Celebration of Excellence recognizes exceptional students who have demonstrated their efforts in the classroom, school and community, day after day. Distinguished scholars were selected on the basis of grade point average; honors and advanced placement courses; school activities; and community service. Each student selected an educator to recognize who had a significant, positive impact on his or her life and wrote a short message about why that educator was selected.
The Butte Education Foundation salutes these fine educators and thanks them for sharing their talents, knowledge, creativity, and love of learning with our youth. They make a difference in their schools and community, one student and one class at a time.
The following essays are unedited, printed as is, and may contain grammar and punctuation errors.
Distinguished student: Trent Hallsted
Parents: Sonia Hallsted and David Rathgeber
Honored educator: Mr. Eric Zahler, BHS, West Elementary School
My History With Mr. Zahler
I always had a fascination with history, mostly out of enjoyment of Romans, and kings, and Vikings: the mythological aspects. So I won’t lie when I say I didn’t have great expectations for American history. “Who cares about tea and taxes? I don’t drink tea and still avoid doing taxes!”
But the way Mr. Zahler taught it, not just listing off names and places, but actively getting us involved in the time period, immersing us in the ideas and viewpoints, the culture of the time, and helping us understand how it shaped the present. That’s what made me truly appreciate our history. He didn’t hide anything from us either, he showed us the good and the bad, our greatest accomplishments and our most horrible atrocities.
That’s why he was so important to me. The past shapes the present, and what we do now, will shape the future. He not only emphasized this to us, but also acts upon it. Last year he was my American history teacher, but now, he got the job as principal for my old grade school, West Elementary. My little sister goes there now, and I can say if he’s anything like he was in American history, she’s going to have a good future.
Distinguished student: Jake Hennelly
Parents: Tom and Lee Ann Hennelly
Honored educator: Mr. Greg McGillen, Butte High School
The teacher I chose was Mr. McGillen because he is more than just a teacher. He is a motivator and an educator. He was the one teacher that not only I, but all of my friends were genuinely excited to see and learn from every single day.
The lessons Mr. McGillen taught truly stuck with us. We still quote him and laugh over memories, especially the ones involving bonobos (if you know, you know). His daily lessons were always full of useful and thought-provoking content. He introduced important writing practices, like how to create a strong thesis statement, even if the example happened to be about underwater basket weaving. Now that I’m in more challenging classes, I’m starting to really appreciate the value of skills like proper outlining that he emphasized so often.
Mr. McGillen didn’t just give us answers. He encouraged us to dig deeper and discover things for ourselves, which made a lasting impact on how I approach learning.
Knowing that this is Mr. McGillen’s final year of teaching before retirement, I feel sad that future students won’t get to experience his class, his personality and the meaningful lessons he shared with us.
Thank you sincerely, Mr. McGillen.
Distinguished student: Robert Holman
Parents: Dave and Lesley Holman
Honored educator: Mrs. Lesley Holman, Hillcrest School
I am Robby Holman, and my guest at the esteemed Celebration of Excellence dinner is Mrs. Lesley Holman.
Most teachers interact with students for an impactful nine monthlong school year, but my time with Mrs. Holman was much more profound than that. For a period of nine months, I went everywhere with her. In fact, I can’t think of a single moment I was without her. This time continued for nine months... until I was born; but still, out of all the teachers I’ve had, I've most certainly spent the most time with Mrs. Holman.
In the classroom, her teaching abilities are second to none: her compassion, patience, and care are unmatched. I experienced each of those skills firsthand when I learned from her in elementary school, and I like to think she enjoyed having me as a student too... the number of times I called her “Mom” during school notwithstanding.
By far, Mrs. Holman was the most impactful teacher I’ve ever had. She not only made me who I am today, but she made me… period. I wish all my peers had an opportunity to learn under her guidance but am eternally grateful for mine.
Thank you.
