Show summary Hide summary
Laramie County School District 1 has named two staffers its 2026 Educational Support Persons of the Year, spotlighting the vital, behind-the-scenes work that keeps classrooms running and students connected to learning. The honors recognize both hands-on student support in the classroom and districtwide efforts to expand access through technology.
The award program, known locally as the ESPYs, divides recognition into two streams: one for employees whose primary duties are student-facing and another for staff who bolster the district through specialized services.
Winners and what set them apart
Bridget Whiteman, a paraeducator at Dildine Elementary, received the Student Support award. Nominators pointed to her steady presence in the classroom, her ability to form meaningful connections with pupils and colleagues, and a consistent focus on helping students meet academic and social goals.
Detroit launches supervised youth hubs after spike in unsanctioned teen gatherings
Longevity influencer adopts extreme daily habits: experts weigh risks and benefits
Lucas Finch, LCSD1’s special services technology facilitator, took the District Support honor. His nomination emphasized a talent for creating and troubleshooting assistive systems that help students with diverse needs engage more fully with instruction and school life.
| Award | Recipient | Role | Reason cited |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Support | Bridget Whiteman | Paraeducator, Dildine Elementary | Consistent classroom support, strong student rapport, inclusive approach |
| District Support | Lucas Finch | Special Services Technology Facilitator | Development and maintenance of assistive technology, problem solving |
Finalists and the field
Whiteman and Finch were chosen from five finalists. The other three finalists were:
- Tracy Peden, secretary at Arp Elementary
- Jill Hammack, paraeducator at Freedom Elementary
- Amanda Wolff, paraeducator at Sunrise Elementary
The selections were drawn from a broad slate of roughly 45 nominations representing secretaries, paraeducators, specialists and other classified staff across the district.
District officials said the ESPY program highlights employees whose daily work may not be visible to the public but has measurable effects on student experience and program quality.
Why this matters now
Recognizing support staff underscores two practical points for families and educators: stronger classroom relationships help student engagement, and investments in assistive technology can remove barriers to participation. For rural and small-district communities, retaining skilled support personnel is a direct contributor to student success.
Selection committees emphasized qualities that matter in school support roles: reliability, initiative, collaborative skill and a commitment to inclusion. Those traits translate into fewer disruptions, faster problem resolution and more equitable access to learning.
The LCSD1 Board of Trustees will formally acknowledge the winners and nominees at its meeting on May 4. For parents and community members, the recognition signals the district’s attention to both day-to-day classroom care and the technical systems that help students learn.
