team sent several athletes to the CHSAA State Track & Field meet. State qualifiers include:

BOYS

• Kai Edson: pole vault
• Joe Probst: 110 m hurdles, 100 m dash, 300 m hurdles
• Blake Terryberry: shot put

GIRLS

• Lillian Hufford: pole vault
• Sara Lechman: 100 m dash
• 4 x 100 m relay, 4 x 200 m relay, and 4 x 400 m relay: Sara Lechman, Mikaila Gifford, Taylor Martinson, Brooke James, Callie Freitag, and Jocelyn Holmes

State Placers:

1. Joe Probst -- State Champion, 110 m hurdles; 9th place, 300 m hurdles, 100 m dash
2. Sara Lechman, Mikaila Gifford, Taylor Martinson, Brooke James -- 4th place, Girls 4x200 m relay

Congratulations, Mustangs!

WGSD continues the tradition of giving back to the community through our Town Clean-up day. This year, the middle school staff and students walked around town to focus on trash clean up. The high school staff and students focused on various projects throughout the town including: Doc Ceriani clean-up, baseball fields and hockey rink clean-up, CSU Extension grounds work, and painting our skate park to name a few.

WGSD partnered with the Town of Kremmling to organize and carry out this service opportunity. We are grateful for our partnership and the opportunities we have to work together!

Students in grades K-5 got to all participate in different field day activities the last couple days of school. There were a lot of smiles, physical activity, and fun all around!

International Towne is where the middle school students learned about the global economy by holding a job in a country in International Towne. They also learned different exchange rates while on this field trip.

The fourth grade took a field trip to the state capital. They got to tour the capital building and learn about the history of Colorado and the state government.

During the spring months, the elementary grades had a reading challenge to read at least 20 minutes a day. Students were to log reading and then turn in their records each week. The winners of the spring reading challenge are Mrs. Drape class for grades K-2 and Mrs Thomson's for 3 grade-5th grade. The entire elementary school read 27, 968 minutes! Congratulations to the winners.

To celebrate their reading, the K5 had a literacy campout for the entire hallway the last week of school.

As is tradition, WGHS hosted their spring Academic and Scholarship Night. The night started off with various scholarship committees announcing and presenting student awardees of their scholarships. It's always a great way for other students and families to see the great community support we have for our students.

Following the scholarship announcements, the National Honor Society (NHS) held their induction ceremony for incoming members. Again, highlighting the importance and the honor of this society.

To finish off the evening, WGHS teachers and staff gave out student awards from the year, each noting different strengths and recognizing student achievements.

Last month, we shared the State FFA winners, but here are a few pictures:

Music students across the district showcased their skills and development this past spring with various concerts.

K-2 music classes, 3-5 music classes, and 6-12 Band students performed for full audiences. The music was great and the students shined!

A shout out to band director, Mr. Bowerly, as he took the WGHS stage for the last time as our band director. Mr. Bowerly is going to enjoy retirement and we wish him the best!

This year, a middle school music elective was to learn how to play the guitar. It was a great learning experience for all levels of musicians. The students learned, practice, and then performed for different groups around the school.

Both 1st grade classes completed animal books through research, creativity, and writing. One 1st grade class presented books to parents and the other class presented to other elementary classrooms. The students did a great job presenting and sharing their work!

A few more pictures around the district:

Enjoy the summer months.

Make sure you look into the many great activities happening throughout our community from other partners such as the Kremmling Chamber, Grand County Extension, and Grand County Library!