Weston County School District #7

Two Bobcats and one Lady Cat were named to the West River All-Tournament team last week: Keanu Duarte, Nic Schiller, and Bella Keller. Congratulations athletes!

Capture the Memories: Upton Yearbook Sales Are Open!
Now is the time to secure your copy of the 2025-2026 Upton yearbook. This year's book is packed with candid moments, sports highlights, and senior memories you won't want to miss.
How to order: Scan the QR code or click the link:
HTTPS://JOSTENSYEARBOOKS.COM/?REF=A09489500

Wyoming FBLA Advisers Focus on Leadership and Legacy By Mrs. Karla Ludemann Wyoming FBLA advisers gathered January 18–19, 2026, for the Adviser Leadership Training in Casper: “Leave a Legacy”, a two-day event focused on strengthening adviser leadership and supporting student success across the state. The training began Sunday afternoon with welcome and introductions, followed by networking activities that allowed advisers to connect and share ideas. Sessions on What’s New in FBLA & Career and Technical Education (CTE) provided updates and best practices, while round table discussions encouraged open conversation and collaboration. A working dinner and evening Dessert Deep Dive gave advisers additional time to learn from one another in a relaxed setting. Monday’s schedule emphasized hands-on preparation and mentorship. Advisers participated in a working breakfast featuring one-on-one mentoring, followed by sessions on competition readiness, conference essentials, and strategic planning. Multiple round table discussions throughout the day allowed advisers to share successes, challenges, and strategies for growing strong local chapters. The training concluded with Wyoming FBLA Strategic Planning, reinforcing the importance of adviser leadership in building meaningful student experiences. Through collaboration, professional growth, and a shared commitment to “leaving a legacy,” Wyoming FBLA advisers continue to play a vital role in preparing students for leadership, competition, and future careers.

Upton Lady Cats Wrestling had a good day in Gering, NE, on Saturday: HS took 7th as a team. Jaxynn placed 2nd, Brie and Addy Dollick 3rd, Penny Neubauer 4th and Austyn Savage 5th.

Local Students Reach Finals at VEX Robotics Competition By Coach Karla Ludemann Students Brendan Sanderson and Ryder Hampton competed on February 17th at the VEX Robotics Competition held at Thunder Basin High School, earning a spot in the finals after a strong showing throughout the day. The pair designed, built, and programmed their robot, demonstrating teamwork, problem-solving, and technical skill as they advanced through seven competitive rounds. Their robot performed consistently under pressure, allowing them to qualify for the final matches against top teams from across two states. The VEX Robotics Competition challenges students to apply engineering, coding, and strategic thinking in a fast-paced, hands-on environment. Sanderson and Hampton’s success reflects their dedication and hard work, as well as the growing strength of the school’s robotics program. Making the finals at a competitive event like VEX is a significant achievement and highlights the students’ commitment to STEM learning.

Upton High School Esports Season Set to Begin By Coach Karla Ludemann Upton High School esports athletes will begin their competitive season next week, competing in organized online matches through the PlayVS platform. Games will take place after school at 4:00 p.m., allowing students to represent Upton while balancing academics and activities. PlayVS is a nationally recognized esports league that connects high school teams for structured, school-based competition. Students will face opponents from across the state and region in popular competitive games, emphasizing teamwork, communication, and strategic decision-making. The esports program continues to grow at Upton High School, providing students with another opportunity to participate in athletics while developing valuable technology and collaboration skills. The upcoming season highlights the school’s commitment to offering diverse extracurricular activities that engage a wide range of student interests.

Games today, girls at 3:00 vs Bennett County and the boys play at 4:30 vs Edgemont.

Upton FBLA Meeting Highlights and State Preparation By Paige Mills Twenty two members of the Upton FBLA met on January 13th at 1:00pm to review important upcoming events, expectations, and achievements. FBLA Week will be held February 9–12, and members interested in helping plan activities were encouraged to contact Mrs. Ludemann. December Members of the Month were recognized for completing at least three hours of concessions and meetings: Will, Rylee, Keke, Jilly, Coco, and Charley. Members also reviewed professional dress code expectations for presentations and were reminded to begin preparing attire for the state conference in March. Officers shared key information about state requirements, including meeting, service, and fundraiser criteria, project deadlines, and presentation expectations. Members were reminded that state tests are taking place at school between February 16 and March 16, while presentations and case studies occur at state. FBLA also celebrated earning first place in the state for Champion Chapter progress, receiving 700 bonus points. Lilly and Rylee volunteered to complete Business Achievement Awards to help secure Champion Chapter status. The Wyoming FBLA State Conference will be held March 18–20 in Laramie, with top four placers advancing to nationals in San Antonio, Texas. Members were thanked for their strong concession work, which continues to help fund FBLA activities.

High School Girls and Boys Basketball in Casper on Friday, January 9th, will be played at St. Anthony's Tri-Parish Catholic School (1145 W. 20th St.).

Casper Christian does charge an admittance fee: $5 for ages 12+ and $3 for ages 6-11.

They also do not have a live stream set up.

If you have any questions please reach out to Beau Garcia at the high school.

GO BOBCATS!

Game times for the girls and boys basketball tournament in Shoshoni have been updated for Saturday.

