Chick named school board member of year

Alexis Barker
NLJ News Editor
 
The Weston County School District No. 1 board of trustee’s first female chairman, Tina Chick, was recently named to the All Wyoming School Board during a virtual conference on Nov. 23. 
Chick, who has been serving on the board for eight years, said that when former board Chair Bob Bonnar first talked with her about joining the board, she laughed. 
And that was exactly what she did when she talked about receiving the award, she chuckled. 
“I was very surprised to get it (the award). When I think about other people that have gotten it (the award), I don’t measure up to that,” Chick said, noting that trustees Tom Wright and John Riesland have both received the honor and played a huge role in her board career. 
During her speech in the virtual meeting, Chick recalled being both excited and scared. 
“I ran thinking I would not get voted in. … I’m not sure I said too much for the first six months,” Chick said. 
A Newcastle High School graduate, Chick credited Newcastle High School and the education she received with giving her the tools to hopefully do her part on the board to make that same difference in someone’s life. 
“I hope we are doing the same thing today. Whatever a student wants to do, I hope they are ready and they can
go where they need to go,” Chick said. 
“I am not deserving of this honor by myself,” Chick said, thanking not only her husband, David, and their two sons, Aiden and Avery, but also Bonnar and trustees Bill Lambert, Riesland and Wright. 
“I want to thank the rest of the board for being patient and kind while I worked on being a better chair. I am incredibly lucky to work with such caring people,” Chick said.
Superintendent Brad LaCroix said, while introducing Chick during the conference, that she is truly committed to the children and community. 
“On her normal day, she starts at the Weston County Childrens Center as a counselor. She moves her way into dividing time into supporting community children of all ages. She finds her way to the high school, where her two boys currently attend school,” LaCroix said. “She is involved in all kinds of avenues, and she has done a great job for us.” 
Chick has the ability to keep the board balanced and grounded, LaCroix said. She allows everyone a voice, understanding that even when they disagree, board members are all on the same team.