Boehnke has taught Spanish at CY Middle School since 2007, her professional home for nearly two decades, where she has grown as a teacher, mentor, and leader in world languages education.
CYMS Principal Randall Bower shared his admiration and appreciation for the lessons Katherine Boehnke inspires in her students and colleagues, “Katherine is the personification of CY's tenets, pursuing excellence and character. For twenty years, she has been a driving force and leader within the World Language community, as well as being a huge part of what makes CY, CY. She is a trusted colleague and beloved teacher. The daughter of educators, she is a natural, and the skillset is in her blood.”
When asked about receiving this award, Boehnke shared that the honor came as both a surprise and a deeply meaningful moment. “I was honestly surprised and really honored to get this award,” she said. “A colleague in our world languages department at CY nominated me, which makes it even more meaningful. It feels really special to be recognized by the people I work with every day. So many great things are happening in world languages classes in our state, and I’m proud and excited to represent Wyoming’s world language teachers at the regional level as I go on to compete for the Pacific Northwest Council for Languages Teacher of the Year this spring.”
The Wyoming Association of Language Teachers is a professional organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for world languages teachers as they promote linguistic and cultural competence among K-16 learners in Wyoming. (https://www.wyominglanguageteachers.org/)
In addition to this esteemed statewide honor, Señora Boehnke has been nominated for the Pacific Northwest Council of Language Teacher of the Year 2026.
Congratulations, Señora Boehnke, on this recognition of your commitment to educational excellence and the brilliant work you do each day!