A Celebration of Excellence recognizes exceptional students who have demonstrated their efforts in the classroom, school, and community, day after day, year after year. 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 our schools and community, one student and one class at a time.
Student: Rebecca Radoicich
Parents: Susan & Russel Radoicich
Educator: Frau Wendy Schoonen
Butte High School
Dear Frau Shoonen. Without fail, every time I see you, your energy immediately makes my heart full. From the moment I walked into your classroom you’ve inspired me. No matter what the circumstance, you’ve always treated everyone with great patience and gentleness. You helped me to vividly see that everyone deserves kindness because we can never know what they might be going through. Even in situations where I knew if I were in your shoes I’d give up, you persevered because you have so much genuine love for every student in your classroom. The devotion you have to seeing the good in people is moving. You inspire me to spread the same passionate benevolence you do to everyone I meet. When I talk to you, I feel safe, and I can’t explain how thankful I am to have that in a school setting. Thank you Mrs. Shoonen, for making my high school career bright, the influences you’ve had on me will stick with me through college and beyond.
Student: Aiden Sorich
Parents: Jolena & Tyler Sorich
Educator: Luke Blaskovich
Butte High School
Mr. Blaskovich has been the most impactful teacher in my high school education as well as life. As a biology honors teacher, he made me invested in what life is at a cellular level and owe him my fascination with how organisms' function and the biodiversity of the beautiful state of Montana. As a mentor, no one except for him has been able to formulate words in front of a classroom that motivates every single person there. I have never walked out of a classroom and seen so many students talk about how motivating and wise the lectures of a teacher were. He prepared me to continue my education, but also prepared me to become a man. I think about what he has taught me every day. What I appreciate most about him is that he isn't just talk. He actively lives a lifestyle that he tells us to live, someone that pushes himself to grow mentally and physically every single day. Mr. Blaskovich is one of my biggest role models and I am honored to have this opportunity to express my gratitude towards him.
Student: Elliana Cunneen
Parents: Pat & Christine Cunneen
Educator: Maria Biastoch
Whittier Elementary School
One can argue that preschool is the most critical time for a child to learn, but what is learning without a teacher? Ms. Maria Biastoch was the first teacher I ever had. I started preschool at the age of three and saying I was nervous is an understatement. I was shy and timid, never speaking up or being outgoing. The only reason I didn't break down every day was because of the incredibly special Ms. Maria. I always looked forward to seeing her each morning and discovering what new adventures she had in store for the class. She is the blueprint of what a teacher should be: gentle, kind, soft-spoken, and most of all, fun. Every day with Ms. Maria was exciting, full of laughter and love. As the years have gone by, every encounter I have had with Ms. Maria has been a pleasant one. She has always remembered me and without a doubt, always given me a hug. Her go-to line is, “Can you believe I taught her in preschool?” Ms. Maria Biastoch is the reason I care about my education and my future today. I only hope that I continue to make her proud.
Student: Reese Westling
Parents: Brandie Barkell & Dan Villa
Educator: Todd Finstad
Butte High School
I have had the honor to have been one of Mr. Finstad’s students not only once but twice during my schooling career. I am not originally from Butte, I moved here in 7th grade from Anaconda. I had known no one and was still trying to settle into my new life. I was nervous about the upcoming school year, until I walked into Mr. Finstad’s classroom. During this time of uncertainty in my life I found Mr. Finstad’s classroom a place of calm. I experienced a comfortable yet rigorous classroom environment while. I learned so much from Mr. Finstad, not just math, I learned many life lessons. I continued to learn from Mr. Finstad during my junior year of high school. To say math my junior year was tough is an understatement. I learned from this struggle, I learned to be more resilient, to continue to try even after failure. Mr. Finstad was there to encourage not only me, but other students after a hard lesson. I always knew that if I needed help, I could always ask for help. I am very honored to have been able to study under such a great teacher.
