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                  <text>March 1, 2025

Casper College’s Student Voice Since 1945

T-Birds, Lady T-Birds make the playoffs
Tim Hubert
Chinook Writer

Photo Courtesy of Edwin Gonzalez

Abdul Bashir(left) and Bin Basil(right) celebrate during a win on November 1 against North
Idaho College.

As the regional action of the regular season
winds down, the Thunderbirds basketball
programs look forward to playoffs. Both teams
have eyes set on a Region 9 championship,
which would also clinch a berth into the NJCAA
National Tournament. There, the teams would
enter bracket-style play along with 23 of the
most talented junior college teams in the nation.
The NJCAA tournament draws attention from
fans and national media, as well as college
scouts.
On the women’s side, the Lady T-Birds are
in first place of the North subregion standings,
with a record of 9-1 in conference play. The
team’s one conference loss came at the hands
of the Western Wyoming Mustangs back in
mid-January. Since then, the Lady T-Birds won
the last 7 conference games, with 5 of the 7
being double-digit victories. The Lady T-Birds
most recently came off of a home victory
against in-state rival Central Wyoming College
on Homecoming weekend.
The Lady T-Birds team success is a group
effort, but like all great teams, winning requires
team leaders. The current group is led by
sophomores Andi Schissler and Adama Badjie
Coly. A Colorado native, Schissler was named
to the Region 9 First Team last season, and
she saw her hard work pay off even more this
season. This past year, she announced her plans
to continue her basketball journey at the D1
level by committing to University of North
Texas after an outstanding freshman season with
Casper College. As a freshman, she averaged
13.1 points per game, shooting 42% from the
3-point line. She continued to grow and get
better this season, as she averages 18.4 points
per game, almost 7 rebounds per game, and over

2 steals per game. Schissler and Badjie Coly are
the only two primary starters from last season
that returned to the Lady T-Birds team from last
season. This required both to take on a new role
on the team, as well as forced them to mesh with
the new players.
“They [Schissler and Badjie Coly] attribute
that to our team,” Assistant Coach Nate Macy
said of their success this season. “Our team has
continued to get better and that's why they have
succeeded.”
He also praised them for their hard work in
practice, as well as the endless extra hours in
the gym.
“We need to finish the season out strong,”
said Macy. “In order for us to do that we have to
take every game seriously.”
A first place finish would give the team a bye
in the first round of the region tournament, likely
to be located in Nebraska. Coming out of the
region tournament on top would clinch the Lady
T-Birds the team’s sixth consecutive National
tournament appearance where the team looks
to bounce back after a crushing loss last year
to the eventual National runner-up, Northwest
Florida State College. The Lady T-Birds may
have the unique opportunity to play in front of
a home crowd, as the National tournament will
be hosted in Casper in late March. This season,
the team plays under the direction of Head
Coach Dwight Gunnare for the final season of
his career, as he plans to retire after this season.
On the men’s side, expectations are just as
high, as the T-Birds look for the team’s first
region title in six years and just the second region
title in nearly 30 years. Head Coach Tom Parks
also looks to make his first NJCAA National
tournament appearance as a head coach. He led
the program the past two seasons. The team is
coming off of a
loss last season
— See Basketball Page 3

Ag students, community gain hands-on livestock experience
Hailey Carr
Chinook Writer
As students and professors returned from
winter break, the Casper College Agriculture
Pavilion quickly became a hub of activity. In
January, the department welcomed new piglets
and lambs, giving students a valuable hands-on
learning experience. Whether they come from
agricultural backgrounds or are just starting to
explore the field, students gain practical skills
in livestock care, management, and industry
practices.
“This year, we had work-study students
return over winter break to help with farrowing,
lambing, and the daily care of sows, piglets,
ewes, and lambs,” explained Agriculture
Instructor Anne Wood.
The hands-on aspect of the program allows
students to apply what they learn in class to
real-world situations, building confidence and
competence in animal care.
“Everything we do in class mirrors realworld livestock operations,” Wood added.
“Many students have experience with livestock
while others are learning for the first time. We
ensure they develop the best practices to build
their skill set for the future.”
A key part of the program is not only
working with the animals but also understanding
their nutritional needs and overall health. Each
animal’s diet is carefully managed to support