The South Dakota Stock Market Game By Mrs. Karla Ludemann The South Dakota Stock Market Game announces Fall 2025 session winning teams. The Fall 2025 session of the Stock Market Game (SMG) concluded its 10-week trading period on December 12, in which 22 schools, colleges, and universities across South Dakota and Wyoming formed 194 teams of stock market investors. The program provides students with a hypothetical $100,000 to perform real-time online investing in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. The program’s carefully integrated curriculum lets students experience the financial markets in the classroom as they learn about business, math, economics, personal finance, and the importance of saving and investing for the long term. Students compete for prizes in the Elementary/Junior High, High School, and College divisions. Teacher Karla Ludemann used the program in her Personal Finance class. In the high school division five Upton High School students earned a cash prize. Emily McMaster finished in ninth place for a cash prize of $40.00. Peyton Wilson finished in sixth place for a cash prize of $50.00. Landon Hawk finished in fifth place for a cash prize of $60.00. Rylee Donner finished in third place for a cash prize of $80.00. Chase Juliono finished in first place for a cash prize of $110.00. The SMG program provides teachers with online support during each trading session and free online training prior to and during each session. During the 10-week session, teachers receive weekly newsletters on economic, business, and personal finance topics to integrate the program into a variety of grade levels and subjects. The SMG program has been delivered by Black Hills State University through the Center for Economic Education since 1994. The Black Hills State University Center for Economic Education has an exclusive license to operate the SMG program under the oversight of the Securities Industry Financial Markets Association (SIFMA). The Stock Market Game is widely identified as the leader in youth financial education and the only program proven in rigorous, independent studies year-after-year to raise math and financial literacy test scores and to change financial behavior for the better for students and teachers. Over 600,000 students from all 50 states participate each year. Pictured Sitting: Chase Juliano, Landon Hawk, Rylee Donner, Emily McMaster and Peyton Wilson Standing: Tristan McNutt, Alexis Savage, Janel Charlson, Lindsay Charlson, Nic Schiller, Lilly Jackson, Nathan Sanderson, Aksel Rickert and Destiny Gipson

Congrats to the Upton Lady Cat and Bobcat Wrestlers as they both placed 3rd at the Tiger Invite in Lusk today!

Upton FBLA Holds November Meeting, Honors Members of the Month By Reporter Paige Mills The Upton High School Future Business Leaders of America chapter met on November 25 at 1:01 p.m., with President Reece Riehemann calling the meeting to order. Members recited the FBLA pledge and completed roll call, with 20 members present and two absent. Reporter Paige Mills read the minutes from the previous meeting, which were approved. The chapter reviewed recent activities, including Trick-or-Treat for the Food Bank, the Veterans and First Responders Appreciation Supper, and progress on the Champion Chapter program. Members were also reminded to choose their competitive events for the 2025 State Leadership Conference, where top competitors will qualify for nationals in San Antonio this June. During new business, members signed thank-you cards to community supporters, including BraeLee Williamson’s family, Joes Food Center, City Hall, and the school lunch staff. The chapter took photos of the October Members of the Month: Front row: Charley Knapp, Rylee Donner, Paige Mills and Jilly Jean Jackson. Back row: Colt Jackson, Will Bowen, Keanu Duarte, Penny Neubauer, Kate Gustaf and Joslyn Pischke. Not Pictured: Abby Stroud FBLA will run concessions at the Bobcat Invitational to help raise funds for travel. Members were also reminded to return their codes of conduct, continue choosing state events, and prepare for the Christmas Party on December 16. Students may bring a $5–$10 gift for the optional exchange. With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1:15 p.m.

High school student council is putting on a Snowcoming Week as we roll into the holiday season!

FBLA Hosts First Responder and Veterans Appreciation Supper The Upton High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter hosted its annual First Responder and Veterans Appreciation Supper on November 11th at 6:00 PM in the community center. The event was a heartfelt tribute to the local heroes who serve and protect the community. As attendees arrived, FBLA members warmly greeted and thanked the First Responders and Veterans at the door. Veterans were invited to sign stars on a flag handcrafted by the FBLA chapter to honor their service and dedication. The personalized flag served as a meaningful centerpiece for the evening. Guests enjoyed a delicious meal of chili and cinnamon rolls, generously served by the FBLA members. The event also featured engaging activities, including three spirited games of bingo. One game consisted of ambulance pictures. The second game had a Veterans theme. The third game had a firefighter theme. Attendees watched thank-you videos created by FBLA students, expressing gratitude and admiration for the sacrifices and contributions of the honorees. One video included pictures of the firefighters and ambulance crew. The other video included pictures of the Veterans. Adding to the evening's significance, Veterans and First Responders shared stories and insights about their service. These personal accounts provided a deeper understanding of the challenges and rewards of their roles, fostering a sense of connection and appreciation among the attendees. The First Responder and Veterans Appreciation Supper exemplified FBLA's commitment to community service and leadership. By organizing this event, the Upton High School chapter demonstrated the importance of honoring those who have given so much to their country and community.

The Upton High School Personal Finance class enjoyed lessons from two ladies at The First Northern Bank of Wyoming of Newcastle, Wyoming. Abby Kottwitz and Kim Praeuner visited Mrs. Ludemann’s classroom on November 17th and 24th during second period. The ladies covered areas such as getting loans, credit cards, credit scores, certificates of deposits, debit cards, ATM cards, and checking accounts. Mrs. Ludemann and members really appreciated these bank ladies sharing their expertise.

Due to the power outage in the region, Upton Schools will be released at 2:45 pm. Bus routes will be running accordingly. There will be no after school activities or practices. Bobcat Adventures is also cancelled tonight. We were also informed that wrestling in Wright has been cancelled tonight.

The girl's are off to state volleyball! Good luck ladies!

The Upton Schools are forming a Steering Committee to lead a Feasibility Study that will consider the future of a swimming pool in Upton. If you are interested in serving on the committee, please email Superintendent Coberly at ccoberly@weston7.org by November 17 to express your interest. We are looking at a committee size of 6-10 individuals, but if interest is high, we may have 12-15 individuals on the committee. Dates and times of meetings are to be determined later based on the availability of the volunteers. Thank you for considering this opportunity to serve the "Best Town on Earth"!