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Transcript of 2 0 0 5 Above Beyond - Helena Education Foundation · Vice President, Fundraising:Jon Satre...
HONORINGDistinguished Scholars Class of 2005
Distinguished Achievers Class of 2005
and their chosen
Distinguished Educators
in the Helena Public Schools
MAY 11, 2005BEST WESTERN HELENA
GREAT NORTHERN HOTELHELENA, MONTANA
BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Tim Ballweber, D.D.S.and
2 0 0 5
Above & BeyondCELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE
PO Box 792 • Helena, MT 59624 • [email protected] • (406) 443-2545www.helena-edfoundation.org
Thanks for Going There.
THE HELENA EDUCATION FOUNDATION SALUTES
THE
2005 DISTINGUISHED
STUDENTSAND
THE
DISTINGUISHED EDUCATORS
WHO HELPED MAKE IT HAPPEN!
formerly Insty Prints
EVENT SPONSORS:Allegiance Benefit Plan Management, Inc.
Moira Ambrose
DA Davidson & Co
Helena Association of Realtors
Helena Elks Lodge #193
Montana Book Company
Mountain West Xerography
PPL Montana
Sodexho
Western States Insurance
THE
CordingleyFOUNDATION
A SPECIAL THANKS TO...
Tim Ballweber, D. D. S.
and the following
EVENT UNDERWRITERS:
TABLE SPONSORS:
Rick and Amy Alton
American Federal Savings Bank
Anderson ZurMuehlen & Co., P.C.
Jean Baucus
Eric and Britt Bodtker
Jim and Laura Brown
Terry and Jan Cosgrove
Crossman-Whitney-Griffin Architects
Liz and Ken Eden
John and Sarah Etchart
Employee Benefit Resources, LLP
Gingerbee Creative
Gough, Shanahan, Johnson & Waterman
Liz Gundersen, M.D.
Will Harper, M.D.
Lee Harrison, M.D.
Helena Education Association/TRICO
Steve and Margaret Hoyle
Ruth Ann Johnson
Luxan & Murfitt Law Firm
Judy and Bruce Meadows
The Mitchell Group
Aidan Myhre
Nicholson, Inc.
Paul’s Office Products
Pepsi-Cola of Helena
Beverly Rogers
Jon Satre and Paulette Etchart
Valley Bank of Helena
Wells Fargo Bank
HELENA EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Board of Directors
President: Lisa Cordingley
President-Elect: Judy Meadows
Vice President, Fundraising: Jon Satre
Secretary: Liz Gundersen, M.D
Helen Ballinger
Jean Baucus
Terry Cosgrove
Kathy Ernst
Rev. George Harper
Harriett Meloy
Alan Nicholson
Bill Simons, O.D.
Tina Veroulis
Diamond Partners• Tim Ballweber, D.D.S
HELENA EDUCATION FOUNDATION HONORARY BOARD
HELENA EDUCATION FOUNDATION FUND DRIVE 2004-2005 PARTNERS
Rick Alton
Jim Brown
Matthew Dale
Lee Harrison, M.D.
Mike Holland
Margaret Hoyle
Brenna Kerins
Joe Kiely
Ron Lee
Trevor MacDonald
Molly Meyer
Bruce K. Messinger, Ph.D.
Jim Molloy
Susan Witte
Exec. Director: Cindy Lewis
Treasurer: Kim Harris
Platinum Partners• Blue Cross Blue Shield of
Montana
• The Independent Record
• KTVH Channel NBC 12
• Northwestern Montana
Radio Network
• LifeTouch
• Mountain West Bank
• Sandy Mac’s Distributing
Gold Partners• Allegra Print & Imaging
Ruby Partners• Allegiance Benefit Plan
Management, Inc.
• Moira Ambrose
• Helena Association of
Realtors
• Helena Elks Lodge #193
• Montana Book Company
• Mountain West Xerography
• PPL Montana
• Sodexho
• Western States Insurance
Silver Partners• Anderson ZurMuehlen &
Employee Benefit Resources
• Eric and Britt Bodtker
• DA Davidson, Inc.
• Nicholson, Inc.
• Paul’s Office Products
• Valley Bank of Helena
• Wells Fargo Bank
Sapphire Partners• Gopal and Amita Aggarwal
• Rick and Amy Alton
• American Federal Savings
Bank
• Jean Baucus
• Jim and Laura Brown
• Crossman-Whitney-Griffin
Architects
• Terry & Jan Cosgrove
• Pat and Denise Dolci
• Ken and Liz Eden
• John & Sarah Etchart
• Gough, Shanahan, Johnson
& Waterman
• Liz Gundersen, M.D.
• Will Harper, M.D.
• Lee Harrison, M.D.
• Margaret and Steve Hoyle
• Ruth Ann Johnson
• Luxan & Murfitt
• Jim and Casey Molloy
• Aidan Myhre
• Judy & Bruce Meadows
• Paul and Kelly Otis
• Jon Satre and Paulette Etchart
• The Cordingley Foundation
• GPD, Inc.
• Dan and Margaret Prill
• Ray and Jan Prill
• Beverly Rogers
• Helen and Arthuro Sanchez
• State Employees Charitable
Giving Campaign
• The Washington Corporation
Bronze Partners• Bill and Helen Ballinger
• Randy and Connie Carlson
• The Crowley Law Firm
• Diamond Construction
• Downtown Helena, Inc.
• First Montana Title
• The Eddy Foundation
• Helena Sand & Gravel
• Joe Kiely
• Ron Lee and Sue Clarke
• Cindy Lewis and Gary Davis
• Bruce and Jody Messinger
• Montana Eyecare
• Montana Broom & Brush
• Morrison-Maierle, Inc.
• Robert Peccia & Associates
• The Wingate Inn
• Susan Witte and Cary Lund
Friends of the FoundationKaren Stout-Suernam
Browning, Kaleczyc, Berry &
Hoven
Karen Rillahan
Bergum Drug
Chuck Johnson and Patricia
Hunt
Cindy and Jim Utterback
ITC
Maggie Davis and Bruce Ennis
Mark O'Keefe and Lucy Dayton
Mike and Colleen Casey
Patricia Cotter
Matt and Kim Dale
Susan and Murphy Fox
Deb Jacobsen
Kelly Elder
Joan Rolling
Barbara Ridgway
Becky Powell
Elaine Spino and John Mott
Martha A. Hawkins Trust
Michael and Gail Oelrich
Michael O’Neil
Terry and Patty Beaver
The Base Camp
Gordon Bennett and Norma
Tirrell
Assets Management, Inc.