Distinguished student: Jason Johns
Parents: Scott and Julie Johns
Honored educator: Ms. Lindsey Kambich, Butte High School
Ms. Lindsey Kambich is not just an extraordinary teacher, she is also an extraordinary human being. Ms. Kambich has enriched my life immensely ever since I met her during the “dog days” of my freshman year. Her heart is filled with tremendous kindness and gratitude for all her students. She has shown me what it means to be an admirable person and how to stand up for what you believe in. Ms. Kambich’s devotion to her students doesn’t only apply within the walls of her classroom; she has always been there for me. Whether it be lending an ear, supporting me at tennis or recommending a good book, she is always there with encouraging words and a smile on her face. She truly is an astounding teacher and human, and I am so grateful to have her in my life. So, thank you Ms. Kambich for giving me the opportunity to honor you tonight and for allowing me to be one of your little sunshine's.
Distinguished student: Mason Leber
Parents: Eric and Erin Leber
Honored educator: Mr. Todd Finstad, Butte High School
Mr. Finstad is the teacher who changed everything for me. His teaching style was a breath of fresh air—he made learning feel less like a chore and more like a discussion. He never just lectured; he asked questions, told stories, and made sure we understood everything before moving on. Even on rough days, his energy and positivity lifted the whole class. His class actually allowed me to enjoy math and not dread it. He believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, always encouraging me to speak up and push a little further. His classroom wasn’t just a place to learn; it was a place that allowed everyone to feel comfortable and understood. One of my favorite memories in Mr. Finstads class was talking to him in German. In fact, every day I see him in the hall we exchange a “guten morgen,” or good morning.
Distinguished student: Chelsi Lyons
Parents: Dick and Bonnie Lyons
Honored educator: Mrs. Kerry Weigle, Whittier Elementary
Dear Mrs. Weigle,
I am writing this letter to show my appreciation for the immense impact you had on my educational career. I was in your Leadership Group at Whittier, where we would have meetings and do projects. You taught me how to be a great leader for myself and the people around me. As a student, I knew that your door was always open if I ever needed anything. As an educator, that is an important quality to have, and you excelled at it. There was never a time that I felt I had no one at Whittier to talk to because you were there. One moment that I remember greatly was in sixth grade. I had broken my foot playing basketball and my class was supposed to take a field trip to go curling. I was not able to go due to my foot so I spent the day with you in your room. I had a lot of fun that day and did not care that I was unable to go on the field trip. I am very grateful that I have always had you in my corner. Thank you for everything. Love, Chelsi Lyons
Distinguished student: Amelia Fladager
Parents: Jennifer Miller and Stewart Fladager
Honored educator: Mr. Cole Bass, East Helena High School
From the time I transferred into Radley Elementary School, having you as a teacher was a bunch of fun and it made my integration into the school that much easier. I still have vivid memories of you telling my class that if we have an intruder, throw our instruments at them and run. You were a great band teacher, although I had to drop it as soon as Covid hit. They would not let me play my instrument in school so I lost the skill I used to have. It was not a great time, as we all know very well. However, I can absolutely say that you have impacted my school career more than any other teacher I have had over the many schools I have attended, and it means a lot. So thank you for all that you do and for the memories that I have because of you.
Distinguished student: Kelly McCloskey
Parents: Daryl and Jennifer McCloskey
Honored educator: Mr. Adam Colvin, Butte High School
I’m honored to be here tonight to recognize a teacher who has truly shaped my high school experience—Mr. Colvin.
Since my sophomore year in Chemistry 1 Honors, through AP Chemistry junior year, and now as your teacher assistant, I’ve had the privilege of learning from you not just in the classroom, but in life. Your support, encouragement and patience have meant the world to me. I think it’s no coincidence that I’m going into chemical engineering. Your class made science exciting, challenging and meaningful in a way that has stuck with me.
Our way-too-long after-school conversations with Greta will always be a favorite memory. While she’s not graduating this year, I know your impact on her decision to possibly study chemistry runs just as deep. Outside of school, being your daughter’s swim instructor, gymnastics teacher and babysitter have given me a whole new appreciation for the kind of role model you are outside of school.
Thank you, Mr. Colvin, for everything. Your influence will follow me far beyond high school.
