Senator Barrasso visits South Side
Congratulates students on National Blue Ribbon rating, answers questions
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Marcus Huff
Senator John Barrasso takes questions from South Side Elementary students Blare Tilley and Grace Beamer during a visit to congratulate the Blue Ribbon school.
WORLAND - U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) made a special stop in Worland Wednesday to congratulate South Side Elementary students on achieving Blue Ribbon status from the U.S. Department of Education, one of only 279 public schools earning the honor.
After presenting Principal Wade Sanford with an American flag, previously flown over the Capitol in Washington, D.C., Barrasso explained to the gathered students the need to keep up their great work in academics, and the importance of representing Wyoming now, and in the future.
Quoting former presidents Theodore Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan, Barrasso told the students that their education and service to Wyoming was a great resource, and that he was proud to represent them in the U.S. Senate.
Question and answers
During a question and answer session, Barrasso addressed a dozen of the student's questions, on everything from his daily routine to how the economy affects the Wyoming education system.
Barrasso explained the importance of the Hathaway Scholarships, which help Wyoming students pursue college, and explained that in his political life in Washington, as in anything, hard work, a healthy diet, and exercise are the keys to success.
On the economy, the subject of several questions presented by students, Barrasso said that realizing what we have in Wyoming is appreciated is his No. 1 goal, and making sure the state is safeguarded against rules which may benefit other states or cities, but don't necessarily benefit the 500,000 residents of Wyoming.
When asked if he could add anything to the Constitution, Barrasso explained the arduous task of adding amendments, but did stress the need for a Balanced Budget Amendment.
South Side was awarded a Blue Ribbon by the Department of Education in September, in the exemplary High Performing category, which is based on PAWS testing and by meeting the standards in the Wyoming Accountability and Education Act.
Ceremony next month
Sanford and Leadership Team Chairperson Kari Ferree will represent South Side at a two-day awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 7-8 to celebrate the school's achievements.
