Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember you have within you the strength, patience, and the passion to reach for the stars and change the world.  

Harriet Tubman

Wyoming High School sophomore Lisa Cross admitted to friends that it was hard to announce the juniors selected as recipients of this year’s spring Alpha Wolf 11 Champions of Character Award. It was hard because, one of them was her brother, Dale Cross III.

“I kept trying not to look at him, but I think he knew,” she said.

As one Alpha Wolf student admitted, you never really know until your name is announced.

Started in 2014, every fall and spring semester, the Wyoming High School students and staff honor six exemplary students with the Alpha Wolf 11 Champion of Character Award — two sophomores, two juniors and two seniors. These students are recognized not for their academic or athletic achievements but for treating others by “being kind, compassionate, and gracious.”

Along with students and staff, special guests included members of the Wyoming community, City of Wyoming officials, public safety leaders, school district administration and members of the Wyoming Board of Education.

“It is always fun to do this and to have this great time together as a community,” said Principal Nate Robrahan. “I think we need to remember that we are a community and we are only better because we are together in what is our community of Wyoming High School, and you guys know enough that I am always so proud to be the principal of this community.”

The fun for many is the revealing of those who will receive the Alpha Wolf 11 Champion of Character Award. Often, the recipients are just as stumped as the students, looking around to see who will be receiving it before realizing that it is him or her.

Sophomore Alpha Wolf 11 Recipients

When Rohim Mohammod came to the school he struggled to speak English, even through he knew three other languages. That struggle has lead him to “pay it forward” by helping others who face the same challenge.

“He is one of these kids who is always trying to make a difference,” said teacher John Doyle who along with a group of students presented the awards. Mohammod has gone beyond just Wyoming High School, but helps immigrants from his country along with discussing human rights and the plight of refugees.

Cameron Simon is the defintation of “kind, compassionate, and gracious” and is just simply meant to be the next Alpha Wolf, according to the presentators. Sometimes called the class clown, Simon is always willing to give extra support to anyone who needs it. He has participated on the football, basketball, and track teams.

Doyle said Simon never judges and has gone on to volunteer in his community.

Junior Alpha Wolf 11 Recipients

Everyone likes and appreciates someone who makes them feel good about themselves, which is the kind person Thomas Bushman is. He is described as a kindhearted person who greets everyone with a smile and asks them how they are doing, Doyle said. Bushman is polite, outgoing and “ridiculously” nice.

“He is a fantastic leader by example and a true inspiration,” Doyle said with other presenters adding that Bushman continually works to learn and improve for the success of everyone.

“There is a reason this person has a third after his name,” said Lisa Cross of her brother Dale. “You see those named the third are said to have meaning of positive affirmation. They bring the confidence you need in yourself to have in your purpose and your desires. The third represents the mind, body, and spirit. I believe this person, who carries the last name of third, is an essential eleven leader in our school and our community.”

Another student who leads by example, Doyle said of Dale Cross III adding that Dale works hard to make his community better. Lisa Cross noted that because of Dale’s positive mentorship, he already has been selected as a team captain for next year.

Senior Alpha Wolf 11 Recipients

Perhaps no one was more surprised at being named Alpha Wolf 11 recipients than the two seniors.

Rayne Vieau-Parfait is known for her compassion but is content, according to presentators, at being the person behind the scenes. As one presentator put it “she is an excellent listener and when her big round eyes look at you through her glasses, it feels like she can see into your soul.”

Doyle went on to say that Vieau-Parfait is known for being “an easy and interesting person to talk to and she laughs at everything as she has a great sense of humor. She is happy, inquisitive, and very interested in others. She is an excellent example of genuine kindness. Her curiosity is one of her best qualities.”

Avery Robinson III started off the ceremony as the student guest speaker and he concluded the event by being named an Alpha Wolf. According to presenters, Robinson is known for giving a voice to everyone.

“There couldn’t be a more perfect theme then student voice, be brave for our last Alpha Wolf recipient today. This Alpha Wolf exhibits bravery in all aspects of their life,” the student presenters said.

Doyle added “He is the hand that will always reach to pick you up when you fall. He is the level headedness you need in times of person turmoil. He’s that brave voice who speaks up for those in the need of advocacy and the kind heart when its compassion, kindness and understanding that you seek.”

Alpha Wolf Teacher Recipient

Receiving the teacher award was math teacher and wrestling coach Steve Zajac. Receiving honorary Alpha Wolf 11 awards were the high school cafeteria staff, who all received aprons with the Alpha Wolf 11 logo.

“When I see what is going in this school, the support and character that is being built right in our community, this is the most amazing place to be,” said Mayor Jack Poll. “So I encourage you as you go on, because some of you will go on to other schools, some of you are going into the workforce, some of you are going to go on to college, remember those words, ‘be kind, be compassionate, and be gracious’ whether you are at your job, someday when you have your own individual families, whatever community you are involved in.

If you keep those things in mind, your life will be better and the community you live in will be better.”