Tradition continued — Christensen walks the halls her great-grandfather once walked

Callie Christensen carries a piece of Wyoming history with her — and now, she’s adding to it.

The Newcastle High School senior was recently selected as one of four students statewide to serve as a Senate page for the Wyoming Legislature, a weeklong program that offers students a behind-the-scenes look at state government. For Christensen, the experience was more than an academic opportunity — it was a personal milestone tied to her family’s legacy.

Her great-grandfather Earl Christensen, served as president of the Wyoming Senate in 1969.

“I have always taken a lot of pride in him being my great-grandfather,” Callie said. “There was a part in my speech where I included that.”

Each page was given the opportunity to give a speech before the Senate and reflect on their time in the role. According to Christensen’s family, what she shared about her great-grandfather brought many emotions — specifically pride.

Christensen said her roots and community involvement in the Newcastle community helped shape her path.

“Growing up in Newcastle has been a really great experience for me,” she said. “My family is generational in Newcastle.”

Her interest in government was initially sparked last summer when she attended Wyoming Girls State, where she served as president of the senate in a mock government setting.

“It was a lot of fun,” she said. “That was a huge factor for me when deciding to apply.”

The application process for the Senate page program was competitive. Christensen completed an essay, secured sponsorship from a senator and participated in a phone interview.

“A lot of girls had applied,” she said. “I was super nervous when she told me there were a lot of qualified applicants. I was super excited when she first told me I had gotten chosen.”

During her week at the State Capitol, Christensen’s days started early and moved quickly.

“The first day was really exciting,” she said. “We had to be there at 8 a.m., but I got there at 7:40 to be prepared.”

Her responsibilities included distributing amendments and observing legislative proceedings.

“It was a lot of observing,” she said. 

She also had the opportunity to sit in on committee meetings. The fast-paced environment proved testing at times.

“The most challenging part was how fast paced it was, how quickly that pace would change to wait,” she said. 

“Hurry up and wait” was a term coined by the Legislature, which they shared with Christensen. 

One of the most impactful aspects of the experience, according to Christensen, was working alongside adults in a professional setting.

“I think that it pushed me out of my comfort zone,” she said. 

Her time at the Capitol culminated in a moment of reflection.

“I can’t believe it is already over,” she said.

Christensen described the experience in one word: “memorable.”

Her family showed no shortage of pride in Christensen’s opportunity to see firsthand how state government works.

“I was excited for her, it really means a lot with my grandpa being a past senator,” said her father, Wade Christensen. “We are super proud of Callie. She made connections down there with current senators. She made an impression.”

Wade Christensen said the opportunity is especially meaningful for students from small communities.

“I think it is amazing that these kids have this opportunity,” he said. “It is not something they typically get in Newcastle — being around people of that caliber.”

He also emphasized the long-term impact of such programs.

“It is invaluable,” he said. “The direction that it can point these girls towards. It is so hard to get good quality people to serve our community. It is important for these kids to learn that it is a good thing.”

The family’s history added another layer of significance.

“I think it was different for her because of the history,” he said. “When she was down there, there are still pictures of her great-grandfather in the capitol. She got her picture taken next to one.”

Callie’s grandfather, Wayne Christensen, said he is proud to see the next generation stepping up.

“I am just proud of what she is doing,” he said. “It was a great speech. She did a great job.”

Reflecting on the experience, he added, “It was a good undertaking for her, no matter what she decides to do in the future.”

For Wade Christensen, the moment represents both pride and transition.

“I am really excited for her, she is my baby,” he said, reflecting on her entry into college life next fall. 

Educators in Newcastle say Christensen’s success is no surprise. Her FFA adviser and public speaking coach, Morgan Loepp, has worked with her throughout much of her high school career.

“(She) has been a student of mine for three years,” Loepp said. “In that time, I have had the privilege to be not only her FFA adviser but also her public speaking coach.”

Loepp highlighted Christensen’s accomplishments at multiple levels, including a silver placement at the national level in extemporaneous public speaking.

“She has grown so much as a speaker but also as a person,” she said. “I have watched her character and work ethic evolve into an unstoppable force.”

Loepp added that Christensen’s achievements are just the beginning.

“I truly believe that the accomplishments she has found through FFA are stepping stones and a look into the success she will find in her adult life,” she said.

Christensen’s mother, Tonya Christensen, also credits local programs for her daughter’s success.

“I really attribute a lot of Callie’s success and being selected for this to the school clubs and programs,” she said. “Things like FFA, FBLA, student council — just being involved helps these kids so much.”

She also emphasized the role of Girls State.

“And a huge shout out to the (American Legion) for doing Girls State,” she said. “Without them and the Girls State I don’t know how many kids would be involved in the government.”

Looking ahead, Christensen plans to attend Grand Canyon University in Phoenix and pursue a career in the medical field, while keeping an interest in public service.

She hopes her experience will inspire other students from Wyoming.

“I would tell them that they should for sure attend Girls State,” she said.

Above all, Christensen said, she was proud to represent her hometown.

“It was great to be able to represent Newcastle,” she said. “A lot of the senators complimented our town, it was nice.”

Editor's note: The story has been updated to correct an error in a quote from Tonja Christensen. According to Tonya Dafoe the American Legion that handles Girls State, not the VFW.