Degenfelder announces first cohort of Wyoming Patriot Schools

CHEYENNE (WNE) — Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder and the Wyoming Department of Education have announced the inaugural cohort of the Wyoming Patriot Schools Program.

Twelve schools statewide have met eight of the 13 criteria to be recognized as a Wyoming Patriot School.

This voluntary initiative was developed as part of Degenfelder’s civics and patriotism initiative and in collaboration with the WDE Citizenship Stakeholder Cabinet and the Wyoming Semiquincentennial Task Force. Participating schools are recognized for going above and beyond to foster civic engagement.

“Congratulations to the inaugural recipients of this award for setting a powerful standard of civics education across Wyoming,” Degenfelder said in a news release. “We live in the greatest country on Earth, and by instilling a deep appreciation for our nation’s history, constitutional principles and civic duties, these schools are preparing our students to be responsible, informed, patriotic leaders in the future.”

The Wyoming Patriot Schools include Sheridan High School, Cody High School, Cody Middle School, Guernsey Sunrise Schools, Laura Irwin Middle School in Basin, Saratoga Middle/High School, Rozet Elementary School, Henderson Elementary School in Cheyenne, Truman Elementary School in Green River, Riverside Middle/High School in Basin, Tongue River Middle School in Ranchester and H-E-M Junior/Senior High School in Hanna.

Schools must reapply each year to maintain recognition. Applications will be open from August to September each year and will be recognized on Veterans Day. Schools interested in participating can visit tinyurl.com/wyo-patriot- schools and download the guidebook to begin preparing.

This story was published on Nov. 12, 2026. 

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