A special assembly was held at Uintah High School on Tuesday morning to announce the 2024 Distinguished Alumni. Dr. Ronee K. Wopsock Pawwinnee, the Ute Tribe Education Director and Superintendent of Uintah River High School, was selected for the honor. Wopsock Pawwinnee graduated from UHS in 1997. She is a proud member of the Ute Indian Tribe from the Uncompahgre band. She has worked for the tribe for almost 19 years in various capacities from oil and gas to social services, and finally settled at the Education Department for the past nine years. “The Distinguished Alumni Committee is excited to recognize Ronee,” shares Uintah High Vice Principal Scott Mansfield, who chairs the committee. “She has demonstrated a true passion for education and believes in the power it has to change lives. She is an outstanding example of someone who gives back to our community and serves others.” Wopsock Pawwinnee expressed her thanks to the selection committee and said it was an honor to be selected as the 2024 Distinguished Alumna.