growth and development.
“We supplement the animals with lick tubs,
which contain essential minerals for growth
and development,” Wood said. “Knowing the
ewes were pregnant, they were on corn feed,
and the lambs start a grain feed—or ‘creep feed’
as we call it—when they are about one to two
weeks old. This helps supplement the mother,
especially if she has twins, so none of the lambs
lose nutrition during development.”
Such real-world practices help students
understand the importance of nutrition in
livestock management and give them a deeper
appreciation for the work that goes into raising
healthy animals.
For students like Klacie Groene, a workstudy participant, the opportunity to work with
livestock firsthand is one of the most valuable
aspects of the program.
“It gives me hands-on experience not only in
classes but also in industries I’m not really a part
of, like the swine and lamb industries,” she said.
Students aren’t just feeding and caring for
the animals—they also take part in a variety
of hands-on learning experiences that reinforce
their classroom knowledge.
“Students get to experience things like ear
notching and castrating piglets, lamb harvest
labs, yield and quality grade evaluations, and

Hailey Carr/Chinook

Wood, Agriculture Instructor, teaches the preschool students from the Early Childhood
— See Livestock Page 3 Anne
Learning Center about the newborn lambs.

The art of intentional curiosity
Kylie Wheaton
Chinook Writer

Anyone who spends time
around campus interacts with
Student Life Coordinator
Devin Fulton at least once.
Whether asking a random
question or inquiring about
weekend festivities, Fulton
uses his curiosity and
unique personality to build
relationships with students and
share their stories.
Fulton was born in Denver
but moved to Glenrock at the
age of six. After graduating
high school, he pursued higher
education at Chadron State
College with the hopes of
becoming a teacher.
While working on his
undergraduate coursework,
Fulton said he discovered
that teaching wasn’t for
him. He decided to study
Photo Courtesy of Lucy Jane Crimm communication
with
an
Student Life Coordinator, Devin Fulton, provides commentary emphasis in public relations
during half time of the homecoming basketball game.
instead. Fulton also had a

natural interest in storytelling
and journalism so he worked
for the schools newspaper.
“I’ve always been drawn
to storytelling and creating
stories,”
said
Fulton.
“Everyone’s compelled by
storytelling and when a story
sucks, you can definitely feel
it, so there’s a natural pressure
for everyone on earth to be a
good storyteller.”
Fulton wrote a variety
of stories and enjoyed the
opportunity to talk with and
meet different people. What
most excited Fulton, however,
came in the opportunity to
make people feel seen through
his curiosity.
“It’s cool watching someone
light up when you ask them
questions that they’re not used
to being asked, ” said Fulton.
After graduating college,
Fulton took a job at a bank that
dealt with farm credit services.
Six months later he heard about
an opening at Casper College

for the community education
department and jumped on the
opportunity.
After a year at the college,
the Student Life Coordinator
position opened and colleagues
encouraged Fulton to apply
for the position. After the
application and interview
process concluded, Fulton took
over the position.
While Fulton is unable to
continue writing news stories
with his new position, his
curiosity about the people
around him continues. In
only a way that Fulton can,
he combines his curiosity with
his naturally outgoing and fun
personality to break the ice
with students.
“Creating energy in a
conversation
makes
the
conversation much more
worthwhile rather than just
having a standard conversation
just for the sake of saying
words to avoid discomfort with
silence,” said Fulton.

One of Fulton’s favorite
ways to be curious is by asking
students random, lighthearted
questions he comes up with off
the top of his head.
“Of course I ask dumb
questions,” said Fulton. “You
know [like], Chappell Roan or
Sabrina Carpenter?”
Fulton said he always makes
a point to ask questions, both
silly and genuine, whenever
he can and does his best to
remember as many of the
responses as he can.
“I definitely hope I can at
least try to make someone's
day with remembering or being
intentional with remembering
details that they were willing to
share just about like something
they did over the weekend”
said Fulton, “and then you
remember that [a] couple
weeks later, like that feels good
to anybody”.

