Today’s Students are Tomorrow's Leaders: Upton High School Develops its Youth

Upton High School serves the small community of Upton, WY, tucked in the northeast corner of Wyoming through a robust platform of activities designed to give students invaluable leadership opportunities. The region’s youth develop essential skills and prepare for their future in programs like Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) and Future Farmers of America (FFA) and more, each offering tremendous knowledge to complement traditional classroom coursework.

The school's dedication to fostering leadership is evident in its students' achievements, which underscore the impact of personalized attention from sponsors and instructors in a smaller setting, allowing students to thrive.

• In 2025, 17 Upton High School students qualified for the national FBLA competition with 12 projects, after placing fifth nationally in 2024.
• The FFA program won the Wyoming Chapter of the Year in both 2024 and 2025 and was named a Gold Chapter three years in a row, from 2023 to 2025.
• Three students qualified for FCCLA nationals this year, with junior Nathan Sanderson elected Vice President of National Events. Student Kelly Cork served as the state office president for the 2023-34 school year.

"I think the clubs are important because they give students life-long knowledge and help them in the outside world when they graduate," said eleventh-grade student Karystn Garcia. "Someone thinking of joining should go for it because it would open up many more doors in their future." 
Sanderson emphasized those points. “FCCLA, FFA and FBLA help students get out of a comfort zone, teach how to be a better leader and help determine plans for after high school and what needs to be done to get there.”

Confidence gained

More than extracurriculars, these activities are incubators for leadership, service, and personal growth. Students are challenged and supported as they navigate these programs, gaining direction and guidance to serve them well beyond high school. The FBLA program recently placed fifth in the Champion Chapter out of over 5,200 chapters nationwide, a testament to their dedication and hard work. FCCLA focuses on career pathways, helping students explore potential professions and develop real-world skills. FFA aims to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will make a difference in the world.

When asked how being in the FBLA chapter has influenced her high school experience and future plans, Garcia indicated, "Being in high school activities has been life-changing because I can meet new people and learn new things all the time. It has helped me think about my future with new experiences and learn what happens in the outside world." 

Garcia also elaborated on the leadership skills she has acquired. "I now have the ability to help people, talk in front of groups, and be more confident in front of people and working with people," she explained. "I have been able to use them in school by running for local chapter things in the FBLA clubs and wanting to do more things around the community and school." 

Cultivating leaders

Sanderson has noticed a change in himself that will apply today and far into the future as well. “I have become a much better public speaker and learned to work with others to get things done. I have used these skills out of school to work on community projects and help run banquets and shows.”

Upton High School's commitment to youth leadership is not limited to its activity programs. The Upton Arena symbolizes community resilience and collaboration, hosting events that further engage and develop students. For those seeking to witness the vibrant spirit of Upton, the Upton Economic Development Board's Event Calendar provides a glimpse into the community's dynamic activities.

Upton High School's dedication to providing diverse and enriching leadership opportunities is shaping its students into confident, capable, and community-minded individuals. Through FBLA, FCCLA, FFA, and other initiatives, students are gaining valuable skills and discovering their potential to make a difference in the world. Karstyn Garcia's insights offer a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of these programs, reinforcing the importance of investing in youth leadership development.

Upton’s future is in good hands

Every generation likes to refer to the ‘good ol’ days.’ But with the impressive credentials of Upton’s youth, those best times may still lie ahead!
Contact the Upton Economic Development Board to learn more about today’s youth’s abilities.