Wiley named teacher of year

Although the school year has been an odd one to say the least, the Hot Springs County School District still took the time to honor parents and staff as well as announce the Teacher of the Year for 2020 via their webpage.

Throughout the year, the district names four Champions for Children based on nominations with the final, Teacher of the Year, named by a select committee.

The four candidates and Champions for Children this year were Mary McGillivray, Carrie Ryan, Cassie Hetzel and Lyle Wiley.

Wiley was finally named the Teacher of the Year last week.

Superintendent Dustin Hunt said, “He has revitalized the school paper, put together the yearbook, co-coached the speech and debate team to a state championship, all while instructing students in Language Arts to ensure they’re prepared for their future.

“His humble approach and kids first attitude cemented him as a quality educator. His contributions to the district, the community, the school and especially the students is exemplary.”

Wiley will now move forward to compete for the Wyoming Teacher of the Year honors.

Wiley shared the following on Facebook, thanking those who shared kind words, encouragement and helped him celebrate, even though it was not in person.

“Thank you all so very much,” he said. “This year has been a tough one, but I’m so thankful to work with the most amazing and wonderful group of educators at Hot Springs County High School and in HSCSD#1. All of these educators deserve the love and appreciation that has been showered on me.

“Mary McGillivray, Cassie Hetzel and Carrie Ryan are outstanding educators and people with whom I am honored to simply be mention in the same breath.

“Don’t even get me started on the students! All students that I have ever been blessed to have in the classroom are persevering, thoughtful humans full of energy, passions and heart and they are all the reasons that we all work so hard as educators.

“I won’t ever stop doing my best to be a servant to our students and this community, and I feel only optimism about the direction of our district and especially the high school.”

Others who were honored by the district include Power Parents Jessyca Rodriguez and Greg Willson, Cool Cats Hannah Varner and Brenda Cornwell, and the Super Substitute, Linda McCumber.

Three folks are retiring from the district this year and will receive a leaf on the Tree of Knowledge in the auditorium for their service. Retiring are Ellen Henke who has given 28 years to the district, Connie Dickinson after 22 years and Tammy Redland who has served the district for 19 years.