Bill and Marsha Davis
Qwest
Carol McKerrow
Cathy Swift and Jock Anderson
Dan and Marcy McLean
Don and Joan Bishop
Douglas Casey
Fred and Judy Flanders
Galusha Higgins & Galusha
Gary Fredrick
Gene and Elaine Etchart
Jerry Jessop Family
William Honzel
John and Marie Kall
Ken and Sherry Morrison
Mark and Lynn Etchart
Michael and Ginger Agee
Mike Frank
Mike Holland for Community
Service Award
Sheila and Robert Habeck
Stephanie Ambrose Tubbs
Susan Benedict
Turner and Associates
W.R. Anderson
Darrell and Judy Rud
Parrot Confectionery
Bill Crivello
Bob and Toni Person
Carla Wambach
Dana and Jonathan Nehring
Dana and Nancy Walker
David and Annie Hull
Dick and Barb Kain
Dorothy V. Kendall
Ivan Evilsizer
Jeanne Tweeten
John Parmenter
Joy Bruck
Kathy Schaefer
Leila and Joe Goldes
Linda McCulloch
Lisa Bay
Mary and Steve Johnson
Mike and Diane Evans
Mrs. John Burgess
Pamela Mavrolas and David
Madden
Paula Thiede and David Boggs
Pep Jewell
Peter and Jackie Lenmark
Peter and Lorraine Formaz
Peter and Sheila Sullivan
Brenda Nordlund
Scott and Dawn Barnes
Teresa Olcott Cohea
Anne Yates
Nancy Tunnicliff
Bonnie Bowler
Emelia Satre
Nancy Etchart
Ralph and Jane DeLong
Elissa Fairbrother
Grant Fairbrother
Hilary Fairbrother
Alicia Stickney and Stephen
Platt
Brian Garrity
Bob and Gayle Moon
Carol Fergerson
Tom and Ellen Livers
Charla Taylor
Dale and Carol Waniata
Dennis and Mary Kay Howarth
Irving and Beverly Tatz
Jane R. Benson
Jeanne Underhill
John and Judy Rogers
John C. Harrison
Rebecca McLaughlin
Julie Dolan
Kay Satre and Tim Meloy
Len and Concetta Eckel
Lori Tuck
Marie Brazier
Madalyn Quinlan
Merry Fahrman
Mignon and Ron Waterman
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis McCall
Pam Carlson and Bob
Fitzgerald
Tom and Maggi Corbett
Bruce and Deah Dunkle
Jennifer Skartveit
The Tomich Familiy
Ann Brodsky and Bob Ream
George and Patricia
Pendergast
Mark Morrow
Julie Johnson and Eric Pritchard
Jock Bovington
Kay Hansen
Andy Hunthausen and Pam
Ponich
Holly Bander
Carr Cleveland
Cindy Soloqub
HELENA EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Mission & Goals
SCOPEThe Helena Education Foundation:
• Is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt philanthropic organization of local citizens,
independent of the Helena Public School District but complementing and
collaborating with it;
• Works to increase private support for public education beyond that which is
constitutionally mandated;
• Benefits Helena Public School students and staff by serving as a catalyst and fund
source for new ideas, programs and education methods.
MISSIONThe MISSION of the Helena Education Foundation is to enrich education in the
Helena Public Schools through consistent community investment in time, talent,
funding and other resources, providing students, staff and the community with
unparalleled educational opportunities and experiences.
GOALSThe Foundation will achieve its MISSION by directing resources toward the
following goals:
• Promoting and celebrating student academic success;
• Recognizing staff for creative and innovative teaching;
• Increasing the visibility and value of public education;
• Promoting the understanding that everyone in the community is responsible for
creating, maintaining and participating in quality public education; and
• Encouraging lifelong learning by providing unique educational opportunities for
students, staff and the community.
HELENA PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2004-2005Julie Mitchell , Chair
Dana Toole, Vice-Chair
Lindsay Bayuk
Terry Beaver
ADMINISTRATIONBruce K. Messinger, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools
Randy Carlson, Principal, Capital High School
Don Wood-Foucar, Principal, Helena High School
Claudia Morley, Principal, Project for Alternative Learning
Katie Cordingley
Carol Ann Dietzen
Don Jones
Robin LeNeve
Michael O’Neil
Ken Stuker
Melanie Symons
ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE• Over $100,000 in Great Ideas Grants to the Helena Public Schools for over 75
creative projects
• Carnival Classic 2004 attended by many youth and community members – in spite
of the rain!
• New Educator Grants of $100 each in cooperation with Paul’s Office Products
• Leadership Institute for district administrators
• Second Annual Scholastic Classic Golf Tournament at the Green Meadow Country
Club
• Hard cover book and reading evening for every incoming first grade student in the
Helena Public Schools in the second annual Fabulous Firsts
• Second Annual Great Conversations with 48 conversations for over 320 guests
• Issues Institutes:• WORDS! By Chrysti the Wordsmith• Apologies and Forgiveness: Moral, Ethical and Legal Implications by
Aaron Lazare, M.D.• Hot Topics in Science• Who Rules the West? Legal Legacies of Lewis & Clark;• A Tale of Four Journeys: Teaching Montana Indian Culture and History by
Clay Jenkinson• Teaching Montana History by Clay Jenkinson
• Trading Places with 14 participating principals and business leaders
COMING HEF EVENTSScholastic Classic Golf Tournament August 5, 2005
Leadership Institute August 16, 2005
Fabulous Firsts September 7, 2005
Carnival Classic 2005 September 25, 2005
Great Conversations 2005 November 15, 2005
TO MAKE A DONATIONThe Foundation is a legally incorporated, non-profit charitable and educational
corporation in the State of Montana. Its status as a 501(c)(3) foundation allows it to
receive and distribute funds, property and gifts of any kind for the benefit of public
schools located in Helena. It also maintains a qualified endowment. Planned gifts
are eligible for the Montana State Tax Credit. For more information about making a
donation, contact Cindy Lewis, Executive Director, at (406) 443-2545 or at
HELENA EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Events & Accomplishments
WELCOME TO
A Celebration Of Excellence
“A Celebration of Excellence” fulfills one of the goals of the Helena Education
Foundation – public recognition of extraordinary public school students and outstanding
educators. By honoring achievements of these outstanding individuals, the Board of
Directors hopes to:
• Demonstrate community appreciation for the efforts of public school students,
educators and parents;
• Acknowledge the critical partnership among schools, home, business and the
community;
• Provide a positive reinforcement for younger students and a goal for which they can
strive;
• Involve the community and business in building awareness and confidence in our
public schools.
STUDENTS: “A Celebration of Excellence” recognizes exceptional students who havedemonstrated their efforts in the classroom, school and in the community day after day,year after year. Distinguished Scholars were selected on the basis of criteria developedby high school students, teachers and administrators, including grade point average;number of honors, advanced placement and other higher level courses; total credithours; activities; and community service. High school teachers identified DistinguishedAchievers based on excellence in a specific curricular area, leadership, overcomingobstacles to achievement, or service.
EDUCATORS: “A Celebration of Excellence” honors the Distinguished Educators whojoin students at the gala. Each student identified the educator who had the mostpositive impact on his or her life and wrote a short message about why that educatorwas selected. The Helena Education Foundation salutes these fine educators and thanksthem for sharing their talents, knowledge, creativity and love of learning with our youth.They make a difference in our schools and community, one student and one class at atime.
PARENTS: “A Celebration of Excellence” also recognizes the important partnershipbetween parents and schools that is critical to a student’s success. The Board ofDirectors recognizes and thanks parents, families and friends for the contribution theymake to student scholarship and achievement.
COMMUNITY: “A Celebration of Excellence” also provides an opportunity toacknowledge another important partnership – the role of the Helena area community ina successful public education system. The Board applauds community members,businesses, service groups and friends of the Helena Education Foundation whosponsored these exceptional students and educators as their guests this evening.Please note the many generous event and table sponsors listed in this program andthank them for their support.
The Helena Education Foundation Board of Directors welcomes you to its third specialevening, A Celebration of Excellence 2005, honoring Helena’s Distinguished Scholars,Distinguished Achievers and Distinguished Educators. Help us celebrate the talents,achievements and dedication of this extraordinary group of individuals. We thank all ofyou who helped make this evening possible.