— See Fulton Page 3

�Page 2

March 1, 2025

CHINOOK

From the President's Desk

Chinook Stance

Spring break safety and finishing strong

Work-Study Programs

Hailey Carr
Driven by Carr
Balancing college classes, homework, and a job can be
overwhelming, but for students looking to gain experience
while earning money, work-study positions on campus are a
great opportunity. As someone who has participated in two
different work-study programs at Casper College, I have
seen firsthand the benefits these positions offer.
Currently, I work in the public relations department and
the agriculture department. In my public relations role, I take
photos for athletics, help with projects that need attention,
attend and learn from my bosses at weekly staff meetings,
and overall get to be included with college projects. This
job has allowed me to be part of the behind-the-scenes work
that keeps the college running, and I’ve gained so much
insight into how large-scale events and marketing efforts
come together.
In the agriculture department, I get to work hands-on
with livestock, assist professors with side projects, help
plan and execute events, and contribute to marketing efforts.
Since most of my classes are in the agriculture department,
getting to spend extra time with my professors and assisting
with large-scale agriculture projects has made it even more
apparent that I will enjoy working in this field in my future
career in Agricultural Communications.
One of the biggest advantages of work-study positions
is their flexibility. Unlike off-campus jobs that may not
always be as accommodating to a student’s class schedule,
these positions are designed to work around academic
commitments. My supervisors understand that academics
come first, allowing me to focus on my studies while still
gaining valuable experience. Additionally, being on campus
means I can seamlessly transition between classes and work,
making the experience even more manageable.
Beyond convenience, work-study jobs are incredibly
beneficial for future career opportunities. Through my
work-study positions, I have built a strong professional
network, gained hands-on skills relevant to my field, and
added valuable experience to my resume. When I graduate
with my degree in Agricultural Communications this May, I
will have practical experience that relates to my future goals.
Additionally, I have developed skills in communication,
marketing, event organization, and customer service—all of
which are crucial in the professional world.
Work-study programs are more than just a paycheck—
they are an investment in my future. They provide valuable
experience, networking opportunities, and flexibility that
other jobs might not offer. I encourage fellow students at
Casper College to take advantage of these positions, as they
are a stepping stone to success. If you’re looking for a job
that works with your schedule and helps you build your
career, a work-study position might be the perfect fit.

As we approach spring
break, I want to take a
moment to encourage all
of our students to prioritize
safety while enjoying a well-

“

deserved break. Whether you
are traveling, spending time
with family, or simply relaxing
at home, your well-being is our
top priority.
If you plan to travel,
be sure to research your
destination, stay aware of
your surroundings, and use
reliable transportation. If
you're driving, take breaks to
avoid fatigue and never drive
under the influence. For those
celebrating with friends, look
out for one another—stick
together, set check-in times,

and have a plan to get home
safely. Remember, responsible
decisions now will ensure
you return ready to tackle the
remainder of the semester.
Spring break is an
opportunity to recharge, but
it’s also a good time to reflect
on the goals you set at the
beginning of the semester.
Once classes resume, we will
be in the final stretch. Take
advantage of campus resources,
such as tutoring centers, faculty
office hours, and counseling
services, to ensure you finish

strong. Time management is
key—review your syllabi, set
deadlines for assignments, and
stay proactive in your studies.
We are here to support you
every step of the way. If you
need guidance, reach out to
your advisors or instructors.
Your success is our mission,
and we want to see you cross
the finish line with confidence.
Enjoy your break, be safe,
and return refreshed and ready
to make the most of the rest of
the semester. Together, we will
end this term on a high note!

Whether you are traveling, spending time with family, or simply relaxing at home, your wellbeing is our top priority."

— Dr. Brandon Kosinr, Ph.D., Casper College President

Student Life hosts silent disco

Bella McManus/Chinook

Casper College students enjoyed Silent Disco by dancing and playing pool together. Student Life hosted the event at the
end of February.

Taking Online or Hybrid Courses?
The Digital Learning Center supports your journey by helping you
master essential digital tools. We ensure you have access to the
resources you need for online and hybrid classes.

HOW WE CAN HELP:
• MyCCMoodle: Learn how to submit assignments, participate in forums, and more.
Plus
• Zoom Assistance: Access/navigate Zoom for remote classes and collaborations.
lot m a
ore!
• Google Suite Support: Docs, Drive, Gmail — make the most of these tools.
• Office 365 Access: Use MS Word, PowerPoint, and other essentials.
• Online Tutoring Guidance: Navigate NetTutor and other resources for extra help when you need it.
• Study and Work Spaces: Try out our newly furnished student room to study, relax, or use the
computers and printer.
• Tech and Snacks: Enjoy snacks like popcorn or ask about our VR and green screen!
r
You s our
i
cess
Suc iority!
Pr
Tyler

Teresa

Dave

Katie

FOR HELP OR MORE INFORMATION stop by Liesinger Hall, Room 132,
or contact us at 307-268-3882, dlc@caspercollege.edu, and av@caspercollege.edu.

