A series to share #smiles across our community through the achievements of our local youth, brought to you by Olsen Orthodontics.
Written by Randy Tucker
(Pavillion, WY) – Wind River senior Natalie Walker received the prestigious Southwest District Senior Student Athlete of the Year Award in a ceremony on Saturday afternoon at the Shoshoni High School track during the West 1A/2A Regional Track Meet.
The award is identical to the Mower Award which goes to the outstanding male and female athlete in the Big Horn Basin in Class 1-A or 2-A schools. The 3-A / 4-A schools also have an award.
Natalie is the daughter of Justin and Kelli Walker. During high school Natalie participated in volleyball, basketball, track, student council, National Honor Society, drama, band, and is a member of the WHSAA Student Advisory Council.
Natalie earned 12 varsity letters during her high school career and was all conference in volleyball and basketball, all region, all state (twice) in basketball as well as the Northwest 2-A player of the year in basketball. She was a member of the 2024 Class 2-A basketball consolation championship team. She has placed at regionals and state in track. Additionally, Natalie has received multiple good sport awards throughout her career.
In her extra time, Natalie is heavily involved in Student Council and was the student council president both her junior and senior year. She was also named to the student council all state list. Natalie is actively involved in drama, where she has participated in school productions for the past 7 years and has been a director and lead for the last two years.
Academically, Natalie has received the Wyoming Coaches Association academic award multiple times, been on the principals list every quarter of high school. She has been the Riverton Ranger and County10 student of the week all 4 years, received numerous academic awards in Math, English, Science, Social Studies, drama, and Physical education.
She carries a 4.23 weighted GPA and scored a 27 on her ACT. She stays involved in her community through fundraising for different charities and holding leadership responsibilities through her church and being a member of the WHSAA student advisory council.
Natalie will be leaving on May 26th to the coast of Oregon to spend a semester. She will then enroll at Brigham Young University to attend the winter semester before serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.