PROGRAM
5:30 PM SOCIAL
6:00 PM DINNERWelcome
Lisa Cordingley, President, Helena Education Foundation
Bruce Messinger, Ph. D., Superintendent of Schools
Introduction of Special Guests
Board of Directors & Honorary Board
Board of Trustees, Helena Public Schools
Event Sponsors and Donors
Elected officials
Community leaders
Master of Ceremonies, The Honorable Jeffrey Sherlock
Special Recognition
7:15 RECOGNITION OF:Distinguished Scholars
Distinguished Achievers
Distinguished Educators
8:45 DRAWINGSStudents
Teachers
Guests
9:00 CLOSING REMARKSLisa Cordingley
Bruce Messinger
HELENA EDUCATION FOUNDATION
A Celebration Of Excellence
DISTINGUISHED SCHOLARS DISTINGUISHED EDUCATORS
Lindsay Bayuk – CHS Andreé Anderberg – Hawthorne, Library
Rachael Cardiello – HHS Deb Biehl – HMS, Orchestra, 6th – 8th (retired)
Katie Beall – CHS Deb Dorrance – CHS, Creative Writing, 12th
Elaina Berg – CHS Ted Flemming – CHS, Calculus, 10th – 11th
Jace Bovington – CHS Jay Partridge – CHS, A. P. History, 11th
Ashley Dalton – CHS Tom Pedersen – CHS, Biology, 10th – 12th
Ryan Edwards – HHS Alyson Mike – EVMS, Science, 8th
John Fine – HHS Don Pogreba – HHS, English, Debate, 9th – 12th
Mikell Fox – CHS Mary Kay Maykuth – CRA, Science, 6th
Andrew Funk – CHS Tina Veroulis – Central, 4th – 5th (retired)
Hannah Lindsey Greene – HHS Peggy Chamberlain – Montana City, 2nd
Ross Ingman – HHS David Cooper – HHS, English, 11th
Leah Johnson – CHS Ed Canty – CRA, English, 8th (retired)
Terri E. Johnson – CHS Linda Lynch – Four Georgians, 1st
Alec Kerins – CHS Tracy Logan – CHS, Chemistry/Physics, 11th – 12th
Pattee Larson – CHS Greg Egbert – CRA, Biology, 7th
Collins Lawlor – HHS Doug Shenkle – HHS, Chemistry, 11th – 12th
Keiley McGregor – CHS Jennifer Moore – Hawthorne, 3rd
Acacia K. McGuire – HHS Anna Thennis – Smith, 4th
Mary Middagh – CHS Joslyn Davidson – CHS, English, 10th
Drew Miller – CHS Kathy Chambers – Smith, Kindergarten
Johanna Miller – HHS Steve Michelson – HHS, Choir, 10th – 12th
Caitlin Molloy – HHS Sandy Wardell – HHS, Biology, 10th – 11th
Darah Newell – HHS Danna Sinnott – HHS, Spanish, 9th – 11th
Jade Roskam-Purnell – HHS Dave Campbell – HHS, Math, 10th
Rena Satre Meloy – HHS Marty Scanlon – HHS, Art, 10th – 12th
Alyssa Tallent – HHS Shane Syndergaard – HHS, Swimming
Shane M. Van Diest – HHS Scott Evans – HHS, Government, 12th
INTRODUCING THIS EVENING’S
Honored Guests
DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVERS DISTINGUISHED EDUCATORS
Matthew D. Batey – CHS Heidi Hill – CHS, English, 11th
Chandra R. Bomar – HHS Tami Darlow – HHS, Counselor
Ashley Hanna – HHS Rod Boyer – HHS, Art, 11th – 12th
Jada Hodge – CHS Mark Gray – CHS, English, 12th
Adam Kalous – PAL Marie Rauch – PAL Vo-Ed, 10th – 12th
Danika Kiesling – CHS Paul Stetzner – CHS, Business Law, Computers
Alisia Landis – PAL Bill Kemp – EVMS, Communication Arts, 7th (ret)
Kayla Legare – HHS Margaret Belisle – HHS, English, 9th
Lacy Little – CHS Kally Porrini – CHS, Reading lab, 11th – 12th
Michael McFadden – HHS Beth Mazanec – HHS, Music Theory
Jarrett Nash – CHS Bob Tipton – CRA, Science/Math, 6th – 7th
Richard Peel – CHS Jason Neiffer – CHS, Debate, 9th – 12th
Abbey Potterf – HHS John Hartman – HHS, History, 11th
Beth Rolfe – HHS Tom Lipp – HMS, Principal
Erik Satre – CHS Char Lawrence – CHS, Accounting, 9th – 11th
Lauren Unsworth – HHS Jim Schulz – HHS, Science, 10th;
HMS, Science, 7th – 8th
Mara Vinton – HHS Sandy Casey – HHS, Art, 11th – 12th
Cole Whitmoyer – HHS Dave Thennis – HHS, Biology, Chemistry, 10th – 12th
14
MATTHEW D. BATEYCapital High School
ParentsWilliam and Maureen Batey
Community service and activitiesMontana State High School Choir (only Helena vocalist selectedin Oct 2004); Night to Shine all four years; “Footloose” forGrandstreet and played The Cat in “Seussical the Musical,”Grandstreet 2005; performed music at local fundraisers;organized and led two bands.
Plans after high schoolAttend The Art Institute in Seattle to study audio/videoproduction and share music with a wider audience
Distinguished Educator
HEIDI HILLCapital High School, English, 11th grade
Mrs. Hill looks
past academic
achievements and
looks for the beauty
in everyone. While
some teachers may
have thought I
would do no better
than rise to
mediocrity, Heidi
saw an artist in me.
She allowed me to
use songs as part of
assignments – a
validation I had
never gotten before.
It told me
I was worth
something... that
the things I cared
about might matter
to the world and
could even take me
places. I will be
forever grateful.
15
LINDSAY BAYUKCapital High School
ParentsDiane and Mike Bayuk
Community service and activitiesCHS Student Representative to the Board of Trustees; Secretary-Treasurer, Montana Association of Student Councils; YearbookEditor; National Honor Society; cross country state team
Plans after high schoolArizona State University, majoring in business administration andfinance
Distinguished Educator
ANDREÉ ANDERBERGC R Anderson Middle School, Project Promise
(currently Librarian at Hawthorne Elementary School)
I would not be
the person I am
today if it wasn’t for
Andreé Anderberg.
She changed my
life. She was the
first person to say to
me, “Go ahead,
little girl, dream big.
You will achieve
anything you can
imagine and I will
support you.” She
has given me that
support for nine
years. Andreé is a
spunky and driven
woman who is
passionate about
her job. I admire her
creativity, open-
mindedness and
perseverance.
KATIE BEALLCapital High School
ParentsEd Beall and Sally Beall
Community service and activitiesNational Honor Society; Secretary, French Club; varsity soccer;varsity basketball; volunteer soccer coach; Our Lady of the ValleyYouth Core Team leader; aide for an autistic child
Plans after high schoolDavidson Honors College at the University of Montana and majorin print-journalism and history; play Grizzly soccer on an athleticscholarship
Distinguished Educator
DEBRA DORRANCECapital High School, Creative Writing, 12th grade
Writing has always
been my passion,
but until Mrs.
Dorrance’s
classroom, I never
contemplated
anyone’s wanting
to read my thoughts.
Mrs. Dorrance
instilled the
confidence I need to
dream of writing
as a career. Her
enthusiasm to live
fully is contagious;
I have never met
anyone who loves
life more than she
does. She once
wrote on my paper,
“Revel in today.