Mike

�March 1, 2025

Page 3

CHINOOK

Basketball..

continued from page 1

Photo Courtesy of Edwin Gonzalez

Andi Schissler shoots over Air Force Prep player during a November 16 game.

against Western Nebraska Community College
in the semifinals of the tournament.
The team is currently sitting with a 20-6
overall record and a 7-2 conference record. The
biggest win of the season thus far came in a
home game against rival Gillette College. At the
time, both teams boasted an undefeated record
in conference play. The hard fought game was
neck and neck for the majority of the game and
quite literally came down to the last fraction of a
second. Following a missed layup attempt from
freshman Bin Basil, the ball was knocked out of
bounds. Pending review, two tenths of a second
were added back onto the clock, as this was
how much time was remaining when the ball
landed out of bounds. Coach Parks proceeded to
draw up a play to have sophomore Abdul Bashir
throw a lob pass to Freshman Stephen Osei.
However, in the process of the play, sophomore
Ethan Connery was hit in the head by a Gillette
player, which after review was called a flagrant
foul, granting Connery two free throws. He
needed to make just one to win the game. He
made the first of two, clinching the win to give
the T-Birds sole possession of first place in the
Region 9 North standings. Since that game the
T-Birds faced ups and downs and are currently
one game behind Gillette for the number 1 seed
in the region.
The race for the number 1 seed is an important
one, as the team that stands alone as the number
one seed will host the Region 9 tournament and
gain home-court advantage.
“There are a ton of benefits associated with
hosting, obviously playing in front of your home
crowd and having them be supportive at every
game,” Assistant Coach Deion Andersen said
when asked about the importance of hosting.

The playoffs are not the only thing the
T-Birds are looking forward to. Junior Colleges
look to provide players with high-level coaching
and solid competition in order to achieve the
players’ dreams of playing at a higher level.
Casper College already helped two players
commit to Division 1 programs next year.
Ethan Connery is headed to William and Mary
University next season; Abdul Bashir recently
committed to Auburn, the number one ranked
college basketball program in the nation. Both
play crucial roles in leading the team toward
success.
Bashir, who is considered by some to be the
best JUCO prospect in the country, is averaging
26.4 points per game and four assists per game.
“We have Abdul Bashir,” said Anderson.
“There's not anybody else in the entire country
that has a player of that caliber.”
Coach Anderson, as well as many fans and
supporters, believe that Bashir can be a big
piece in Casper College’s success this year down
the stretch. He's only one piece of many that
makes this team great, however. Ethan Connery
contributes in many other ways. Along with
averaging 12.8 points per game, Connery leads
the team in rebounds with 7.7 per game, despite
being one of the shortest players on the team.
Coach Anderson explained how rebounding and
hard work on defense is what he believes sets
this team apart from others. Connery impacts
the game immensely in that way, while also
averaging 3.8 assists and nearly 2 steals per
game.
Both teams will close out the regular season
with Senior night at home against Eastern
Wyoming College on March 1 before beginning
the region tournament the following week.

Livestock................................................
ultrasounding sheep,” said
Agriculture Instructor Heath
Hornecker. With a grin, he
added, “We also offer an
artificial insemination class,
which is more of a ‘hands-in’
rather than a hands-on
experience.”
Beyond learning about
livestock care, CC agriculture
students recently had the
opportunity to share their
knowledge with a younger
audience. Children from the
Early Childhood Learning
Center on campus visited the
pavilion where they got to see
the animals up close, hold baby
piglets, pet newborn lambs,
and learn about their care.
“The goal was to give the
kids a great experience with
animals firsthand. Some of
the daycare kids had never
seen livestock outside of a
storybook,” Wood said.
Wood saidThe visit wasn’t
just exciting for the children—
it was eye-opening for the

college students as well.
“I think our students
realized how many kids, even
in their own community,
haven’t had these experiences,”
she continued. “Wyoming is
a rural state, and we’re strong
advocates for agriculture, but
even here, there are kids who
don’t know what’s in their own
backyard.”
Seeing the excitement on
the children’s faces as they
interacted with the animals was
a highlight for many students
and instructors. Wood recalled
hearing the kids exclaim,
“I’m going to name this sheep
Cotton Candy!” and “This one
feels like my blankie!” Plans
are already in place for the
ECLS students to return in the
spring so they can see how
much the animals have grown
and learn more about their
development. Not only is this a
fun and educational experience
for the children, but it also
helps agriculture students

