Western Wyoming Community College (Western) is proud to announce that Emma Hunsaker, a Health Science major from Star Valley, Wyoming, has been selected as Western’s recipient of the Shaping Wyoming’s Future annual award. The recognition is presented through the Wyoming Association of Community College Trustees (WACCT) in partnership with the Wyoming Business Alliance.

Each year, one student from each of Wyoming’s eight community colleges is chosen to share their story of determination, perseverance, and success. Together, WACCT, the Wyoming Business Alliance, and Wyoming Legislation recognize these students for how they have transformed their lives through the Wyoming community college system and how their efforts are helping shape the future of Wyoming. Hunsaker traveled to Cheyenne on February 12, as part of her selection for the award, in addition to receiving a $500 scholarship for her selection which was matched by Western’s Foundation for a total of $1,000.

Hunsaker is currently a sophomore at Western. She chose Western as the starting point for her academic journey because it offered the opportunity to build a strong academic foundation while staying connected to home and community.

From an early age, Hunsaker felt drawn to the medical field. Fascinated by how the human body works and motivated by a desire to help others, her interest in healthcare continued to grow over time. As she explored various career paths within the field, she consistently found herself drawn to radiology. The combination of technical skill, patient care, and hands-on involvement made it feel like the perfect fit for her future.

When asked what advice she would give to other students considering their educational path, Hunsaker offers simple but powerful encouragement: “Just do it.” For Hunsaker, the pursuit of knowledge is never wasted. She believes that even if plans change, learning always moves students forward.

In speaking of Hunsaker’s achievement Western’s President Dr. Kirk Young shared, “Emma truly embodies the spirit of Western and the Wyoming community college system. Her determination, leadership, and commitment to serving others are exactly what the Shaping Wyoming’s Future award was created to recognize. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and excited to see the positive impact she will continue to have on her community and on Wyoming’s future.”

In addition to her academic achievements, Hunsaker is deeply involved in campus life at Western. She is a member of the National Society of Leadership & Success and participates in the Peer Mentoring Program, where she has provided honest and thoughtful feedback that has helped shape these programs for future students. Known across campus for her dedication, Hunsaker regularly supports events hosted by a wide range of student groups and serves as a student worker for Student Life. In this role, she plays a key part in planning and implementing campus events.

Western congratulates Hunsaker on this well-deserved recognition and thanks her for the leadership, dedication, and passion she brings to campus and to the future of Wyoming.

For more information about Western Wyoming Community College and its programs, visit www.westernwyoming.edu/academics.

For any questions, contact Public Relations Specialist Mikayla Wonnacott at mwonnaccot@westernwyoming.edu or call 307-382-1661.