SUBLETTE COUNTY – The Wyoming Community Foundation bestowed its Spirit of the Meadowlark Award to Betty Fear with a ceremony at the county fairgrounds on June 3. Fear, a lifelong Wyomingite, was recognized for her tireless work to build and inspire her community.

Fear taught social studies and language arts at Big Piney Middle School before growing her reputation and eventually serving on the local school board and then the Wyoming State Board of Education and, ultimately, the University of Wyoming Board of Trustees.

Fear also served two terms as Sublette County commissioner. She’s a former business owner and remains an active member of the St. John’s Episcopal Church. She’s shared her skills on piano for many church services; some she honed while accompanying young musicians at Big Piney High School.

“Betty’s community investment, in a lifetime of serving, volunteering and donating, have left a incredible path and inspired multiple generations,” said Tara Bolgiano, chair of the Sublette Local Board. The Sublette Local Board is a local part of the Wyoming Community Foundation.

The Sublette Local Board also created the award. It’s named because the meadowlark is a sure sign of spring, offering hope and optimism for the future.

“The Wyoming Community Foundation believes in making Wyoming better by giving back,” Marbleton’s Roger McMannis, former chair of the Sublette Local Board and current member of the state board, said. “Betty truly embodies everything that the Wyoming Community Foundation stands for. She inspires us every day through her unwavering commitment to her community.”

The local board has raised over $1.1 million in grants since it began in 2005, supporting over 50 local nonprofits in the process. The WYCF has granted over $100 million across every Wyoming county. The foundation offers donors a variety of options for giving. It also supports Wyoming nonprofits through grant making and organizational development, helping them build professional capacity and establishing their own endowments to ensure long-term security.