Each week, staff at Riverton High School nominate a student who has shown outstanding behavior towards their peers and their academics. At the end of the year, County 10 will present a scholarship of $500 to one of the students nominated! Click here to view all students.
Aquinnah Wiblemo was nominated as the RHS student of the week by Annette Benn-Thornton.
Mrs. Annette Benn-Thornton: It is with great enthusiasm and pride that I nominate Aquinnah Wiblemo for Student of the Week. Aquinnah is as smart as she is funny, an impressive combination that makes her both a leader and a joy to be around. She brings dedication, positivity, and genuine excitement to everything she does, supporting clubs and organizations across the school through her leadership and contagious enthusiasm.
Academically, Aquinnah is exceptional. She maintains outstanding grades in all her classes and approaches class subjects with genuine intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. She is confident in her well-informed opinions, while valuing the positive power for change that argument can offer when considering all points of view. Aquinnah’s strength as a confident public speaker, combined with her mature, insightful writing ability, sets her apart as an impressive example of academic scholarship.
In addition to her academic success, she is an accomplished performer in acting, dance, and music. Her talent and professionalism elevate every production she’s part of, and her presence consistently brightens the stage and those around her. Her skill level in acting and dance has elevated her to the position of teacher for fellow artists. She has led statewide high school workshops for students hoping to improve their acting skills: a testament to both her expertise and her generosity in sharing it. With her talent, work ethic, and drive, there is no doubt she has an extraordinary future ahead. Keep an eye out for Aquinnah’s name, whether it’s for an Oscar, Emmy, Pulitzer, Nobel, or Tony, because Aquinnah Wiblemo is destined to shine.
Mrs. Tomi Kirkland: Aqu-wee-on-a!!! Everyone’s favorite!!! There is nothing shy about this bright, shining star! Aquinnah knows no stranger. She is a friend and friendly to everyone. She thrives in the spotlight: cheering, performing or learning. Aquinnah is the whole package: she can sing, she can dance and she can shout. This girl is school spirit personified!
School Activities: Cheer, NHS, Theater, Speech & Debate, Student Council, FCCLA, Choir.
Special Awards or Honors: NHS president, double-qualified for NSDA nationals 3 years in a row and received the NSDA Academic All-American award in 2025.
Outside Activities/Hobbies: Competitive dancer, A member of the Wyoming Youth Arts Council, and Musical theater.
Student’s Plans After Graduation: I hope to go to the University of Northern Colorado & get my BFA in musical theater!
1. What advice do you have for younger students? My advice for younger students is to be involved but allow time for yourself. Finding who you are in high school is very important. Find your own sense of belonging & find peace with who you are. ALWAYS be yourself!
2. Who is your favorite teacher, and why? My favorite teacher is Mrs. Thornton. She has taught me everything I know & is my biggest support system. She helps me follow my dreams & has grown my passion for theater immensely. Mrs. Thornton is the most intelligent & talented person I know.
3. What is your favorite school subject or activity, and why? My favorite subject in school is Acting. My goal is to pursue acting in the outside world & without the acting class I’ve taken throughout high school, I wouldn’t be able to do so.
4. Tell us about your favorite artist (author, musician, actor, etc.) and what makes them special? My favorite actress is Jessica Vosk. I’ve seen her on Broadway once & it changed my perspective on live theater. Her talent is unlike any other, and I look up to her for what I want to pursue in the future.
Scott Wiblemo and Teri Caldwell-Udell are the proud parents of Aquinnah.