CCSD names teacher of the year

Crook County School District has named Nick Olson as its teacher of the year.

"It's an honor to have received the Crook County School District teacher of the year. There are so many great teachers in our communities and to be selected and recognized as one of them is truly heartwarming," says the math teacher.

Olson graduated from Black Hills State University and got his first teaching job in Moorcroft, where he taught for two years before transferring to Sundance, where he is about to finish his eighth year.

"I've been blessed to work with some great educators throughout the last ten years who have guided me and taught me what it truly means to be a teacher," he says.

Julie Cross was named a finalist in this year's teacher of the year selection.

Cross has taught science and coached in Sundance in since 1989.

In those years, she has watched so many students and athletes become successful. She has had six children graduate from Sundance, and they were able to pursue and accomplish whatever they chose to do.

Mrs. Cross is retiring at the end of the school year and looks forward to watching her threegrandsons in all their activities.