Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Lyhra Plepler and Konner Ellis drive laps around a course at the Worland Community Center, and the goggles that they wore to simulate drunk driving made avoiding cones quite the challenge. This exercise was part of the 'Choices that Matter' event for Worland Middle School students on May 1.
Worland Firefighter Tyler Lindley demonstrates one use of the jaws of life by ripping off a car door during a demonstration at the Worland Community Center for the 'Choices that Matter' event on May 1.
In a community-wide effort to prepare Worland Middle School eighth grade students for entering high school, the school hosted the annual, Choices That Matter, on May 1.
In a previous interview with the Northern Wyoming News, Worland Middle School counselor and Choices That Matter organizer Danielle Warren said the event is an opportunity for students to learn about how their behaviors and actions can have significant impacts on their future.
"The point is that students would understand that the choices they make now, could affect their future [...] All of the stations that they go to are geared towards making better life choices and understanding the impact that our choices have on others and ourselves," said Warren.
Throughout the day, students met with a variety of organizations, and learned about topics such as health and safety in relationships and distracted driving along with the consequences.
Following the event, Warren said she greatly appreciates the help they receive with the event from the community, including participating individuals and organizations.
"Thank you for being such an awesome community, Worland, because without you, this wouldn't have been possible," said Warren.
Warren especially wanted to thank the Worland Community Center for continually allowing them to use the space for the event and Pete Smet Recycling for donating a vehicle to the event every year.
Warren said she got comments from the students on the event as well.
"This was one of my favorite days in middle school. I have learned a lot about grounding techniques and sexually transmitted diseases. One of my favorite parts of the day was when I got to go rock climbing on the bleachers. It was a fun day, and I will remember this probably forever," said student Dameon Wood.
"I loved how nice everyone was and learning new things. It was really fun," said student Aliyah Enriquez.
Community member Tim Trippel, who has volunteered for the event since it began over 10 years ago said, "I think it is important to give Worland youth as much understanding and as many tools as possible for dealing with the various choices that life contains and helping them to choose what will make for a more abundant and fulfilling life," said Trippel about being involved in the event.
Trippel runs a station that gives students a chance to learn how to rappel. This station shows students the difference between unsafe risks and safe but fun risks, such as rappelling.
Other participating organizations were – Oxbow Center (counseling), Washakie County Public Health, Washakie Prevention Coalition, Wyoming Highway Patrol, the Bureau of Land Management, Washakie County Jail, Crisis Prevention and Response Center, Bryant Funeral Home and the Worland Fire Department.
