Congratulations to 6th-grade science teacher, Heather Thornton, for becoming Cheyenne's 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year!

Heather Thornton attended Oklahoma State University and received a bachelor's degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Ecology. She worked as a park ranger for the Texas Department of Wildlife for 8 years. While in Texas, she became interested in science education, and attended West Texas A&M University to complete her teaching certification in 2004. Mrs. Thornton taught biology and environmental science at Putnam City North High School for 5 years. She later moved to Edmond Public Schools and taught 6th and 8th grade science at Cimarron Middle School. Mrs. Thornton moved to Cheyenne Middle School and received her Master of Secondary Education from the University of Central Oklahoma. She has been teaching inquiry based lessons and labs to expand Cheyenne students' love for all things science since 2018. Mrs. Thornton has taken an active role in cleaning up and maintaining the outdoor classroom, working with Cheyenne's Foundations committee to build a positive school culture, and mentors new teachers. She is currently in her 18th year of teaching.

Mrs. Thornton is married to Justin, and they recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. They have two daughters. Their oldest is attending the University of Central Oklahoma, and the youngest is a sophomore at North High School. When not at Cheyenne, Mrs. Thornton enjoys spending time with her family. This often involves exploring National Parks all across the United States.