Student: Dylan Baldwin
Parents: Jessica & Lee Baldwin
Educator: Adam Colvin
Butte High School
Mr. Colvin has been my chemistry teacher for the last two years. In that time, he has greatly impacted my life by not only improving my education but also by teaching me real life lessons. Mr. Colvin is always willing to help me with my math or chemistry, even though he is no longer a math teacher. If I ask questions, he always makes sure I understand them before moving on to the next topic. From teaching chemistry, explaining curling, and offering to host lettuce club (which got denied), Mr. Colvin is one of the best teachers I have ever had, and he makes an effort to teach his students (even though he always brings up his students from Michigan). Thank you for being an amazing teacher and friend. Congratulations on your new son. I will miss you after I graduate from Butte High School. I hope we will continue to stay in touch.
Student: Dacelyn LaFond
Parents: Dana & Brian LaFond
Educator: John Yelenich
Kennedy Elementary School
Mr. John Yelenich, or as some of you may know him, bald guy at the Butte High concession stands, was my third grade teacher. Not just a regular teacher, but my favorite teacher. I knew at the ripe age of nine years old, that no other teacher would surpass him as my favorite, and I was right. Now, could that have been because of all the candy he gave out? Possibly, but let’s focus on some other reasons. Mr. Yelenich made school a place that I looked forward to every day. While teaching everything a third grader should know, he kept the class engaged by cracking jokes and having meaningful conversions with us. Out of all I remember from the third grade, the most important thing I learned was how to be a good person. This wasn’t taught in an actual lesson, but instead displayed every day through the kindness and generosity of Mr. Yelenich. Thank you for being the best teacher and role model I could have asked for.
Student: Taylor Garrett
Parents: John & Jackie Garrett
Educator: Terry Faulkner
Butte High School
I am absolutely beyond ecstatic to honor Mr. Terry Faulkner as the teacher who has made the biggest impact on my academic career. Mr. Faulkner was my Anatomy and Physiology teacher during my junior year, and there was never a dull moment. His bright and goofy personality never fails to bring a smile to my face. He constantly created a fun learning environment using teaching methods such as projects and groupwork. But outside of teaching Anatomy, Mr. Faulkner goes outside the scope of his job, helping students succeed beyond the classroom. He brought in several experts from various professions to discuss finding careers after high school, which opened so many opportunities for each of his students. Mr. Faulkner introduced me to the CNA program I am currently enrolled in with Montana Tech. With this, he continuously encouraged me to pursue my goals of becoming a psychiatrist, telling me about his experiences and giving me advice. I will forever be grateful for Mr. Faulkner’s continuous support and help with everything. He’s a teacher that makes each student feel seen and heard. He makes it easy to go to school.
Student: Sullivan Panisko
Parents: Shannon & Paul Panisko
Educator: River Newman
Butte High School
Imagine, you’re in third grade, and one day you draw a picture. A little scene on a piece of notebook paper, and you are so proud; you show it to everyone. Obviously, the responses are all versions of recycled praise, “Its so pretty,” “Wow that’s great” “You must have worked so hard on that.” Of course, it’s a nice feeling. But as that little kid, I could feel that there was something wrong about it, but I couldn’t quite place what it was. That was until I rolled up into art class with the rest of my class and proudly presented my drawing to my art teacher, Mr. Newman. After giving me a couple compliments, he pointed something out to me, a flaw. I was embarrassed, obviously, but there was something else there. Where I previously could have given up, and said it was good enough, I instead found a will to improve, and without Mr. Newman, I may not have had that, may have given up on one of my greatest passions before I had ever even bothered to start. My art, and what I’ve made of myself with it, I have in part to thank Mr. Newman.
Student: Zack O’Connell
Parents: Chad & Cindy O’Connell
Educator: Britney Campbell
Emerson Elementary
Everyone always says that first impressions are one of the most important things, and Mrs. Campbell was the perfect first impression for school. I don’t remember much from kindergarten because I was just a little kid, but from what I do remember was how amazing of a teacher Mrs. Campbell was. I’ve always kept Mrs. Campbell in the back of my mind because I know she plays a big role in how successful I have been throughout my academic career. Mrs. Campbell may not have taught me calculus or chemistry, but she taught me how to be a hard worker and a good human being, which in some circumstances is more important than anything else. Thank you Mrs. Campbell.