Don’t wait to throw
off some of the self-
consciousness that
does no good... have
fun now; rejoice
now; BE now.”
Thanks Mrs.
Dorrance for always
inspiring me.
16
17
ELAINA BERGCapital High School
ParentsJon and Sandy Berg
Community service and activitiesPresident, National Honor Society; Montana DiscoveryFoundation volunteer; President, junior class; President, FrenchClub; basketball and track; church youth group student leader
Plans after high schoolMontana Tech, majoring in Chemistry
Distinguished Educators
TED FLEMMINGCapital High School, Pre-calculus, 10th grade;
Calculus, 11th grade
Mr. Flemming is a
kind, caring teacher
who wants to see
everyone in his class
succeed. His style
made concepts easy
to grasp, but if for
some reason I could
not make sense of
them, he was always
ready to help me
individually. An
added bonus to the
education I received
was his holiday
spirit and
decorations – not to
mention his
dedication to our
“healthy diets” by
an ample supply
of fruit-flavored
Jolly Ranchers.
Mr. Flemming’s
ability to pass on a
love of math has
greatly influenced
my future.
CHANDRA R. BOMARHelena High School
ParentsRichard and Kordi Bomar; Kari and Dave Reintsma, foster parents
Community service and activitiesHelena High choirs; church youth group, educational programsand office volunteer
Plans after high schoolCosmetology school in Billings in 2005 and eventually attendcollege and get a teaching degree
Distinguished Educator
TAMI DARLOWHelena High School, Counselor
The relationship
I have with Tami
Darlow is so very
unique that it is
difficult to find
words to describe it.
She is my friend, my
confidante and so
much more.
Tami has influenced
my life and high
school career since
my sophomore year
by believing in me
and not letting me
give up. She cared
for me when I did
not think anyone
else did. She helped
me see
the things I can
overcome.
18
JACE BOVINGTONCapital High School
ParentsTere Bovington and Jock Bovington
Community service and activitiesVice President, National Honor Society; Boy’s State; Treasurerand CHS representative, Grandstreet Student Advisory Board;Counselor, Archery Director and future Camp Director, YMCACamp Child
Plans after high schoolStudy engineering, probably civil engineering, at Gonzaga, andlook forward to helping wonderful communities like Helena
Distinguished Educator
JAY PARTRIDGECapital High School, A.P. History, 11th grade
Going into my junior
year, I didn’t know
much more than
what was going on
in Helena. Mr.
Partridge’s AP
History class
opened my eyes to
politics, foreign
policy and the world
outside Helena.
He made history fun
while teaching me
more than just who
did what; we
learned the
circumstances
behind historical
events. The fun I
had in class
continued into the
hallways of my
senior year where he
was always there for
me if I needed to
talk about anything
from college to what
book I should read.
19
20
RACHAEL CARDIELLOHelena High School
ParentsFrank Cardiello and Theresa Cardiello
Community service and activitiesHelena Symphony; 2003 and 2005 Night to Shine
Plans after high schoolUniversity of Victoria, majoring in music
Distinguished Educator
DEBBIE BIEHLHelena Middle School, Orchestra, 6th – 8th grades
(currently teaching in Ronan Public Schools)
I have never met
anyone with so much
intense enthusiasm
and passion for her
job as my middle
school orchestra
teacher, Mrs. Biehl.
This teacher held so
much contagious
love for making
music that it was
impossible not to
become completely
addicted. To be in her
orchestra was to be
in a whirlwind of
extraordinary
excitement. It would
be an honor to
someday be able
to influence others
in the amazing way
in which she
influenced me.
21
ASHLEY DALTONCapital High School
ParentsMary Dalton-McKittrick and John McKittrick
Community service and activitiesCo-President, Respect Club; Debate team, 4 years; Model UnitedNations and Youth and Government; National Honor Society;Parliamentarian, Student Council; Humane Society volunteer
Plans after high schoolAttend university; become a lawyer or teacher; spend time in thePeace Corps, eventually work at the United Nations or teach inAfrica
Distinguished Educator
TOM PEDERSENCapital High School, Biology, 10th – 12th grades
Though grateful for the
myriad of great
teachers I’ve had in
public school, teachers
like Mr. Tom Pedersen,
those who express a
hope for my success in
life, truly inspire and
influence me. More
than once, he has gone
the extra mile to make
sure that I am reaching
my goals both as a
student and as a
human being, taking a
special interest in
preparing me for the
outside world. Mr.
Pedersen encourages
students to form their
own thoughts and
opinions, to
differentiate
themselves from the
masses. Mr. Pedersen is
not just a teacher, he’s
a friend in the truest
sense of the word and
for that, I am grateful.
RYAN EDWARDSHelena High School
ParentsKarl Edwards; Cindy and John Williams
Community service and activitiesBasketball; Science Club
Plans after high schoolAttend college
Distinguished Educator
ALYSON MIKEEast Valley Middle School, Science, 8th grade
Ms. Mike is an
educator who affects
her students, not so
much because of her
teaching, but in the
way she shows how
science works. Her
class is always a
circus and someone
who happened by
might wonder if
anything is being
learned. However,
her methods bypass
the quintessential
questions asked by
apathetic students:
“Why is this
important?” and
“Why should I learn
this?” Her labs and
demonstrations were
fun, yet practical,
and always made me
want to know more.
I have never looked
forward to going to a
class so much again.
22
JOHN FINEHelena High School
ParentsJohn Fine and Janet Fine
Community service and activitiesCaptain, Speech and Debate team; Secretary, National HonorSociety; Model United Nations; Youth and Government
Plans after high schoolDartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, majoring ininternational relations
Distinguished Educator
DON POGREBAHelena High School, AP English, 12th grade;
Debate, 9th – 12th grades
Mr. Pogreba
effectively bridges
the gap between
education and
entertainment with
his sharp sense of
humor and quick
wit. Every day is a
new experience that
brings up new
questions and a new
way of looking at
the world. His
influence goes
beyond the
classroom; I have
come to value him
as more of a friend
than a teacher.
Mr. Pogreba has
taught me not so
much what to know,
as how to think,
always asking the
question, “why?”
and helping me
lead myself to
the answers.
23
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MIKELL FOXCapital High School
ParentsNance Close and Bob Fox
Community service and activitiesYouth Board member, Wild Divide Chapter, Montana WidernessAssociation; reading mentor, Four Georgians School; President,French Club; National Honor Society; Captain, varsity swim team;Chrysalis Youth Director; Sunday school teacher
Plans after high schoolAttend Western Washington University, majoring in elementaryeducation; hope to someday serve in the Peace Corps
Distinguished Educator
MARY KAY MAYKUTHCR Anderson Middle School, Science, 6th grade
In the many hours
spent gazing at the
ceiling of Mrs.
Maykuth’s science
class, I searched,
with others, for the
glow-in-the-dark
constellation that
I had painted. While
we scanned the
star clusters, Mrs.
Maykuth viewed us
as stars: unique and
wonderful, needing
only to be allowed to
shed our light. Her
radiant smile and
joyful spirit enlivened
the class, making me
excited about learning
while encouraging us
all to be ourselves.
Mrs. Maykuth threw
open the doors to the
world, and I left her
class feeling
confident about
finding my place out
there.
