Western honors Wyatt McDermott

At the Student Government Association Awards banquet on Thursday, April 24, Western Wyoming Community College (Western) announced two Outstanding Graduates, Mustang Awards, and scholarship recipients for 2025-2026. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the committee selected Wyatt McDermott of Thermopolis and Hagen DeWitt of Lyman for its highest honor.     

 Western’s Outstanding Graduate is selected by a committee that includes administrators, professionals, faculty, and staff. The nomination criteria and scoring rubric is based on campus involvement, leadership roles, positive impact on other students, and the nominee’s ability to positively represent Western in the future. This year, Western’s committee chose two students for this honor. Both McDermott and DeWitt will address their fellow graduates at commencement.  

McDermott’s nominations highlighted his character and professional readiness. Professor of Education Christine Maddie said, “Wyatt McDermott was a conscientious individual who was always punctual, prepared, and dedicated to his education. He consistently demonstrated the qualities of a future teacher—maturity, kindness, enthusiasm, responsibility, and patience. Most importantly, he approached each day with a positive attitude.” 

 McDermott credits Western with preparing him for both life and career. “Western has taught me so much, far beyond what I could have anticipated. I feel prepared for my future with valuable skills, particularly in communication. The staff and faculty equipped me not only for academics but for life. Most importantly, I gained a sense of family.”  

Western’s 2025 graduates will be honored at the Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 9, at 5 p.m. in the Rushmore Gym. For details, visit westernwyoming.edu/commencement.