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Excellence in Education 2020 Annual Report As I prepare this message, our community is in a “stay Board of Directors at home” order from our governor requiring all of our Karen Brandvold, Chair schools closed so that we can continue to protect the Drew Blewett, Vice Chair health and well-being of everyone threatened by the COVID-19 pandemic. This unusual and difficult time in Peggy Tremper, Treasurer our collective history has highlighted the importance of Gerry Jennings, Secretary our sense of community, the connections we have with Andrew Davidson, Immediate one another, and the critical role our public schools play Past Chair for so many of us. I commend all of the teachers, staff and District leaders for their ability to continue to meet Joanie Agamenoni the needs of our students and families and deliver quality Jared Brown education, meals and other additional services for an Linda Caricaburu extended period of time. Jeff Gray Great Falls has always been a very generous community and the Foundation has been Kyle Herda overwhelmed by the number of businesses and individuals who have generously donated Stacey Lamy in support of the school food pantry programs during this period. These donations go a long way in keeping our disadvantaged students fed during this difficult time. Anne Martinez Jon McCarty It is so appropriate that we have selected the theme of “connections” for our publication Laura Merchant this year. The Foundation is so proud of the many connections we have throughout the District and the community; however, we would like to focus on the very important Jane Gregoire Newmack connections we have associated with the Great Falls High Consumer Technology Nancy O’Brien Education Center (CTE). The Oakland and Thayer families provided significant Doug Sexe donations to enhance the learning and programs associated with the CTE. Both Steve Skaer families have been active in our community for many years as local business owners, Jean Smith supporting local causes and have had generations of family members attend and Bob Stingley graduate from Great Falls High. They recognize the importance of providing tools that Brion Torgerson will train students for employment in well-paying jobs. The Oakland family gift purchased Ashley Whitney state-of-the-art equipment for the auto, welding and wood shops to train students in Tom Moore, Superintendent these important industries. The Thayer family gifts were dedicated to the Culinary Arts Department training students for work in restaurants and commercial kitchen facilities. Publishers We are grateful for the long established connections with these two families, as well as Dave Crum, Lyndsay Lettre, the connections with hundreds of other donors, who believe in our mission to enhance and Terry Oyhamburu the high-quality teaching and life-long learning in our public schools. Editors Sincerely, Linda Caricaburu, Darcy Crum, Gerry Jennings and Anne Martinez Karen Brandvold Photos Chair, Great Falls Public Schools Foundation Larry Beckner, John Godwin CMR Scholars ..................2-9 and various teachers in PGEC Achievers .............9-11 the District GFHS Scholars .............11-18 Cover photo: Scholarships ......................19 Great Falls High student, Teachers of the Year .....20-21 Kolby Mackenstadt, Discovery and working in the new Innovation Grants .........22-25 CTE automotive shop GFH Career and supported by the Oakland Mission Statement Technical Wing .............26-27 Family. (photo credit – “The mission of the GFPS Foundation Toyota Truck Raffle ............28 John Godwin) is to enhance high-quality teaching Donor Lists ...................29-36 and life-long learning for students in Great Falls Public Schools by funding Publication made possible by innovative educational programs and support from BNSF Railway scholarships.” and D.A. Davidson & Co. 2019 Distinguished Scholar from CMR, Marissa Bosley, at the GFPS Foundation Excellence in Education Ceremony. 2020 Distinguished Students and Educators Teachers are the educational foundation to student learning. In recognition of that, each year the Great Falls Public Schools Foundation has top-rated seniors select two individuals who made a difference in their educational career. Sometimes the person who most inspired or made a difference isn’t a teacher, but worked in the educational arena as a counselor, coach or other position providing critical support. Students select one person from high school and one from CMR Scholars ..................2-9 elementary or middle school. PGEC Achievers .............9-11 Distinguished Scholars from C.M. Russell and Great Falls High Schools were GFHS Scholars .............11-18 selected based on academic achievement, GPA and rigorous coursework. Scholarships ......................19 Teachers of the Year .....20-21 Teachers, counselors and administrators selected Distinguished Achievers Discovery and from Paris Gibson Education Center based on academics, leadership, Innovation Grants .........22-25 