Dear Friends, Colleagues, and Community Members,

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As I sit down to write this letter, I'm filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and excitement. Looking back on the past two years, I'm amazed at how far the Wonder Institute has come. What began as a dream, a spark of an idea, has blossomed into a vibrant, bustling hub of creativity, innovation, and community. It’s truly exceeded my wildest expectations.

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I remember those early days vividly – the late nights, the meticulous planning, and the unwavering determination to create a space where everyone, regardless of their background or skill level, could explore their passions. We envisioned a place where children could discover the wonders of robotics, adults could master the timeless art of woodworking, and families could create lasting memories together.

And we’ve achieved that vision.

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We’ve opened doors to opportunities that were previously out of reach. We’ve witnessed the spark of inspiration ignite in a child's eyes as they build their first robot, the pride on an adult's face as they complete a handcrafted project, and the joy of a family working together on a collaborative project. These moments, these transformations, are the heart and soul of the Wonder Institute.

But the Wonder Institute is about more than just individual projects. It’s about the connections we’ve made and the collaborations we’ve built. Our partnerships with Teton County School District to empower teachers with 3D printing skills, with Wyoming Indian High School to provide students with real-world experience in sewing and design, and with Grand Teton National Park and the Teton Raptor Center to create innovative solutions for wildlife conservation, are testaments to the power of community.

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These collaborations aren’t just partnerships; they’re a reflection of what’s possible when we come together, share our skills and resources, and believe in each other’s potential.

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And we’re just getting started.

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We have so many more dreams to realize and opportunities to create. We want to expand our youth programs to reach even more students and inspire the next generation of innovators. We want to develop new workshops and classes, providing even more avenues for creative exploration. We want to deepen our community collaborations, working together to address the challenges and opportunities facing our region.

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The Wonder Institute is a testament to the power of hands-on learning, the transformative potential of creativity, and the unwavering spirit of community. And it’s all of you – our members, volunteers, partners, and supporters – who have made this possible. Thank you for believing in our vision, for sharing your passion, and for helping us build a brighter future for Jackson Hole. We are just beginning.

 

With sincere gratitude,

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Gary Duquette

Director, Wonder Institute