[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 55 (Tuesday, March 24, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1577-S1578]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                            MORNING BUSINESS

                                 ______
                                 

           RECOGNIZING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF UINTA BOCES #1

  Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 40th 
anniversary of the Uinta Board of Cooperative Educational Services #1, 
or Uinta BOCES.
  On April 11, 2026, Uinta BOCES will celebrate its 40th anniversary 
during its annual fundraiser held at the historic Roundhouse in 
Evanston, WY. This year's theme, ``Neon Nights and

[[Page S1578]]

Silver Highlights,'' encourages guests to reflect on the history of 
this remarkable organization. Since 1986, Uinta BOCES has supported 
individuals in learning, growing, and succeeding by offering a wide 
range of educational and community resources.
  The roots of the BOCES program originated from the Community 
Organization for Resources in Education, or the CORE Group, formed in 
1981. The energy boom of the 1980s spiked Evanston's population growth. 
The CORE Group recognized a need to accommodate the educational needs 
of the growing community. As the community grew, so did the services 
the CORE Group provided.
  In 1984, it formed the Lifelong Learning Center through a partnership 
with Western Wyoming Community College and Uinta County School District 
#1. In 1986, the CORE Group officially changed its name to the Uinta 
Board of Cooperative Educational Services #1, the BOCES we know today.
  Uinta BOCES #1 is an invaluable educational and workforce development 
resource for residents across Uinta County and the region. The 
organization works to expand access to education, workforce training, 
and community enrichment opportunities.
  BOCES programs expand access to higher education. In partnership with 
the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, BOCES offers the BOOST 
program. The program provides young adults with free high school 
equivalency education, as well as employment and life skills training. 
Students also have on-site access to Western Wyoming Community College 
staff, who help with advising, registration, financial aid, and other 
needs. The college provides dual and concurrent enrollment options to 
local high school students. This commitment to opening educational 
pathways ensures students have opportunities to advance their education 
close to home.
  Uinta BOCES #1 also plays a critical role in workforce and career 
training. The College and Career Readiness Center offers a wide range 
of industry safety and professional certification courses. These 
courses include OSHA safety training, first aid, cardiopulmonary 
resuscitation--CPR--and certified nursing assistant healthcare 
training. The center also administers licensing and trade certification 
tests. Through these efforts, Uinta BOCES staff create enriched 
learning environments that meet the evolving needs of the community's 
workforce and work to bridge the education gap.
  The BOCES organization also serves as a community hub for lifelong 
learning. Adults can enroll in classes ranging from arts and crafts to 
social skills, and ongoing technical education. BOCES also administers 
the school district's K-8 afterschool program during the school year, 
as well as Evanston's popular summer day camps. In addition, the 
Evanston Innovation WyrkShop is a free makerspace where people of all 
ages and skill levels can work together to create and explore new 
ideas.
  Uinta BOCES #1 is a proven resource for ongoing education and 
workforce development. Community members in Evanston understand the 
immense value of BOCES services. This local support is a testament to 
the hundreds of students who have benefited from these services.
  Uinta BOCES works closely with the Uinta BOCES #1 Foundation to 
promote its educational mission. The foundation provides vital support 
through fundraising, scholarships, and community partnerships. Every 
dollar raised stays in Uinta County. Proceeds from this year's 
fundraising gala will support and expand programming.
  It takes a team of well-equipped leaders to provide these tailored 
community services. The Uinta BOCES #1 administration leadership 
includes:

       Sheila McGuire, Executive Director
       Mardi Woodward, CFO & Human Resources Director
       Dan Wheeler, Uinta BOCES Board Chair
       Jim Jessen, Uinta BOCES Board Vice Chair
       Brian Woodward, Uinta BOCES Board Clerk
       Regina Clark, Uinta BOCES Board Treasurer

       Dave Bennett, Uinta BOCES Board Member
  The Uinta BOCES #1 Foundation leadership team includes:

       Sheila McGuire, President
       Ron Wild, Vice President
       Joy Bell, Secretary & Treasurer

  It is an honor to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Uinta BOCES #1. 
Through its commitment to education, workforce development, and 
community involvement, Uinta BOCES is an exceptional and lasting 
community asset that deserves to be celebrated every day. As a true 
cornerstone of opportunity, Uinta BOCES #1 removes educational barriers 
and empowers residents to pursue new personal and professional 
pathways.

                          ____________________