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ANDREW FUNKCapital High School
ParentsJeanne Underhilll and Peter Funk
Community service and activitiesStudent Council; Vice-President, Senior Class; BusinessProfessionals of America; Montana Boy’s State; National MeritScholarship Finalist; Band and Pep Band; football; track and field
Plans after high schoolDavidson Honors College, University of Montana
Distinguished Educator
TINA VEROULISCentral Elementary School, Montessori,
4th – 5th grades (retired)
I laugh at myself
when I remember
how I was
intimidated the
first time I met
Mrs. V. I can’t
recall a time when
she made school
harder than it had to
be, but can recall
countless times
when she made it
more fun than we
deserved. Mrs. V
gave me all the
necessary tools to
survive in life. For
all my commitment
to school and other
activities, as well as
my desire to learn
and achieve more,
I credit her. Her
kindness and
worldly knowledge
have had a drastic
impact on my
entire life.
HANNAH LINDSEYGREENEHelena High School
ParentsLoren Greene and Roberta Kokoruda
Community service and activitiesNational Honor Society; Helena Eagles Mount; Link Crew; 3-7-77’s
Plans after high schoolDavidson Honors College, University of Montana, on PresidentialLeadership Scholarship
Distinguished Educator
PEGGY CHAMBERLAINMontana City School, 2nd grade
I was incredibly
blessed to be a
student of Mrs.
Chamberlain. She
inspired me with her
strong compassion
and her endless
support. In second
grade I learned how
to take risks,
discover my
potential and
embrace life. All of
these lessons were
results of her
example and
positive
encouragement.
Mrs. Chamberlain
taught me more
than what can be
learned through
books: she gave me
an awareness of my
inner strength.
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ASHLEY HANNAHelena High School
ParentsPamela Hanna and Kelly Hanna
Community service and activitiesArt Club and volunteered at the Archie Bray Foundation
Plans after high schoolAttend college and pursue art, eventually studying alternativemedicine.
Distinguished Educator
ROD BOYERHelena High School, Art, 11th – 12th grades
Mr. Boyer leaves a
profound impact on
the lives of many
students. He is
very involved,
supportive,
inspirational and
creative. He instills
self-confidence as
he works with
students to develop
an understanding
of themselves
through their own
art. Rod Boyer is
not just a teacher,
he is my friend.
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28
JADA HODGECapital High School
ParentsAndrea Pipe and Ralph Hodge
Community service and activitiesPEERS Club
Plans after high schoolAttend Helena College of Technology
Distinguished Educator
MARK GRAYCapital High School, English, 12th grade
I nominated
Mr. Gray because
he helps me.
He helps me with
hard words. His
class is special
because he makes
English fun! He
makes everybody
in the class laugh,
especially me.
He is one of the
best teachers ever.
Thanks, Mr. Gray!
29
ROSS INGMANHelena High School
ParentsGary and Denise Ingman
Community service and activitiesNational Honor Society; soccer/Academic All-State; 10th year ofprivate art instruction; skateboarding, snowboarding,backpacking, fishing and videography; Habitat for Humanityvolunteer
Plans after high schoolMontana State University with career in the medical field
Distinguished Educator:
DAVID COOPERHelena High School, Honors English, 11th grade
Literature plays an
invaluable role in our
daily lives. It is
obvious that Mr.
Cooper loves his
profession; that same
love for literature was
conveyed to his class.
Mr. Cooper’s careful
examination and
extensive
commentaries helped
me to improve my
own writing ability in
a dramatic way. The
most important
lesson I learned from
Mr. Cooper was to be
open-minded and
never accept others’
conclusions for myself
without investigation.
Through his guidance
and friendship, Mr.
Cooper taught me to
understand the
importance of
literature and enjoy
all forms of it
LEAH JOHNSONCapital High School
ParentsGreg and Connie Johnson
Community service and activitiesStudent Body President; National Honor Society; Respect Club;Soccer; volunteer at Helena Food Share
Plans after high schoolOhio Wesleyan University, majoring in pre-med
Distinguished Educator
ED CANTYC R Anderson Middle School, English, 8th grade (retired)
Mr. Canty is the type
of teacher whom
every student should
encounter once in
his or her lifetime.
He was always
willing to take extra
time, even if it was
for a different class.
He taught us beyond
simple English, and
showed us by
example how
important it is to be
true to yourself.
Mr. Canty was
always open to talk
about issues, and
most importantly,
helped form some of
my present opinions.
Thanks for
everything, Mr.
Canty, and for
shaping me into who
I am today.
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31
TERRY E. JOHNSONCapital High School
ParentsVance and Kathleen Johnson
Community service and activitiesNational Honor Society; Destination Imagination, 1999, 2000;State Capital Band; People to People Student Ambassador2003, 2004; Summer Band; Junior Bowling Coach; JuniorLeader, Helena Junior Bowling Association; job coach tohandicapped student
Plans after high schoolWichita State University, majoring in mathematics andeducation; hope to return to Montana and teach middle or highschool math
Distinguished Educator
LINDA LYNCHFour Georgians Elementary School, Project Promise
(currently Librarian at Broadwater and Central Schools)
I have had some
good teachers in my
12 years of school
but I had only one
teacher who
understood that I
had to be
challenged every
day: Mrs. Lynch.
She was the first
teacher who took
the next step,
stimulating my
mind, but it was her
dedication to me
and other students
that inspired me to
follow in her
footsteps, to
stimulate the minds
of kids, to be a
teacher. I could
never say thank you
enough to
Mrs. Lynch for
starting me on the
journey that I will
take in life.
ADAM KALOUSProject for Alternative Learning
ParentsMichael and Kari Kalous
Community service and activitiesVolunteered for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Food Share andHeadstart
Plans after high schoolEarn a Bachelor’s degree in biology and work in forestry forMontana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
Distinguished Educator
MARIE RAUCHPAL, Vocational Education, 10th – 12th grades
Marie has always
been there to
encourage me and
help me make the
most out of every
situation. We have
been friends for three
years and I am still
learning from her. I
am excited about
what lies on the road
ahead of me, but
without her, I would
not be nearly so
optimistic about my
future. She really
encouraged me to
look further than
what is directly in
front of me. Thanks,
Marie – you have
made an immense
impact on my life and
I know you will
continue making
craters in other
students’ lives
as well.
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33
ALEC KERINSCapital High School
ParentsEdward Kerins and Peggy Kerins
Community service and activitiesVice-President, Student Council; National Honor Society; Vice-President, ECO; CHS Yearbook; Business Professionals ofAmerica; Helena Intramural Sports Board; Helena Arsenal; CHSsoccer; 4-H
Plans after high schoolLewis & Clark College, majoring in biology and hope to be aphysician
Distinguished Educator
TRACY LOGANCapital High School, Chemistry/Physics 11th – 12th grades
Mr. Logan taught
me that there is a
fine line between
learning and having
fun, and that they
can co-exist in one
classroom. There are
not many teachers
who throw stacks of
paper to demonstrate
entropy or reward
extra credit points for
doing push-ups. He
is always willing to
spend extra time
with me to make sure
I understand the
concepts and every
day I know that when
I set foot in his
classroom, I will not
be disappointed with
a boring lecture. His
satirical personality
keeps me engaged,
and inspires me
to broaden my
knowledge
in science.
34
DANIKA KIESLINGCapital High School
Parents
David and Michele Kiesling
Community service and activitiesNational Honor Society; Soccer State Champions; Co-Captain,varsity soccer and basketball; Academic All-State Basketball andSoccer, 3 years
Plans after high schoolNorthern Arizona University
Distinguished Educator
PAUL STETZNERCapital High School, Business Law/Computer Applications
When I first met Mr.
