Teachers provide the foundation for student learning. Distinguished Scholars from Great Falls High and CMR are selected based on academic achievement, GPA, and course work. In addition, counselors and administrators from the high schools select Distinguished Achievers based on leadership, classroom achievement, service, or their ability to overcome obstacles. Each year, the Great Falls Public Schools Foundation asks distinguished scholars and achievers to select two teachers, one high school and one elementary or middle school teacher who inspired them. This year 66 teachers were recognized for their outstanding work and impact on these students. Among those 66, we are honored to present 13 standout teachers who are UP alumni.
- Barbi Foster (DOB) “She delved into every subject with passion and excitement, encouraging a desire to learn in all of her students.”
- Bobby Ingalls (Chief Jo Elementary) “He cares about each student individually and wants each student to be able to succeed throughout their educational career.”
- Burke Allen (CMR) “He truly cared about my education and was never hesitant to call me out on my behavior.”
- Charlotte Cornelius (Retired) “Her rigorous classes created the backbone for working hard in the classroom that would pay off in my high school years.”
- Chris Hibbert (CMR) “He loves chemistry and does a wonderful job of passing that love onto his students.”
- Debbie McCarty (Paris Gibson Education Center) “She has been there cheering me on to do my best, and most of all she became a role model to me.”
- Denise Clare (CMR) “I have been inspired by her drive to not only educate her students but also to mold them into valuable members of society.”
- Everet Hall (Retired) “In middle school, he saw my passion for speaking and encouraged me to do Toastmasters, dedicating countless hours helping me.”
- Joseph Ferda (East Middle School) “When I was out with medical issues, he stepped forward to help me stay academically successful.”
- Kimberly Blaine (Riverview Elementary) “She taught me the importance of education and to be a good person.”
- Phil Davis (GFH) “I would never give up an opportunity to talk to him, as he is truly interested in my life and not only in the classroom.”
- Rochelle Williamson (East Middle School) “She truly invested in me as a person.”
- Scott Clapp (CMR) “He helped me appreciate English literature and from him I learned I could excel in English as well as math.”