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Big Horn educator Richard Welch was recently named the Wyoming Assistant Principal of the Year by the Wyoming Association of Elementary and Middle School Principals.
The assistant principal for both the middle school and the high school, Welch is in his 25th year at Big Horn where he has worked as both a teacher and administrator.
So what qualities and characteristics distinguish Welch as a premier educator?
Empathy? Enthusiasm? Humor? Kindness?
Yes, yes, yes and yes, according to those who can best speak to his impact and influence: the young people he interacts with on a daily basis.
“Mr. Welch is just an extraordinary guy. He cares about his students and he cares about what’s wrong if they are upset. Yes, that may be his job, but it seems like to him it’s more than just his job.” Shannon Flynn, 8th Grade
“Mr. Welch is an enthusiastic, confident assistant principal that is friendly with each and every student. I think the students feel safe and happy around him. He always gets the job done and goes above and beyond!” Ashlyn Blare, 11th Grade
“Mr. Welch brings comedy, spirit, and brightness to our hallways, classrooms, and lives.” Hunter Weiss, 8th Grade
“Mr. Welch has changed students’ lives at Big Horn for the better. He started out as a beloved teacher and he can understand students better because of that. He has impacted my life because he is an approachable person of authority that really helps make things happen in the school.” Morgan Nance, 10th Grade
“He always says good morning to me which is really kind.” Paige Fort, 7th Grade
“He is one of those rare people that sticks out by showing appreciation for the littlest things. Also, he shows pride for our school, and that makes him a real BIG HORN RAM!” Kennady Myers, 6th Grade
“Mr. Welch is such an asset for one major reason, and that reason is that he loves the students. He is always around to have fun and make a kid’s day better. Although he is fun, he is also very hard working and pushes this school to be better than what it already is.” Zackery Soule, 12th Grade
“Mr.Welch makes Big Horn a little more jazzy with his wacky, fun ideas for the school.” Chrysanthi Paninos, 6th Grade
He is super hilarious on the dress up days! Like on future day he dressed up as a really old man with long hair in a wheelchair!” Dugan Irby, 7th Grade
“He is the most understanding person of power I’ve ever met.” Garrett Allen, 12th Grade
“He’s one of the funniest staff members. You can count on him to make you laugh each day.” Ellie Bard, 8th Grade
“Mr. Welch fosters creativity in Big Horn High School. His commitment to school spirit is inspiring, and he acts like a role model for all students. In my life, Mr. Welch motivates me to apply myself in school and reach father than the typical expectations placed on students.” Jack Roberts, 12th Grade
“His attitude and energy are what make him so awesome. He’s always the craziest dressed person on spirit days and has the kindest heart in a situation where someone is feeling hurt. I’d have to say that Mr Welch adds the color to a school day at Big Horn.” Delaney Walker, 8th grade
“Mr. Welch is an amazing vice principal because he is a strong leader and serious yet hilarious at the same time. He has impacted my life by always knowing just how to cheer me (and everybody else) up when we are feeling down.” Aleyah Eisele, 6th Grade
“He is a good man and I look up to him.” Joseph Eisenach, 12th Grade
“Mr. Welch comes to school every day with a great attitude and that helps the students start their day off with the right attitude, as well.” Andrew Ratty, 10th Grade
“Mr. Welch is always happy and willing. He makes other people happy even if they are having a bad day.” Kaylie Redinger, 8th Grade
“Mr. Welch has a high motor and is always bringing such a positive vibe to the school.” Collin Powers, 11th Grade
“Mr.Welch is NOT an average vice principal; he is a brilliant vice principal, and is involved in each and every one of our lives.” Blake Staben, 8th Grade
(PHOTO CREDITS: H. MICHAEL ROBERTS)
