Hutchison named student of the year

After being nominated for Student of the Week, Rebekah Hutchison, a Central Wyoming College graduate from Riverton, Wyoming, was selected to be Student of the Year. Hutchison was one of 32 other CWC students who were nominated for the Student of the Week, a weekly story the local newspapers, Riverton Ranger, publishes for each school in Fremont County. Each week students are nominated by faculty and staff and the student of the year is selected by a committee who reviews each student of the week nomination. Hutchison was nominated by Maygen Cassity, instructor of communication.

Rebekah is one of the most impressive students whom I have had the pleasure of teaching. Her genuine passion for education and experience is a breath of fresh air,” Cassity said. “The manner in which she processes and analyzes information is not only impressive, but it always leads to great discussion. Rebekah is a joy in and out of the classroom, and I am incredibly honored to be a part of her educational story here at CWC. ”

Maygen Cassity

Hutchison was nominated not only for her academic achievements but also for the numerous contributions she does for CWC and the community. Hutchison is devoted to helping others and shows understanding and compassion through her leadership roles at CWC. Through her work in the Student Ambassador program, she has helped raise money for the local children’s museum and Eagles Hole, assisted a small town with cleanup due to a flood, and helped a community member who was undergoing chemo treatments rake leaves. Her experience in humanitarian work fueled the idea and creation of Livewire, a student club on campus. Through Livewire, she is able to share her faith with other students, as well as coordinate service projects for the Riverton community.

Prior to attending CWC, she was part of the Youth with a Mission program. During her tenure, she lived in undeveloped and developing nations such as Egypt, India, and Nepal. While in India and Nepal, Hutchison helped bring awareness of clean water, did street cleanup and helped rebuild homes that were damaged after an earthquake in the Himalayas. She also worked in hospitals, orphanages and in girl’s homes. In Egypt, she worked to stop human trafficking and worked with children that had physical and/or cognitive disabilities, in schools, orphanages, and tuberculosis hospitals.

“It helped me understand a little more about what I wanted to do and gave me a global perspective,” Hutchison said. “It helped me understand how I could help.”

Rebekah said all of her past experiences have given her a purpose and sense of duty to complete her education. It was during her time in India that she knew she wanted to continue her endeavor of helping others by pursuing degrees in communication and international studies.

“It’s important to take advantage of the opportunities that have been given to me and it is my responsibility to the women of undeveloped countries and important to advocate for their education,” Hutchison said.

Hutchison plans to continue her education to earn a bachelor’s degree in communication at the University of Wyoming. She plans to go back and do similar work that she did with YWAM, to be a voice for the voiceless and to raise awareness to situations and issues that are not often talked about. Hutchinson also plans to do more traveling and during her travels, she would like to do a nine-month biblical studies program in Australia.