achievement, service and overcoming obstacles. GFH Career and Technical Wing .............26-27 The Foundation is pleased to honor our 34 outstanding students Toyota Truck Raffle ............28 and the 68 inspiring individuals who helped support, mentor Donor Lists ...................29-36 and challenge them to be the best they can be. *Please note, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were unable to get pictures of our students and teachers together. www.gfpsfoundation.org – 1 ▪ C.M. Russell High School Student: Emma Bergman Parents: Brad and Billi Bergman Memorable experiences: I have so many good high school memories including participating in homecoming activities, running cross country and three half marathons with the team, as well as playing in orchestra and traveling for our annual tours. Plans after high school: Attend MSU to study architecture or engineering. Distinguished Educator: Tess Jacobs, art School: C.M. Russell High School Why: Ms. Jacobs goes out of her way to make her students’ artistic visions a reality. She embraces ideas and supports us in finding materials. I’ve learned much in her classroom and was lucky to be her student. I know that in all regards she is a distinguished teacher. Distinguished Educator: Deborah Lins, 5th grade School: Meadowlark Elementary Why: Ms. Lins changed my perspective on reading. Her use of voices and sound effects while reading sparked my love of stories. Until that point reading was difficult, but her passion helped me discover a love for books. She made a huge impact on my life and that of countless other students. Student: Jessica Byrne Parents: Pat and Anita Byrne Memorable experiences: I loved being a part of high school swimming and tennis teams. I built amazing friendships the past four years that will last a lifetime and had so many great experiences that when looked back on, will always make me smile. Plans after high school: Attend the University of Mary in the pre-medicine program to obtain a degree in biology. Distinguished Educator: Ed McNamee, swim coach School: Great Falls High School Why: Mac changed my life by strengthening my work ethic and swimming ability, and making me more confident and a better leader. His intensity during practices and meets shows how much he cares for us. I am grateful that he was my coach during my high school career. Distinguished Educator: Ann Stevenson, 3rd grade School: Meadowlark Elementary Why: Mrs. Stevenson was a kind and challenging teacher. She recommended me for the ECS program, which pushed me to think at a higher level, and she always offered extra help on math problems when I was struggling. I loved her class and enjoyed going to school every day. ▪ 2 – www.gfpsfoundation.org Student: Grace Carr Parents: Chris and Alicia Carr Memorable experiences: My memories include participating in student government activities, showing support at sports events, being a part of The Stampede newspaper, competing in BPA, playing basketball and building new relationships. Plans after high school: Attend UM to major in journalism and take computer-related courses. Distinguished Educator: Beth Britton, journalism and newspaper School: C.M. Russell High School Why: Ms. Britton has been a supportive advisor and mentor to me since my freshman year. She helped me develop my passion for journalism and pushed me to be my best every day. I am greatly appreciative of her efforts to help me become the best writer, editor and leader I can be. Distinguished Educator: Everett Hall, 6th grade and Toastmasters School: Sacajawea Elementary (Retired) Why: Mr. Hall is one of my biggest inspirations. He has a welcoming and supportive personality and always wants the best for his students. He helped me find my voice and always encourages me to go outside my comfort zone. I am eternally grateful for his impact on my journey. Student: Hailey Finch Parents: Andrew and Colleen Finch Memorable experiences: Some favorite experiences were traveling for state basketball with the pep band sophomore year and seeing the boys win state, being chosen for drum major, and experiencing the camaraderie that developed between my peers during our years of discussion-based classes. Plans after high school: Attend MSU to study earth sciences. I also plan to participate in music in some way at college. Distinguished Educator: Christine Sundly, geology School: C.M. Russell High School Why: Mrs. Sundly developed my passion for the earth sciences beyond what I already held and helped me see a plausible path for my future. She saw potential in me that I hadn’t considered, and she opened up so many doors. Even if I do not end up with a career in geology, I know it will remain a passion. Distinguished Educator: Lauree Wenger, band School: Meadowlark Elementary (Retired) Why: Music is such a huge part of my life and my high school career that I honestly do not know where I would be without it. Mrs. Wenger started me on this path and encouraged me to not only be a great musician, but to be myself. She is an amazing teacher and an even better person.