Stetzner as the
Assistant Basketball
Coach, he seemed
very enthusiastic,
with a witty yet
subtle sense of
humor. I have grown
to know and respect
Mr. Stetzner
primarily through
basketball and his
motivating Business
Law class, which has
inspired my career
direction after high
school. “Stetz” has
taught me so much
about life; he has
believed in me as a
person and has
always given me
unconditional
respect and
understanding.
I look up to him not
only a coach,
teacher and adult,
but as a close friend
as well.
´
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ALISIA LANDISProject for Alternative Learning
ParentsAudrey Walkman and Karla Manning
Community service and activitiesHeadstart volunteer Award 2003; Leader’s Conference; JMGStudent of the Month, Student of the Year; Vice-President ofLeadership Award;
Plans after high schoolBusiness college, work in business and eventually obtain aMaster’s degree in a related field
Distinguished Educator
BILL KEMPEast Valley Middle School, Communication Arts,
7th grade (retired)
Going to Mr. Kemp’s
class was the best
part of my day in
middle school.
He made learning
fun and was a
positive influence in
my life. Mr. Kemp
encouraged me to
keep trying and
never let me give up.
When I wasn’t sure
what to do, whether
it was trouble with
school or a personal
issue, he always had
helpful advice. I was
comfortable talking
to him because he
was open-minded
and willing to listen.
He is the best
teacher in the world
and I don’t think
anyone else who
knew him would
disagree.
PATTEE LARSONCapital High School
ParentsEd and LeAnn Larson
Community service and activitiesPeople to People Student Ambassador, 2003; Lewis & ClarkCounty Ambassador; 8-year 4-H member; Montana State Grangeofficer
Plans after high schoolMontana State University, majoring in microbiology
Distinguished Educator
GREG EGBERTC R Anderson Middle School, Biology, 7th grade
Mr. Egbert fueled
my fascination
with living things
and science and
peaked my curiosity
with plants and
animals through
dissections and
labs. Somewhere
between studying
parasitic worms and
looking at birth
defects in sheep,
I realized that
biology is filled with
awe and endless
questions. I would
like to thank Mr.
Egbert for his
energy and
encouragement and
commend his ability
to continually
inspire students to
be amazed by the
natural world.
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37
COLLINS LAWLORHelena High School
ParentsColeen Lawlor
Community service and activitiesNational Honor Society; Starlighters, Men’s Ensemble in HHSchoir program; exchange trip to Germany; Youth representative,Governor’s Council on Abstinence Education; church youth group
Plans after high schoolMontana State University, majoring in chemical engineering
Distinguished Educator
DOUG SHENKLEHelena High School, Chemistry, 11th – 12th grades
Mr. Shenkle is
a teacher I will
always remember
and admire. He is a
man who is
passionate about
teaching.
I have had the
privilege of having
him as a teacher for
the last two years of
chemistry, where his
knowledge and
enthusiasm for his
subject inspired me.
His care and concern
for students’ well-
being in and out of
the classroom is
one of the many
characteristics that
sets him apart as an
educator and an
indispensable asset
to the Helena
community.
38
KAYLA LEGAREHelena High School
ParentsShellie Mitchell and Curt Legare
Community service and activitiesLeadership team; Leadership Forum for People with Disabilities;Head Start volunteer; Braille the World
Plans after high schoolCarroll College studying psychology
Distinguished Educator
MARGARET BELISLEHelena High School, English, 9th grade
I made a terrible
mistake my freshman
year while attending
Mrs. Belisle’s English
class – I informed her
that I hated poetry.
I know others feel my
pain, for I have seen
many a student
running down the
hall, desperate to
escape the barrage of
limericks and riddles
shouted at them by
that raspy voice of
hers. In short, I love
poetry now. Mrs.
Belisle has made an
incredible impact on
my life, encouraging
me to become an
achiever as well as
an “overcomer” and
to believe in myself.
She taught me that
my disability wasn’t
just a disability but a
gift to be proud of.
39
LACY LITTLECapital High School
ParentsCurt and Cindy Little
Community service and activitiesDance team captain; soccer player since 5 years old; volunteer atBoxing Days and Food Share; church youth group
Plans after high schoolMontana State University, studying human health anddevelopment
Distinguished Educator
KALLY PORRINICapital High School, Reading Lab, 11th – 12th grades
Mrs. Porrini invited
me to try out her
Reading Class.
I didn’t want to for
the fear of being
humiliated. When
my parents said I
should try, I went to
meet her. She was
so accepting and
kind to me – ever
since that day she
has helped me raise
my GPA and has
encouraged me to
be the best student
I can be. She has
been an awesome
teacher who is
accepting of
everyone.
MICHAEL MCFADDENHelena High School
ParentsChrista Andersen
Community service and activitiesStudent Council; Montana Foster Youth Advisory Council; piano,viola and guitar lessons
Plans after high schoolCollege, preparing for music teaching and composing career
Distinguished Educator
BETH MAZANECHelena High School, Music Theory, 12th grade
Mrs. Mazanec has
broadened my
knowledge and
appreciation for
many unfamiliar
types of music.
She has given me
guidance, inspiration
and motivation in
my pursuit of musical
knowledge and
achievement. Mrs.
Mazanec also helped
me diversify my
instrumental skills by
giving me a solid
foundation in playing
the viola. She has
encouraged me to be
creative in my other
interest of
professionally
composing music
and provided new
tools for me to enrich
my compositions.
40
KEILEY MCGREGORCapital High School
ParentsDaniel McGregor and Bridget McGregor
Community service and activitiesNational Honor Society; Trip to Ecuador with Spanish class; mathtutor volunteer; Physical Therapy aide; JV soccer player
Plans after high schoolUniversity of Notre Dame, possibly going into pre-medicine
Distinguished Educator
JENNY MOOREHawthorne Elementary School, 3rd grade
In third grade,
I looked forward to
going to school
every day. The
kindness and
patience of my
teacher, Mrs. Moore,
created a learning
environment in
which no one felt
embarrassed to ask
questions or make
mistakes. She
believed in me and
always encouraged
me to use my
imagination. Now,
with college in my
near future, I plan
on studying pre-
medicine in hope of
making a difference
in someone’s life,
just as Mrs. Moore
did in mine.
I respect her not
only as a teacher
but also as a friend.
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42
ACACIA K. MCGUIREHelena High School
ParentsMichael McGuire and Kathy McGuire
Community service and activitiesPolicy Debate; Helena Symphony; Science Olympiad; Chess Club;Smith School volunteer; Humane Society volunteer; violin andpiano
Plans after high schoolMajor in psychology and minor in neuroscience or genetics
Distinguished Educator
ANNA THENNISSmith Elementary School, 4th grade
I can honestly
say that Mrs. Anna
Thennis changed
my life. She views
every student as
an individual and
works to meet
every student’s
individual needs.
Unfortunately, I was
an extremely needy
fourth-grader.
I thought that fighting
with other students,
cheating on math
tests, and pursuing
a straight C average
was okay. Mrs.
Thennis, unlike any
other teacher I have
ever had, did not call
my parents, but
approached me about
my behaviors. It took
awhile, but I managed
to shape up. To this
day I have her to thank
for my outcome – and
this award. Thank you
Mrs. Thennis!
43
MARY MIDDAGHCapital High School
ParentsLarry Middagh and Terri Middagh
Community service and activitiesNational Honor Society; National Merit Finalist; Founder ofFlounder Fish, CHS’s first a capella group; President, GrandstreetTheatre Student Advisory Board; Rocky Mountain TheatreAssociation, youth acting title, musical theatre acting title
Plans after high schoolUniversity of Montana, majoring in vocal performance
Distinguished Educator
JOSLYN DAVIDSONCapital High School, English, 10th grade
A stubborn and
immature sophomore,
I entered Mrs.