Distinguished student: Jordan McMurray
Parents: Melissa Garrett and Larry Harrison
Honored educator: Mr. Tom Quinn, Butte High School
Having Quinn 2 years ago, I don’t remember many of his classes; but what I do remember is how welcoming it was. I was an introverted, incomplete sophomore in a class of seniors, and yet I never once felt singled out or even so much as nervous in his class. TQ was inviting, friendly, and approachable from day one; and he is still the first person I go to when I need anything. I remember when I needed a recommendation letter due in a few days; and I asked TQ for it and he had it sent out the next day. He is one of the best people to have in my corner and is willing to drop everything to help me with any project or any problem. He’s so much more than a teacher that it’s easy to forget he is one, however his personality makes him one of the best at it. His teaching style made learning easy, fun, and entertaining; and he’s doing that while teaching math. I couldn’t ask for a better person to be my teacher, and my mentor, and I am thankful to have gotten the chance to know TQ.
Distinguished student: Ashlinn Mullaney
Parents: Josh and Trista Mullaney
Honored educator: Mrs. Shelly McLaughlin, Margaret Leary School
I have utmost appreciation for everything that you have done for me in my early years. While in first grade, you were able to teach me the fundamentals of being a student. The impact that you have had on me is enormous and has shaped me into the person I am today.
From the first days in your class, I felt the compassion and affection you have for all your students. Your passion for teaching translated into the passion your students felt for learning. Because of the multitude of ways you taught various subjects, I was never bored and always intrigued in every bit of education that came from you. My love for math came specifically from your class because of the challenge and entertainment you provided for an otherwise boring subject.
Without your introduction to math, I would not be pursuing a degree based purely on math. My love for math came strictly from your classroom and I will forever be thankful. I am thankful for your drive, passion, leadership, and love you instilled in your classroom. You have empowered me to become a person who is able to radiate with all these characteristics that you have instilled.
Distinguished student: Samuel Sampson
Parents: Scott and Shannon Sampson
Honored educator: Mrs. Laurie Hawbaker, EMS, Whittier Elementary
For pretty much all of my educational career, math has been my all-time favorite subject. Without Mrs. Hawbaker, I genuinely do not think I could solve a single math problem to this day. Mrs. Hawbaker made an everlasting impact on my educational career with her ability to make me realize math was not just something I had to do for school, but something that I loved to do. Her positive attitude, contagious smile and willingness to make everyone better made math class something to look forward to.
As I plan to enter a STEM major and career, I will forever be grateful for Mrs. Hawbaker’s daily times tables and how to properly pronounce “one hundred and seven” not “one O seven.” Without these foundational roots Mrs. Hawbaker taught me, I would be nowhere near the student I am today. Not only was she teaching me to solve equations, but also how to think critically and approach problems with confidence. Now and in the future, I will always think of Mrs. Hawbaker whenever math is involved.
I am eternally grateful for the impact you have had on my life and education. Thank you.
Distinguished student: Macy Seaholm
Parents: Brian and Andrea Seaholm
Honored educator: Mr. Scott Cooney
If you survived Mr. Cooney's English III honors class, you walked out stronger- academically, emotionally, and occasionally physically when he challenged you to a push up competition. His rules were far from temperate. Late work? Don’t even think about it. Making excuses? That’s pernicious behavior. But beyond this structure was a teacher who deeply cared. His sarcasm was ubiquitous- woven into grammar lessons, essay feedback, and casual hallway greetings. Mr. Cooney didn’t just teach me English, but taught me how the real world works: you get out what you put in. He never accepted mediocre work—not when he saw students' potential to be exemplary. And when we were exhausted from writing, reading, or reciting, he’d still find a way to motivate us with honesty, wit, and genuine encouragement. What stuck with me most was this profound art piece on his wall: it was a tiny black dot on a white piece of paper. “Do you only see the black dot,” he would ask “or do you see all the white paper surrounding it?” He wasn’t teaching us English, but perspective. Mr. Cooney deserves more thank you’s than he will probably ever receive but here’s mine- Because while we laughed, memorized, and occasionally cried in his class, we all left a little wiser and a lot more ready.
