During the 2026 Wyoming legislative session, Powell High School students have been traveling to Cheyenne for a variety of reasons, including SkillsUSA, art, and internship opportunities. 

Many of them had great experiences during these visits to the Capitol. They were able to meet important people who have had an impact in Wyoming. Ultimately, the students had a great time getting to see and experience the capital in a different light despite being in Cheyenne for just a brief time.

SkillsUSA is a program committed to ensuring students are prepared for the workforce. It provides educational programs, events, trainings, and competitions. The program helps to occupy the unfilled skilled trade jobs. The SkillsUSA students who participated in the to the Capitol talked with legislators about the importance of the program.

“My favorite part of SkillsUSA is getting to meet people and advocate for CTE,” senior Curtis Muecke said. “Right now, in Wyoming, 60% of unfilled jobs are skilled trade jobs. I have gotten the privilege to speak to legislators, at both the state and national level, about how essential it is that students are given the opportunity to explore their passions and prepare for their futures.”

Two PHS art students, senior Dawson George and junior Cambree Dicks, went to Cheyenne for the opening of the 2026 Governor’s Capitol Art Exhibition. There, PHS was recognized for its artistic achievements, because Governor Mark Gordon visited PHS earlier and was very impressed with the numerous art installation projects.

“While in Cheyenne, we were bringing light to our art department and the different projects we are able to do throughout the art classes,” Dicks said. “My favorite part about art would have to be working with different people. Some of my best friendships have come out of the art classes, because you work so closely with each other, you develop a friendship.”

Junior Taylor Peters served as an intern at the capitol. She will be staying there from Feb. 5-20. Peters submitted her application to the program was a tedious, month-long process requiring letters of recommendation, signatures from school officials, essays, and an academic resume.  

“I am in Cheyenne as an intern for the Wyoming legislature,” Peters said during her stay in Cheyenne. “During my internship, I get to watch important addresses and meetings. I get to see staff committee meetings and shadow Legislative Service Office staff in the various committees, and I get to sit in the gallery to watch the Senate and House floor meetings.”

All the students at the Capitol had the opportunity to watch Mark Gordon sign a proclamation about how important CTE programs are to the state. The CTE program brings hands-on learning with career skills. CTE goes hand in hand with SkillsUSA by connecting career training.

“I went to the Capitol to attend the Wyoming Association of Career and Technical Education luncheon,” Muecke said. “I also advocated for CTE and for education in general. Some highlights were getting to introduce Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder to Wyoming Association for Career and Technical Education. I loved getting to meet different senators and representatives. I talked to all three of our legislators: Rep. Paul Hoeft, Sen. Dan Laursen, and Sen. Tim French.”

This trip was a great opportunity to meet people who have had a meaningful impact, not only in Wyoming but also throughout the country. Many people who live in a small state find it hard because it feels like they don’t always have a voice. Yet, traveling to the Capital, meeting new people, and experiencing these moments shows that you can have an impact no matter what.

“I was able to meet and talk to incredible people,” Dicks said. “I was sitting next to Rita Watson, and she is the Head of the Department of Education, and we had many interesting conversations. Another highlight would be going to the Governor’s residence for the luncheon. The home was very beautiful, and the lunch was fantastic.” 

Going to the Capital provides a unique learning experience. It is quite a learning experience to actually see how the legislature works. Opportunities such as these show PHS students how much of an impact they have not only in our school but also in our state.

“I am friends and have worked with a lot of the Senators before,” Peters added at the event. “So one of them gave me a personal shoutout, and I got to be recognized by the Senate which was so unique and super special. I shadowed staff from the Senate Transportation Committee and the Senate Judiciary Committee and watched the morning House floor meeting. This afternoon, I have the opportunity to attend the Budget Seminar. Though I’ve technically only been interning for two days, I have experienced so much, and I hope to see so much more over the next two weeks.”