Judy Hayworth ’65 – 2024 Distinguished Alum

Judy Hayworth ’65 – A Life of Service to Others

“I always knew I would be a teacher. I loved working and spending time with children, even at a young age.”

Judy Hayworth was born and raised in Sheridan, attending Sheridan schools and getting involved in the local 4H program. She enrolled at Sheridan College with a full tuition Thorne-Rider scholarship, majoring in Elementary Education.

“Sheridan College was great! I could get two years of education under my belt and it felt like I was home free with only two more years to go. The instructors cared whether we were successful and were able to hold us accountable because of the low student to teacher ratio.”

Judy immersed herself in all the activities at Sheridan College. She joined the Student Senate and Phi Theta Kappa, was a Homecoming attendant, worked on the prom committee decorating the gym, and was active in the Young Republicans Club.

“A great experience I had at SC was when the Young Republicans Club chose me to represent them and sent me to Washington DC for a Young Republicans Leadership conference. It was my first time flying and the furthest I had ever traveled from my home. I met so many people from all over the world. I’ll never forget it!”

After graduating SC, Judy attended Western Montana College of Education, graduating with her teaching degree. She subsequently taught elementary education for 34 years in Montana while also volunteering with 4H and scouting programs in the area.

She retired in 2007 and moved back to Sheridan with her husband Michael. After a bout with colon cancer, Judy decided to dedicate the rest of her life to helping others. She volunteers in the Sheridan Memorial Hospital surgical waiting room and is active in the Sheridan Hospital Auxiliary. Judy also volunteers at the WYO Theater, the Hub on Smith, and joined AARP’s Sheridan Community Action Team. She is a Court Appointed Special Advocate to help children in unfortunate circumstances and has helped many young children navigate a very difficult process.

Judy’s hard work and selflessness has not gone unnoticed. She was named the 2023 AARP Wyoming Andrus Award winner, honoring Wyoming’s top volunteer older than 50.  In typical humble Judy fashion, she said, “I just love people and helping people. Helping is so rewarding.”

We are so glad that Judy came back to Sheridan after a long and successful career of teaching to help make our community a better place to live. Congratulations for being our 2024 Sheridan College Distinguished Alum!