practice explaining livestock
management to others—a
valuable skill in agricultural
education and outreach.
The
CC
agriculture
program provides students
with opportunities that extend
far beyond the classroom.
By caring for livestock,
engaging in hands-on learning
experiences, and connecting
with the community, students
gain real-world skills that
prepare them for careers in
the industry. Instructors ensure
students take on meaningful
responsibilities, from feeding
and monitoring animal health
to managing the facilities and
hosting events. Agriculture
students at CC work as a
team, supporting each other as
they learn and grow in their
field. Their dedication and
passion for agriculture make
the program truly stand out,
offering experiences that
prepare them for success in an
ever-evolving industry.

Hailey Carr/Chinook

ECLC student pets a piglet,
during a visit to the ag
pavilion in early Febuary.

Fulton.....................................................
One student who found Fulton’s
curiosity and spark helpful is Student
Senate President and PTK PR officer,
Shani Osorio Alcala. Alcala says
she enjoys working with Fulton and
appreciates his ability to balance

continued from page 1

professionalism and fun.
“Devin’s just like that fresh air
here on campus” said Alcala, “I feel
like he’s the adult you can go talk to
about like anything and you’ll be like
oh right on.”

Alcala is grateful for everything
Fulton does and feels that he often
doesn’t get enough recognition.
“I feel like Devin really
understands the students and where
they’re coming from,” said Alcala.

continued from page 1

Fulton hopes to continue reaching
out to students and making them feel
seen and welcome on campus. He also
encourages everyone to be curious
and ask questions.
“Just seeing someone light up with

words is something that we should all
try to strive for,” said Fulton.
Whether it’s asking about music
preferences, or even complimenting
someone’s shoes, Fulton will continue
to show curiosity and share stories.

Join our Chinook staff this fall!
Interview &amp; write
Take photos &amp; design
Learn sales &amp; advertising Explore web development
Create social media content

The Chinook is a one credit class titled Independent Publications
Contact our faculty advisor Bri Weigel for more information
brianne.weigel@caspercollege.edu

�Page 4

CHINOOK

March 1, 2025

Casper College Wellness Conference
35th Annual Event

April 3 and 4
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Gateway Building
Casper College Campus

The Wellness Center endeavors to provide current, relevent
information on wellness and mental health issues to all who are
interested. April 3 is for anyone interested in learning more about
wellness related topics and Friday is geared more toward mental
health professionals. Check out the wellness center website for a
schedule and additional information.

�March 1, 2025

CHINOOK

Page 5

Indigenous Student Alliance recruitment

Gentry Hiser
Chinook Writer
The Indigenous Student Alliance at Casper
College seeks to recruit new members following
a change in leadership. Taylor Makeshine, a
sophomore in respiratory therapy and the new
president for the 2025 spring semester, found
herself ascending to the leadership role only
weeks ago.
“Right now with the club, it's starting back
at square one it feels like because the previous
president graduated and no one took her place,”
Makeshine said.
The club originally formed as a place for

Native American students to be themselves,
hang out, and to educate and promote their
culture, including the issues they face. However,
the club itself faces a hurdle after it was
temporarily left without a president. The
former president graduated last spring and club
membership dropped. Currently, Makeshine
and Club Advisor Daniel Gallegos, a political
science instructor, turn their sights to recruiting
the next generation of students to outfit the
alliance.
According to Gallegos, “We're just starting
in the first phase of getting the word out, getting
information out.”
He said he hopes to encourage Native

Majoring in mathmatics
Bella McManus
Chinook Writer
Charisma Gallagher and
Davin Ro are two students
majoring in math here at Casper
College. The two spoke about
their background with math,
why they chose to pursue it,
and what they see themselves
doing with their degrees in the
future.
While there is always
a need for degree-seeking
students in every field, the
demand for math majors is
steadily increasing. This is
due in part to the growing
technological field in today’s
society, and in part to the
shortage of math and science
teachers throughout the nation.
From mathematicians to
financial analysts, statisticians
to math teachers, math degrees
are always in high demand,
and extremely valued by
employers.
Gallagher, who already
completed her associates in
secondary education, explained
that math is like the backbone
of many careers, but additional
courses
are
necessary
depending on the specific
career goals of a student.
“There’s statisticians, but
you have to take the statistics
courses; there’s financial
analysts, but you have to take
the financial classes for that.
There’s scientists and stuff that
do a lot of math, but you have
to take the science stuff.”
Gallagher said she is
looking to become a high
school math teacher.
She said that during the
summers, when her students
are out of school, she wants
to continue studying subjects
like statistics, and she hopes
to eventually become a college
professor of math.

