Much was accomplished in 2017

In February, Green River residents were asked to support the Green River High School for its annual blood drive. Community members and adults alike waited patiently for their turn to donate. Last year, the city's residents donated 245 pints, while Rock Springs donated 256. More importantly though, 1,500 lives can be saved with the donated blood.

Last year, Sweetwater County raised more than $60,000 for the Make-A-wish Foundation. Over a two-week span, students from both GRHS and Rock Springs High School worked hard to try and raise as much money as possible for the cause.

In March, the GRHS Speech and Debate once again brought home the 4A State Title. This was the eighth time in 10 years the team took first at state. They then went on to take the overall sweepstakes, speech, debate and Congress sweepstakes awards as well at the Wind River District Tournament championship at districts.

"This is our 10th district championship in a row and it speaks to the perseverance and diversity of talent this team possesses," head coach Carina White said last year.

While at districts, the speech and debate team qualified 12 for nationals, which took place in Birmingham, Ala.

In March, the Green River High School Theater department performed the Disney classic "Beauty and the Beast." This musical was geared toward anyone who wanted to be incredibly entertained whether they had seen "Beauty and the Beast" before or not.

In April, students from Green River Christian Academy competed in the Rocky Mountain Association of Christian Schools Academics and Fine Arts Tournament in Twin Falls, Idaho, and brought numerous awards home.

Meanwhile, numerous students from Sweetwater County School District No. 2 competed the Young Author's Awards program. Students who took first place advanced to the Sweetwater County competition.

Also in April, one GRHS student, Colt Parson, opened up about how he had been bullied most of his life. He shared his story of how speech and debate helped him to overcome the bullying that was taking place in his life. He felt most of the bullying took place because he has Aspergers.

Art students at GRHS faired well a the State Art Symposium. Green River artists were among 75 other high schools who displayed 4,261 pieces of art ranging in size from small drawings to 10-foot tall sculptures. Green River took 153 pieces to the competition and the students brought home 52 ribbons.

In May, John Freeman was named Green River Distinguished Citizen of the year. This award is given to someone who goes above and beyond though volunteering and supporting projects from behind the scenes to improve Green River. Not only is Freeman an active volunteer, but has demonstrated a long history of civic involvement to the community.

Also in May, local Korean War Veterans were honored with peace medals. Many of those in attendance were near tears when they received the medals for themselves or loved ones. The Korean War was the bloodiest war and is known as "The Forgotten War," because it was a short war.

In June, residents were invited to see quilts and visit with vendors at the Quilting on the Green event. Despite having about 50 quilts, none of the quilts were alike. All of them had their own unique style and flare.

The GRHS band gave their band director Jerrid Washburn a send off he wouldn't forget when they decided to march to his house and play a few songs for him. Washburn resigned as band director to pursue a pastoral career in Montana. Washburn was overcome with emotion when the band members arrived. Washburn was an instrumental music teacher at the high school and he also taught symphonic band-winds, symphonic band percussion, jazz I and jazz II.

Also in June, Sweetwater County School District No. 2 bus drivers brought home a first-place trophy after competing in the Wyoming Pupil Transportation Association's competition. Five of the district's bus drivers attended the competition.

In July, Green River residents found out why the old Monroe Baptist Church was being renovated. Not only was the outside being renovated, but the inside for the church called Living Hope Church.

In August, the Green River Pond and Garden Tour hosted its 2017 pond tour in honor of one of the founding members who died. The pond tour started with two families Wiley

and the late Toni Morgan, and Lamar and Eileen Greene. With Toni passing away in the Spring, it seemed fitting for the committee to designate $1,058 to purchase a tree and plaque in honor of Toni. The tree was planted along the Greenbelt this summer.

Also in August, Green River resident Roger Robles shared why his passion for attending Sturgis every year is so strong. It basically came down to the sweet freedom he feels while he's riding his motorcycle.

Wrapping up the summer events in the Green Riverm was the Art on the Green competition and the River Festival. Many residents enjoyed visiting with the artists as they worked quickly to complete the work before the 24 hours was up.

In September, Green River student Evan Maser had is joke published in one of the UnitedHealthCare Children's Foundation's joke books. His joke was "What is a ghost's favorite ride at the carnival?" "The scary go round."

Also in September, the Sweetwater County Commissioners were presented with puzzles put together by Roger Stamper, who's favorite pass time is putting together puzzles that have a patriotic feel to them.

In November, Dancin' Dog food truck owners Kari Hubert and Terrie Taylor shared what it's like to make and sell food in a truck. The two were busy making all sorts of hot-dog creations for residents to try.

In November and December, Christmas cards and care packages were put together and mailed to soldiers serving overseas. Every year, students and residents fill out Christmas cards for the troops, while VFW Post 2321 makes sure to have enough food and toiletry supplies donated to fill care packages. These packages are mailed early enough so soldiers get them before Christmas.

 

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