Laramie’s Velma Linford Elementary Celebrates 2025 National and Wyoming Blue Ribbon

Velma Linford Elementary in Laramie filled its gymnasium Friday morning, Feb. 20, 2026, with students, teachers, administrators and family members to celebrate the school’s designation as a 2025 National Blue Ribbon School and a Wyoming Blue Ribbon School. Wyomingnews described the crowd as creating “a sea of Linford Lion blue” during the all-school assembly.

Albany County School District 1 posted formal congratulations after the announcement; County5 quoted the district saying, “We’re thrilled to share that Velma Linford Elementary has been named a 2025 National Blue Ribbon School, an honor reserved for schools that show outstanding academic achievement. This recognition highlights the hard work of our students, teachers, and families in reaching very high levels of performance in reading and mathematics. Congratulations Linford family!” The district’s ACSD1 web page also lists “Linford Elementary School, National Blue Ribbon School Award.”

The Wyoming Department of Education categorized Linford in the “Exemplary High-Performing Schools” group, citing the school’s outstanding performance on state assessments in reading and mathematics, according to Wyomingnews. Wyomingnews also noted that the National Blue Ribbon Schools program recognizes schools “where students achieve at very high levels or schools have made significant progress in closing achievement gaps,” language used to explain the federal program’s criteria.

State-level participation in the assembly included a video message from Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder and an in-person address by Wyoming first lady Jennie Gordon. Wyomingnews reported that Degenfelder’s video message emphasized that the Wyoming Blue Ribbon program recognizes schools that reflect the state’s values and strong academic foundations, and pointed to Linford’s focus on literacy, parent partnerships and a staff committed to excellence. Rachel Finch of Wyomingnews captured the moment in a photo caption: “From left, Velma Linford Elementary Principal Karsten Hiser, Wyoming first lady Jennie Gordon and teacher Patty Johnson beam with pride during the school’s 2025 Blue Ribbon celebration in the school’s gymnasium during the morning of Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, as Gordon addresses students, teachers and family members.”

A short school-produced video shown to the assembly included students from different classrooms describing what they loved most about Linford; Wyomingnews reported that students’ answers “ranged from kind teachers and fun classes to recess and holiday celebrations.” The assembly combined that student perspective with recognition from state leaders and district officials.

Velma Linford’s honor joins two other Wyoming elementary schools named a National Blue Ribbon School this cycle: Ralph Witters Elementary in Thermopolis and Wagonwheel Elementary in Gillette, Wyomingpublicmedia reported. Wyomingnews described the National Blue Ribbon designation as “one of the nation’s highest distinctions for academic excellence,” placing Linford’s award in a statewide and national context.

Social media and local outlets amplified the celebration: an Instagram post congratulated Linford, saying, “Congratulations to Linford Elementary School in Laramie on earning the prestigious inaugural Wyoming Blue Ribbon Award!” and ACSD1 and County5 reposted the district’s announcement. School and district materials indicate the award year as 2025 while the public celebration took place Feb. 20, 2026.