Hutchinson selected at 2015 Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom Educator of the Year

Evanston – Joni Hutchinson of Evanston has been teaching for 26 years. During her time as an educator, Hutchinson has provided countless students with the opportunity to learn about agriculture and natural resources in a fun and creative way.

In recognition of her work highlighting agriculture in the classroom, Hutchinson was selected as the 2015 Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom (WAIC) Educator of the Year.

“WAIC would like to congratulate Joni Hutchinson for being selected as 2015 Educator of the Year,” says Jessie Dafoe, executive director of WAIC.

As the art teacher at Mountain View’s K-8 school, Hutchinson has long utilized WAIC programs in her classroom.

“The Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom bookmark contest benefits all of the students who participate by teaching them that a lot of their food, clothes, water and energy for daily activities originate in Wyoming,” Hutchinson comments. “This learning activity is valuable because, as with most, it leaves a lasting impression on Wyoming students.”

From 2006-15, Hutchinson has taught 22 students who have received awards in the WAIC Bookmark Contest.

In recognition of her achievement, Hutchinson will receive a $5,000 check for her efforts in the classroom and encouragement for the following years to come. The check was presented during the 2015 Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame picnic, held Aug. 12 in Douglas.

“We’d like to thank Anadarko Petroleum, Wyoming Livestock Roundup and Mantha Phillips for their support of the WAIC Educator of the Year program,” adds Dafoe, “and congratulations to Ms. Hutchinson for this achievement.”