During the countless opportunities I have to speak at the Legislature I rarely hesitate to brag about the home country, Star Valley and Lincoln County.

In fact, I think my colleagues grow weary of it, as multiple  times I point out the work ethic and success of our organizations and business such as Lower Valley Energy, Silver Star Communications, Aviat and more. Plus, I acknowledge the communities that are planning for the future, such as Alpine, Star Valley Ranch, Thayne and Afton.

As an example, I’ll say, ‘let me take you to Thayne who has a town councilman completely dedicated to a successful recreation program or Star Valley Ranch who has a trail system the rest of you could only hope for in your local towns.’

But when it comes to the schools, my Legislative colleagues can almost speak ahead of me, saying, “We know Dockstader about your schools,” as I say ‘let’s go out west to a school district that has it figured out with academics, athletics and the arts.’

That comment came home again this past week when the Star Valley High School Marching Band returned with top honors from state competition in Casper.

Let’s go straight to the script from my 5 a.m. Monday news update:
“Coming home with honors from the Wyoming State Marching Band Festival: The Star Valley High School Marching Band has captured state championship honors, bringing home first place in the 3A division and a Superior Rating. Star Valley was one of three schools in Wyoming to receive the Superior rating.

“These honors come after competing with schools across the state at  the Wyoming State Marching Band Festival Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper. Star Valley also won four out of the five caption awards presented for high achievement in color guard, winds, music and marching.”

Successful communities, schools — that’s worth noting in this week’s Independent Notes.