Setting a record — Kate Hernandez is first Rawlins High School student to earn college degree before receiving her high school diploma

RAWLINS — Kate Hernandez joined her fellow classmates May 29 in receiving her diploma from Rawlins High School.

What many did not know is that two weeks prior to the Rawlins commencement ceremony, Hernandez was at another commencement — at Western Wyoming Community College in Rock Springs, proudly receiving her Associate of Arts in Elementary and Early Childhood Education.

She now has the distinction of being the first student ever from Rawlins High School to earn a college degree concurrently with her high school diploma. 

Over the course of her four years in high school, she earned an impressive 76 college credits, all accomplished remotely and online.

As a top dual enrollment student, the Carbon County Higher Education Center Foundation awarded Hernandez a $500 scholarship.

Focus and determination

Hernandez knew she wanted to be a teacher as early as her freshman year in high school — so she put her mind to it and did it.

But it was not easy, she admitted.

“It was challenging. I had to balance early morning work and basketball practices after school,” she said.

Her inspiration? Both her sisters are teachers in Rawlins. 

Hernandez said she “really looks up to them.” 

Also driving her goal is a love of working with children, which she does, working at the school daycare.

“It is truly what I want to do,” Hernandez added.

Moving forward

In addition to finishing high school, working on her associate’s degree, Hernandez took it a step further by starting her Bachelor of Arts in education. She is doing the work online from the University of Wyoming, and she is working to complete 20 credits this summer.

Hernandez noted how special it is that she can take all her courses and earn her degree online — something she is taking full advantage of so that she can stay in Rawlins and work. She said she will do her student teaching in the fall of 2027, and she hopes she can do that in Carbon County School District No. 1.

Her plans are to get a teaching job in Rawlins, also, “to give back to my community.”

In the meantime, she will spend time with her family — her favorite thing to do — and spend some time taking advantage of the many local outdoor opportunities.

And her advice for younger students with a dream?

“Work for what you want. Don’t expect it to be handed to you. Stay focused.”

This story was published on June 10, 2026.

Ensure These Stories Are Told

Despite the challenges facing independent local journalism, what sustains us — and fills us with deep gratitude — is the loyal support of readers who believe our communities deserve accurate, trusted, and locally rooted news.

It is no exaggeration to say that we are here because of you. Every story we report, every local issue we follow, every public meeting we cover, and every community voice we lift up is made possible by readers who understand the value of an independent newspaper.

Your support does more than fund articles. It helps protect the independence that allows us to report honestly, ask important questions, and keep our community informed without fear or favor.

If you are able, please consider supporting the News Letter Journal by donating to our Unabridged Fund today. Whether your gift helps cover reporting time, printing costs, video, photography, editing, or distribution, every contribution helps keep local journalism strong in Wyoming.

All gifts are deeply appreciated. Your support helps ensure that local stories continue to be told, local decisions continue to be watched, and local voices continue to be heard.

Thank you for standing with independent community journalism.