CASPER, Wyo.— Smiles, high fives and cheers awaited students arriving onto a red carpet on the first day of the 2022 school year at St. Anthony’s Tri-Parish Catholic School on Tuesday morning in Casper.
It’s a celebration that was started some years back by former principal Cyndy Novotny that starts the new year off on a high note.
According to principal Melissa Whelan, there are about 220 students and 50 staff members in the school. Whelan, who has nearly 30 years of education experience, arrived a couple of months ago from New Jersey.
“I’ve been wanting to move someplace new and try something exciting,” she said. “This just felt like the right fit and that I was really called to be here.”
Often the first day of school seems harder on the parents. Blessings for the new school year were given, and some tears by parents were shed as students walked into the building to start another year. The adults were given some comfort, however, with cookies and coffee inside in what’s called the “cheers and tears” section.
Natrona County Public Schools start their school year next Tuesday.