Davidson’s classroom,
my passion for arguing
equaled only by my
intellectual ego. Mrs.
Davidson guided me
through the complex
process of learning to
write a fantastic five-
paragraph essay and
helped me to find
symbols in stories that
I was certain contained
none. She taught me
to channel my instincts
and ideas into
plausible arguments
that left my fellow
literary analysts
without comeback.
Mrs. Davidson pushed
me to work hard and
to search deep, and
supported me both in
the classroom and out.
I owe to her, more than
I could ever repay.
DREW MILLERCapital High School
ParentsCarolyn Miller and Scott Miller
Community service and activitiesClass President all four years; President, ECO; National HonorSociety; Boy’s State; Business Professionals of America; Captain,varsity football and basketball; Academic All-State in all varsitysports; Who’s Who Among American High School Students
Plans after high schoolCarroll College, majoring in pre-med and minoring in psychology
Distinguished Educator
KATHY CHAMBERSSmith Elementary School, Kindergarten
The statement,
“everything I need
to know I learned in
kindergarten” doesn’t
quite apply to me.
I prefer, “Everything
I need to know I
learned from my
kindergarten teacher,
Mrs. Chambers.”
That year she also
introduced me to one
of the people who,
unknowingly, I would
be spending much of
my adolescent and
adult life with – her
son and my best
friend, Mark. Through
that relationship, Mrs.
Chambers continued
her teaching for the
next 13 years. I am
very privileged to have
had her as a teacher
and to have been
accepted into their
great family.
44
JOHANNA MILLERHelena High School
ParentsLarry and Shari Miller
Community service and activitiesWomen’s Ensemble; Key Club; Vice-President, National HonorSociety
Plans after high schoolConcordia University in Nebraska, majoring in music and hope toteach high school music
Distinguished Educator
STEVE MICHELSONHelena High School, Choir, 10th – 12th grades
Dr. Steve Michelson
has always had a
special way of
communicating his
passion for music to
me. He encourages
me to look past the
notes on the page
and to actually
reach into the
depths of the music.
He has an amazing
way of examining
our world and
relating everything
in it back to music,
which inspires me to
do the same. He is
an incredibly
talented man and a
very effective
teacher. I am truly
grateful to Dr. Mike
for his influence in
my life now and in
the years to come.
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CAITLIN MOLLOYHelena High School
ParentsJim and Casey Molloy
Community service and activitiesNational Honor Society; 3-7-77’s; Bengal Beginnings/Link Crew;Irish dancing; basketball; All-State track; volunteer youthbasketball coach; MTAD (Mentoring Teens Against Drugs)
Plans after high schoolWashington University in St. Louis
Distinguished Educator
SANDY WARDELLHelena High School, Biology, 10th – 11th grades
Mrs. Wardell is an
outstanding teacher
who deserves
recognition. Her
passion to educate,
combined with her
sense of humor and
devotion to her
students, creates an
irreplaceable positive
learning environment.
Mrs. Wardell has
deepened my love for
the sciences and
inspired me to
continue my education
in the field. It has
always been apparent
that Mrs. Wardell
cares about her
students both in and
out of class. Even now,
when I am no longer
in her class, Mrs.
Wardell continually
demonstrates a
sincere interest in my
life and what I am
doing.
47
JARRETT NASHCapital High School
ParentsTammy Daniels and Dan Romey
Plans after high schoolWyoTech for diesel and advanced diesel technology
Distinguished Educator
BOB TIPTONCR Anderson Middle School, Math, 6th grade
Mr. Tipton was my
first math teacher
in Middle School.
I was always good
at math, but it
wasn’t that fun.
Mr. Tipton made
math fun and he
taught it well.
Mr. Tipton cared
about every one
of his students and
he always did his
best to help us
comprehend what
he was teaching.
We not only received
essential math
skills, but he also
blessed us with the
proper ethics of life.
For these things,
I am proud to say
that I learned under
the guidance of
Mr. Bob Tipton.
DARAH NEWELLHelena High School
ParentsDale and Dawn Newell
Community service and activitiesNational Honor Society; Key Club; 3-7-77’s; MTAD (MentoringTeens Against Drugs); varsity golf, two-time state champion, holdsstate record; Key Club
Plans after high schoolUniversity of South Alabama on a golf scholarship, majoring in biology
Distinguished Educator
DANNA SINNOTTHelena High School, Spanish, 9th – 11th grades
She is an astounding
Spanish teacher and
the greatest person
I have ever met. She
is compassionate,
friendly, and funny
at the same time.
She helped me to
become more
extroverted and
together, we found
each others’
idiosyncrasies.
I looked forward to
attending her class
every day. Even on
bad days, she found
a way to make me
smile. Words cannot
describe how she
has improved my life.
She is one of my best
friends and I
couldn’t ask for
more in a person. Te
amo, Señora Sinnott!
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RICHARD PEELCapital High School
ParentsDavid Peel and Kami Peel
Community service and activitiesDebate; varsity golf, captain; Senior Citizen Prom; PEAK
Plans after high schoolCarroll College, majoring in political science, participating in golfand debate
Distinguished Educator
JASON NEIFFERCapital High School, Debate, 9th – 12th grades
I decided that
Mr. Neiffer was an
easy choice for an
honored educator
because he has
always been there to
help me. Even with a
newly formed family,
he was at school
every day helping
the debate team
research or judging
our practice debates.
Without Mr. Neiffer’s
support and his
selfless work ethic,
the debate team
could not have done
what it did. His knack
for educating has
taught me to soak in
what I am learning,
but to never be afraid
to ask the tough
questions. He has
been a lasting
influence on me and
I will never forget him.
50
ABBEY POTTERFHelena High School
ParentsLaurie and John Stelter
Community service and activitiesStudent Council four years; Secretary-Treasurer, Senior Class;East Meets West; National Honor Society; varsity soccer; Habitatfor Humanity trip to Costa Rica; church youth group
Plans after high schoolPrairieview A&M University, Prairieview, Texas, on NROTC nursingscholarship
Distinguished Educator
JOHN HARTMANHelena High School, History, 11th grade
Mr. Hartman has
incredible knowledge,
great patience, and an
awesome sense of
humor. He broadened
my mind, expected
great things and
intrigued me with the
history of the past and
events of the present.
Mr. Hartman knew what
we could accomplish
and expected our best.
He pushed us to
engage in the subject
and ask questions.
With his high and
helpful expectations,
he taught me to work
and study hard and I
can’t thank him
enough. His influence
guided me in the
classroom and will
stay with me for
life. These few words
cannot possibly
describe how awesome
Mr. Hartman is!
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BETH ROLFEHelena High School
ParentsTom and Judy Rolfe
Community service and activitiesHHS newspaper editor; East-West Shrine Game Poster Child,1998; Helena Rainbow Assembly #7, Worthy Advisor; churchgroup, Deacon
Plans after high schoolUniversity of Montana, pursuing degree in journalism, in hopesof a career in ministry
Distinguished Educator
TOM LIPPHelena Middle School, Principal
Tom Lipp deserves
to know how much
he is appreciated.
Without Mr. Lipp’s
compassion,
enthusiasm and
general interest in
my goals and future
plans, I would not
have come as far as
I have. I was able to
walk out of middle
school knowing that
I had someone
behind me all the
way, which helped
motivate me to
continue to give
everything 110%.