Distinguished student: Catherine Sholey
Parents: Steve and Pamela Sholey
Honored educator: Mr. Eddy Stewart, Butte High School
To fully convey the respect and admiration I harbor for Coach Stewart in this short paragraph is quite honestly an impossible task, but I will venture to make my best attempt. To simplify the influence Coach Stewart has unknowingly had on my life is to say he has shaped a part of who I am and hope to always be. Not only has he inspired me to always see the values within others but to also see the values within myself. To thank him for believing in me when I failed to believe in myself will continuously fall short of enough, but I will continue to – continue to thank him for all he has done for me, continue to remember all he has taught me, and continue to believe in myself and the possibilities my life can bring. So, thank you Eddy!
Distinguished student: Hailey Skeel
Parents: George and Shanelle Skeel
Honored educator: Ms. Hannah Telling, Butte High School
There have been many teachers in my life that have made an impact on my academic career, but the most influential to me has been Ms. Hannah Telling. I got the chance to be in her College Writing class this school year. Not only does she make understanding different types of writing easier, but she allows us to test our writing abilities. In my other English classes before, we were forced to write about a specific topic, usually in which I had no prior knowledge of, forcing myself to make it sound like I knew what I was talking about for pages upon pages just to get the assignment done. But Ms. Telling lets us write about things we enjoy writing about and are passionate about. It makes me want to write when before it always felt like a chore. Not only is Ms. Telling an amazing teacher, but she is an amazing person as well. She has the ability to connect with each student on a personal level, making us feel seen and like our voice matters. I hope tonight I can make her feel as special as she makes me feel.
Distinguished student: Eli Smith
Parents: Charlie and Becky Smith
Honored educator: Mr. Luke Blaskovich, Butte High School
I consider myself a lucky student who got Mr. Blaskovich as my biology honors teacher. I first went into biology class with the assumption that it would be another class that I would just have to make it through. Mr. Blaskovich would teach more than just biology but valuable life lessons that shaped me into who I am today. Mr. Blaskovich, whether he meant to or not, would become my idol. I wanted to learn and be the best student I could be for Mr. Blaskovich. I looked up to him and wanted to impress him. What was not to love about him? He embraces challenges, sets goals and is personable with his students. He is such a great teacher because of that. I made it my goal to be more like Mr. Blaskovich. I knew that this would make me a better person and student. My educational career has improved when I accepted challenges and actively tried to improve myself. Mr. Blaskovich’s impact on me has gone beyond the classroom and greatly improved my life. I am grateful for everything you have done. Thank you for being my teacher.
Distinguished student: Peyton Trabert
Parents: Theresa and Robert Christiaens
Honored educator: Mr. Aaron Arntson, Butte High School
Mr. Arntson, my World History teacher, did more than teach facts about kings and revolutions, he helped me grow as a person. By encouraging me to think critically and stay engaged, he sparked a genuine passion for learning and helped me build lasting confidence. His class was proof that hard work truly pays off.
What made Mr. Arntson stand out was how he made learning something to look forward to. Whether we were exploring ancient empires or just trying to decipher whether he was being serious or sarcastic, he kept things interesting. His energy and humor made lessons feel more like conversations than lectures. He made learning feel interactive and fun, which allowed students like me to come out of our shells and find our voices.
One of the most valuable things he taught me was that presentations are not something to fear, they are opportunities to express myself. That shift in perspective gave me confidence that has lasted far beyond his classroom. Mr. Arntson had a unique way of making every student feel seen and continuously challenged us to do our best.
Because of him, I gained more than just knowledge of the world’s past, I discovered my own potential. I am truly grateful for the impact he had on me.
Distinguished student: Brea Wagner
Parents: Kimberly Harrington and Grandma Dixie Harrington
Honored educator: Mrs. Julie Johns, Butte High School
Before attending high school, the whole idea of math terrified me. Honestly, this fear was not relinquished by freshman year when I was forced to withstand the horrors of Geometry. However as soon as I set foot in Mrs. Johns’ classroom, sophomore year I realized that I no longer had a reason to fear math.
I have known Mrs. Johns from the ripe age of 7. She was not just my neighbor but the mother of one of my best friends. Over the years I have learned that she is not only the most intelligent person I know, but also the kindest. Constantly reassuring me that I will be okay before each math test, always willing to answer any questions I have even if the problem is simple, and best of all she shares her candy stash.
