Olsen and Clifford named RHS Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Varissa Olsen is the Riverside High School’s Valedictorian for the class of 2026. Olsen’s parents are Stephanie and Alex Olsen.  She has a younger sister Evelyn and younger brother Lief currently attend school in Basin. 

Olsen plans to go to NW College then on to Casper College to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy through the UW Extension program. She played sports all four years of high school. Volleyball, basketball and track are all part of her favorite memories in high school. 

She received the following scholarships: 

• Hathaway Opportunity Scholarship - $1,180 

• Margaretta Leavitt Trust Scholarship - $2,500

• Denis & Diane Lyman Scholarship - $2,000

• Big Horn Federal Trapper (NWC) - $1,500

• Herb Wolsborn Memorial (NWC) - $900

• Marigold N Saunders - $1,600

• Big Horn County Commissioners Scholarship - $1,000

• Del & Muriel Crouse Scholarship - $1,200

• Class of 2020 Scholarship - $250

• Big Horn Farm Bureau Federation Scholarship - $500

• Chapter AN, PEO Memorial Scholarship - $750

Riverside class of 2026 Salutatorian is Johnna Clifford. Her parents are Deb and Todd Clifford. Her favorite high school memory is decorating the Junior classes homecoming float in the driveway of her home.  Clifford plans on going to Sheridan College to get a degree in Pediatric Nursing. Sports were also a big part of her high school experience. Clifford said she was very excited about the achievement. She couldn’t have done it without the love and support of her family. 

Her scholarships were: 

• Hathaway Provisional Scholarship - $1,180

•Margaretta Leavitt Trust Scholarship - $2,500

•Denis & Diane Lyman Scholarship - $2,000

• Sons of the American Legion Scholarship - $1,100

•Big Horn Farm Bureau Federation Scholarship - $500

• Bob Paxton Ag Scholarship - $500

Riverside Middle High School Counselor Kellie Gloy said, “These two are very hard-working young ladies who were involved in SO many things. For them to still attain this level of academic success if very commendable.”