My family and I have
built an amazing
relationship with
Mr. Lipp and I have
grown to respect
and admire his
strength, patience
and kindness. So to
Mr. Lipp, thank you
– for EVERYTHING!
JADE ROSKAM-PURNELLHelena High School
ParentsRobert and Cathleen Purnell
Community service and activitiesNational Honor Society; 3-7-77’s; MTAD (Mentoring Teens AgainstDrugs); Valedictorian; varsity volleyball, Captain, All State, USAVJunior National Development Camp; varsity track, Captain;Academic All-State volleyball and track, 4 years; Big Brothers BigSisters; volunteer middle school volleyball coach for YMCA
Plans after high schoolDavidson Honors College at the University of Montana, studyingmathematics and playing Griz volleyball
Distinguished Educator
DAVE CAMPBELLHelena High School, Honors Math, 10th grade
The most important
lesson Mr. Campbell
ever taught me was
patience. He, too,
is a perfectionist, and
as I have learned, it is
hard to have patience
when striving for
perfection. His calm
exterior never
faltered, nor did
his ability to find
additional ways to
explain concepts.
He has always been
more than willing
to spend extra
time helping me
understand material,
even when I was no
longer in his class.
His obvious love
and devotion to
such a benevolent
profession is
admirable and
should be recognized.
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ERIK SATRECapital High School
ParentsJon Satre and Paulette Etchart
Community service and activitiesNational Honor Society; President, Business Professionals ofAmerica; Secretary, Senior Class; varsity football; Catholic Youthgroup
Plans after high schoolLeavey School of Business at Santa Clara University, studyingaccounting
Distinguished Educator
CHAR LAWRENCECapital High School, Accounting, 9th – 11th grades
Stressing ethics,
optimism and
efficiency, Mrs.
Lawrence has
helped me form a
good base to
prepare for college
and the world.
Having taken five
classes from her,
and having her as a
club advisor over
four years has given
me a chance to get
to know her on a
personal level. She
generously, and
passionately,
devotes her time to
helping interested
students. Now I am
interested in a
career in accounting
and finance, and
without her, I
wouldn’t know a
debit from a credit!
54
RENA SATRE MELOYHelena High School
ParentsTim Meloy and Kay Satre
Community service and activitiesNational Honor Society; Captain, varsity soccer and tennis; Irish Dance; Hip-Hop Dance; volunteer for: middle schoolvolleyball coach, Trash for Trees, Irish Dance in nursing homesand schools, Last Chance Tennis Association tournaments.
Plans after high schoolLiberal arts college in California, pursuing degree in graphicdesign
Distinguished Educator
MARTY SCANLONHelena High School, Art, 10th – 12th grades
Mr. Scanlon once
told me that he could
not teach passion to
his art students, only
technique. However,
his enthusiasm for
his own art and his
dedication to his
students have
undoubtedly sparked
my passion for art.
Not only does he
inspire me as an
artist, but he also
cares about how I am
as an individual. He
pays attention to the
many activities in
students’ lives,
always remembering
to ask about games
and other events. He
takes time to really
know us. These
qualities make Mr.
Scanlon an
exceptional teacher,
an inspiration.
55
ALYSSA TALLENTHelena High School
ParentsPat and Gordon Tallent
Community service and activitiesNational Honor Society; Key Club; speech and debate; varsityswimming, Captain; Link Crew; MTAD (Mentoring Teens AgainstDrugs)
Plans after high schoolPacific University to study science
Distinguished Educator
SHANE SYNDERGAARDHelena/Capital High School Swimming Coach
Shane has been
one of the most
inspirational and
important people in
my life since he
started coaching
me. He is also the
most encouraging
coach that I have
ever had. I have
always been able to
talk to Shane about
anything and he has
always been there.
Shane has taught
me a lot about
swimming and a lot
of many different
aspects of my life
and I consider him
irreplaceable.
LAUREN UNSWORTHHelena High School
ParentsRita Pickering and Dennis Unsworth
Community service and activitiesNational Honor Society; Girls State Lieutenant Governor;President, Senior Class; President, Montana Association ofStudent Councils; State Chair, Freedom’s Answer; East MeetsWest Ukrainian/American Exchange; Varsity Cheerleader;Montana Women Vote!; NARAL; National Leadership CampsJunior Counselor; Peer Mentor
Plans after high schoolGeorge Washington University, Washington, D.C., studyingpolitical science and history
Distinguished Educator
JIM SCHULZHelena High School, Biology, 10th grade;
HMS, Science, 7th – 8th grades
Mr. Schulz has
been an inspiration
and blessing in
my life. He has an
enthusiasm and
passion for learning
that is contagious.
Our days of History
Camp taught me
what it meant to be
a Montanan... and
our days in Ukraine
taught me what it
meant to be an
American. Mr.
Schultz taught me
that dreams really
can come true,
if you have the
courage to
pursue them.
56
57
SHANE M. VAN DIESTHelena High School
ParentsMichael A. Van Diest and Heidi D. Van Diest
Community service and activitiesNational Honor Society; Link Crew/Bengal Beginnings; Vice-President, 3-7-77’s; Public Health Board on AIDS prevention;Breaking Down the Walls; varsity football, track
Plans after high schoolCarroll College, studying biology and pre-med and playingfootball; hope to attend University of Washington Medical Schoolwith a career in the medical field, possibly involving diseasestudy and epidemiology
Distinguished Educator
SCOTT EVANSHelena High School, Government, 12th grade
Mr. Evans has
been a major
influence and a
positive role model.
As my position
coach and
coordinator in
football, he helped
me grow as an
athlete and as a
person. He also
opened my eyes
to the world
of American
Government, a
subject I had figured
would never affect
me. Mr. Evans knows
when to be a coach,
when to be an
educator, and when
to be a friend.
I know that he
pushes me because
he knows I can excel
and is always there
in case I don’t.
58
MARA VINTONHelena High School
ParentsPhil Vinton
Community service and activitiesArsenal and varsity soccer; Art Club; volunteer at St. Peter’sHospital, the Holter Museum of Art; Relay for Life; Helena’s mayorproclaimed September 24th “Mara Vinton Day”
Plans after high schoolUniversity of Montana in Missoula, pursuing a career in art
Distinguished Educator
SANDY CASEYHelena High School, Art, 11th – 12th grades
Mrs. Casey taught
me how to be an
artist. She has
broadened my
horizons by
introducing new
techniques and
methods. The most
important thing she
has taught me is
how to be creative.
In her classes she
stresses that there is
no limit to creativity.
When explaining an
assignment, she
would always say
that you are limited
by your creativity.
Her classes are
challenging yet
fun because she
encourages us
to think outside
the box.
59
COLE WHITMOYERHelena High School
ParentsRon and Janet Whitmoyer
Community service and activitiesNational Honor Society; 3-7-77’s, Link Crew; Vice-President,Chess Club; MBI; varsity baseball and football
Plans after high schoolCollege, playing college baseball
Distinguished Educator
DAVE THENNISHelena High School, Biology and Chemistry,
10th – 12th grades
Mr. Dave Thennis is
a man for whom
I have the utmost
respect. He has
been both a coach
and a teacher for the
last three years;
never have I
doubted him.
Whether in the
classroom or on the
baseball field, he is
a great motivator,
helping me to be my
best. Everyone
deserves a Coach
Thennis in their lives
because he knows
when to draw the
hard line, when to
make you laugh,
how to drive you
and most of all
when to help you
when the chips
are down.