Mrs. Johns’ brilliance, though incredible, is not what makes her remarkable to me. It is the way she can manipulate complex concepts and turn them into this critical game of problem solving that is mesmerizing. Through her tactical teaching skills and colorful smart board markers I learned to appreciate this world of mathematics that Mrs. Johns loves so deeply.
Mrs. Johns not only taught me math but also life lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. One of them being to trust myself and to remember that somewhere in my brain is the answer to every problem. “Just think about this,” she would say as she begins an effortless explanation. They say: “A truly amazing teacher is hard to find, difficult to part with and impossible to forget.” I can confidently say that no longer seeing Mrs. Johns every day will break my heart, but I know I will never forget her.
Thank you, Mrs. Johns, for everything!
Distinguished student: Roscoe “Mack” Williams
Parents: Rick and Kyra Williams
Honored educator: Mr. Roger McCullough
Mister America. The Rog. The MCC. These are just a few of Mr. McCullough’s many aliases. He’s been my speech coach for the last 4 years. What I’ve learned from them has shaped me in ways I am only just now understanding, especially now, looking back on the timid freshman I once was.
Mr. Roger McCullough is the heartbeat of Butte High School. He represents everything good and true about this school: the grit, the humor and the resolute belief that every student he teaches has a voice worth hearing. It is difficult to put exactly into words how much having him as a speech coach has meant to me, because how do you explain the impact of someone who believed in you before you even knew how to believe in yourself?
More than anything, Mr. McCullough is always there. In times of hardship, he has never failed to support me. Behind every single trophy and every moment of growth, there’s him: quietly supporting from the back of the room, clapping the loudest, proud of who you’ve become. And if I’ve found strength in myself, it’s because I first saw it in him.
Distinguished student: Jordan Yates
Parents: Brian Yates and Shawna Yates
Honored educator: Mrs. Jaki McCarthy, Hillcrest Elementary School
Everyone we encounter throughout our lives leaves an impact on the person we become. We often think of the major influences, such as our parents or friends, but someone that stands out to me is my third-grade teacher, Ms. Jaki McCarthy. It was in her classroom that I discovered the power of words.
We would sit on the carpet next to her desk every week as she taught us new writing skills. She told us that our writing should create an image in the reader’s mind. The most important part of her teaching style was that she pushed us to believe in ourselves, which is difficult to do while writing. To this day, I still look back at my third grade writing journal when I need encouragement. I hear Ms. McCarthy’s advice as I write every college application and scholarship essay. Who knew that a teacher I had ten years ago would leave such a strong impact on my life?
This just shows the type of person that Ms. McCarthy is. She is kind, respectable and caring, but she is also one of the best teachers I’ve had the opportunity of having. She has helped me to become not only a better writer but also a better person, and I cannot thank her enough for this.
Distinguished student: Jordyn Yelenich
Parents: Jake and Taryn Yelenich
Honored educator: Mrs. Lynann Richey, Butte High School
I have known Lynann Richey my whole life. She has always been family to me, and she has always treated me and my siblings like one of her own. When she first started talking about getting a job at Butte High, I was so excited to be able to see her every day. I am always in her office with various requests, from fresh baked goods to transcripts, she has it all. Whatever she doesn't have, she is willing to drop everything to make me happy. She is not doing this just for me, her niece, but rather everyone at butte high. She is a singular woman doing the work of a million, and her efforts do not go unnoticed. She is an amazing woman who can do it all. She has shown me the value of just being a good person. She is always lending a helping hand, and for that, I will love her forever.
Distinguished student: Madison Zimmerman
Parents: Michelle and Edwin Zimmerman
Honored educator: Mrs. Charissa Lewis, Hillcrest Elementary
Nobody expects an elementary school teacher to greatly impact your life, but they definitely do. Mrs. Lewis was this teacher for me. She was the first and one of the only teachers to continue to keep in contact with me and my family after her class. She has seen my accomplishments throughout these last few years while being one of the people who inspired them. She was one of the people who helped me learn to work hard to see myself succeed. Not only did she do this academically, but also on everything outside of school. She taught me how to face challenges that I thought would be so difficult. It is very true when people say that elementary school teachers teach things that will stick with you for the rest of your life. I am truly grateful to have gotten the opportunity to be taught by Mrs. Lewis.