Gallagher’s love for math
began because her parents
both have good math brains,
so she said they raised her to
be good at math. She said her
mom made her and her two
younger siblings practice their
multiplication tables until they
got to know their facts well,
and her dad did not allow them
to use a calculator.
“I hated it at first but those
memories are kind of what
helped me fall in love with it,”
she said.
Gallagher said her love for
teaching came as she helped
raise her siblings and teach
them what her mom first
imparted to her about math.
This semester, Gallagher is
taking a class on the history
of math and said she loves
seeing how math came to be
and all the different ways it can
be applied today. Her favorite
part of math is the application
aspect of it.
Gallagher said, “It’s kind of
the worst part -- like the word
problems you have to do in
high school -- but I like seeing
the background and seeing
exactly how everything works
out in the end.”
Ro, a second-year student
currently
double-majoring
in computer science and
math, plans to transfer to
the University of Arizona to
complete his bachelor’s degree
in computer science next
semester.
He said that his two degree
choices complement each
other very well, and having
knowledge in one makes the
other significantly easier to
comprehend. “In my mind
they're just very very good
compliments of each other.”
Not many things in life
truly challenge Ro; he said
he finds that most learning

comes very naturally to him.
He enjoys his two majors
particularly because they make
him think critically about the
world around him.
“My favorite part of it is it
actually forces me to put in a
deeper thought behind what's
happening and how these
things work --why these things
work. And it gives me a better
understanding of most of our
world today as well,” he said.
Ro is also captain of the
forensics team at Casper
College.
He admitted that when
you think of computer science
and mathematics, speech and
debate and public speaking
are not typically things that
come to mind, but Ro said he
loves being able to learn about
his areas of interests, but that
he also brings the skillset to
present that knowledge to both
large groups and individuals.
Ro said he thinks this is
something that is lacking in
many fields, “especially in
the tech world…. There’re so
many people that are really,
really good at what they do…
but then a lot of times they're
not able to efficiently and
effectively present these ideas
and concepts to other people.”
While all majors are
challenging in their own way,
a degree in math is unique
in its relevance to such
broadly different goals and
careers. Both Gallagher and
Ro demonstrate that though
their end goals differ, math is
the common road that will get
them there. Their passion for
the subject will take them far.
According to Ro, “The best
thing that I honestly could ask
for in world as complex as
the one we live in now, is the
ability to have this form of
thought process.”
Bella McManus/Chinook

Charisma Gallagher (above) and Davin Ro pose for photos with the Chinook. Both students
are seeking math degrees at Casper College.

American students to join and take on the roles
of the club office.
“If you don't have that core leadership, then
you're never going to be able to pass this on,”
said Gallegos.
Makeshine herself wants to apply a broader
approach. She wishes to encourage membership
as a whole from any member of the student
body.
“It's hard to limit a club to only Native
Americans, and I think I want to open back
doors to open it to everyone,” said Makeshine.
“We're not at that point where we should be
limiting it.”
The club president encourages any and

everyone to become a part of the club.
“If you're interested in Native American
heritage, culture, and promoting any of that at
Casper College, then join,” Makeshine said.
Makeshine and Gallegos are united in their
goal to preserve the club’s future, and its
original purpose of being a home for Native
American students. Part of this, they believe, is
establishing a consistent meeting time. At this
time, maintaining contact with other members
happens primarily over email with meetings
scheduled on an as-needed basis.
“I recommended to the new club president
that you should meet at least two times a month,
and so we're starting trying to recruit Native
American students. So if they're interested, just
contact one of us,” said Gallegos.
As for plans for the coming semester, the
alliance’s biggest event of the year is the
powwow. Similar to past years, it is scheduled for
May as an end to the school year, and designed
to be a community event giving insight into
Native American culture and bringing people
together. Makeshine and Gallegos each promote
this as a significant draw for membership.
Makeshine cited it as the thing that first piqued
her interest about the club.
“When I first heard about the powwow and
that it was the Indigenous Alliance Club that
was hosting it, I also wanted to see what else
they did with Casper College,” Makeshine said.
She and Gallegos talked about an eventual goal
of a Casper community powwow at the event
center, but for now they said they are happy
to promote Native American awareness at the
college.
“The Thunderbirds is a Native American
thing, so I was really shocked that there's not a
lot of Native resources, even though our mascot
is literally a Native symbol,” Makeshine said
about her own experience. “This is my first
time at a college where there was no Native
American scholarships.”
When prompted on if his role as faculty
offered an advantage in bringing awareness
to the administration, Gallegos described
himself as a more hands-off advisor. He said he
provides guidance, but otherwise, expects the
club leadership to bear the brunt of the decisionmaking, including on topics such as how they
view the use of a native symbol.
Expanding on that, Gallegos said, “Just
because you're a student doesn't mean that's all
you are. Because you carry everything that you
learn here into the future.”
As advisor, he said he’s working on
developing flyers and a web page to encourage
student participation in the club.
In the words of President Makeshine, “The
main points I really want to hit on is join the
club if you're interested.”

�Page 6

March 1, 2025

CHINOOK

Kids free to learn at ECLC

WRITING CENTER
The Writing Center at Casper College is
here to help our students and members of
the community.

Two ECLC children look at fossilized turtle shells at the Tate Museum.
Natalie Benson
Chinook Writer
At the Early Childhood Learning Center on
the Casper College campus, children are the
ones who determine their learning content and
environment.
According to Emily Calmes, director of
the ECLC, the center follows a Reggio-style
curriculum where the teachers observe the
children and then base their teaching off of
the children’s interests. The teachers conform
to the individual needs of the children instead
of following a curriculum where each child
is forced along at the same pace, despite the
possibility of some not being ready. The Reggio
curriculum is even used in the infant room,
with teachers focusing on how the infants are
learning about their playmates and the world
around them. They use regular observations
to form a curriculum for each child, and with
what materials and resources it would be best
for them to learn with. With this approach,
Calmes said the curriculum can vary wildly
from semester to semester.
One thing that doesn’t change, however, is
how ECLC works with both the campus and
various teachers on campus.
“We definitely follow the kids' leads,” Calmes
said, “On that, the classroom I’m working in
right now is very into our college community,
and so we’ve gone on multiple field trips.”
Trips to the college library and cafeteria are
a proven favorite, along with the agriculture
pavilion and the Tate Museum. ECLC also
occasionally makes trips to specific classes on
campus, like as the dance classes.
“Their [the kids'] desire for that is really
what leads that, so we’re trying to do something

Submitted Photo

once a week that gets us out on campus,”
Calmes said.
ECLC’s approach to curriculum is also
helped by the diversity of staff members. While
the lead teachers of each class have education
degrees, there are both part time and work
study employees who can be anything from
technology majors to biology majors.
Odalys Osorio, an elementary education
major, said, “You can be literally in any field
and come work here. You just have to be willing
to like, learn with the kids and love just being
with kids.”
This means that the children have a variety
of sources to learn different things from as well,
especially as older students graduate and newer
students come to work.
How much the teachers are able to affect
this curriculum differs. Osorio explained that
the lead teachers are the ones with the most
control over the curriculum, doing observations
and adjusting their curriculums for each child
accordingly.
Part time workers also do logged
observations, and have communication with the
teachers on what the kids are doing and need,
but have less direct control over that curriculum.
Work study students, despite engaging with the
children and working closely with them, are
not required to do observations or add to the
curriculum. Instead, they follow the lead teacher
and part time worker’s guidance during the
daily schedule with the kids.
While ECLC is not one of the louder
organizations on campus, it is a very important
one, ensuring parents are able to go to classes
knowing that their children are safe and watched,
and learning more and more about their world,
their environment, and their campus day by day.

Brainstorm possible paper topics
Craft an essay
Get feedback on a draft
Gain writing strategies
And so much more!

Visit us in Strausner Hall, room 215 or visit
the Writing Center Moodle site for additional
resources and appointment scheduling!

Contact:
307-268-2610
wco@caspercollege.edu

caspercollegechinook.com

Knowledge Enrichment for Youth

KEY CAMP

Looking for a rewarding way to
spend this summer?
Join the team at Casper College’s KEY Camp as a camp
counselor, classroom assistant, nurse, or teacher! It’s a valuable
experience for your resume and an opportunity to mentor
academically inclined sixth, seventh, and eighth graders.
Contact the Casper College Community Education Department at
307-268-3401 or comm_ed@caspercollege.edu for more information.

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