Student: Luke Verlanic
Parents: Jake & Shauna Verlanic
Educator: Ms. Lindsey Kambich
Butte High School
Ms. Kambich made English, my least enjoyable subject, not just tolerable but enjoyable. And as impressionable young freshmen, she made our daunting task of transitioning to high school, through Covid, smoother. She is a teacher who cares for all students. And this goes far beyond the classroom. There was rarely a game that she wasn’t in attendance, cheering us on. She was one of the first on the field to comfort me after my final senior football game. And more recently, she was one of the first to check on me both before and after my hip surgery. As Butte High’s National Honor Society sponsor, she puts in countless time, providing us with many opportunities, to quote her, to just “be good humans.” She is an incredibly caring teacher, having made a positive impact on many lives. And she is a teacher that each of us will always remember. I am grateful to have her in my life—having taught me and cheered me on.
Student: Sonya Trudnowski
Parents: Diana & Dan Trudnowski
Educator: Julie Johns
Butte High School
Mrs. Johns means so much more to me than my writing skills could ever demonstrate but I’ll try. I know I have always been good at math and that engineering was a possibility, but until I went through her class, I didn’t know how much I cared. The way she taught things was so clear and interesting that it drew me more and more towards the career. However, it was her encouragement that tipped me to that edge. Her past career in engineering made me want to be like her. Learn the things she did and to see her smile and tell me I could do it too was all I needed. I can’t stress how kind she is, always willing to hear students out and encourage them. Her class was a safe haven where I could genuinely sit and learn. Which led me towards my future. She helped me and others like me, including my sister, discover ourselves and I am so grateful for that. So, I just want to say thank you for inspiring me, for being there for me and my sister, and of course for being such an amazing teacher.
Student: Clara Tamblyn
Parents: Alisha & Jeff Tamblyn
Educator: Steve Watson
Emerson Elementary School
Although I was in his class so long ago, I still remember it being my absolute favorite year of elementary school. The encouragement I, as well as all the students in his class, received throughout my fourth-grade year truly set me up for greatness. That year, my confidence in not only my academic abilities but also myself skyrocketed. I attribute much of that to my teacher, Mr. Watson. He used to say that “fourth grade when was little kids are turned into big kids” and there couldn’t have been a better way to start your big kid journey than with him. His brightness and involvement in the classroom truly made it a memorable experience for me. The life lessons he taught me have stuck with me throughout my high school career and will continue to. He made me feel confident in my leadership abilities as well as academic, and I feel so fortunate to have had him as a teacher. I am so grateful for having such a positive experience in such a pivotal year of my life. Thank you, Mr. Watson, and all the teachers here, for all that you have done and continue to do for your students.
Student: Hannah Kluck
Parents: Bart & Julia Kluck
Educator: Hanna Telling
Butte High School
Although I only had Ms. Hannah Telling as a teacher for one semester in my college writing class, she is the educator that has most impacted me, and my schooling. During the short time I was taking her class, Ms. Telling taught me much about writing, and showed many ways in which I could improve my writing. She teaches in an understandable and clear way that makes it easy for students to implement her tips into their own writing. Beyond the classroom, Ms. Telling is easy and fun to talk to, and always excited to hear what I, and other of her students, have to say. She also truly shows what it is to be an ally, she always supports and encourages me, and all her other students, in any way she can. Besides sharing the same first name, we also share a love for skiing, mountain-biking, or anything outdoors; so even if I won’t be seeing Hannah Telling in school, I’m looking forward to running into her out on the trails.
Student: Nolan Casey
Parents: Sue & Dennis Casey
Educator: Kathy Foley
East Middle School
During my time in seventh grade science, I learned far more than just human and fish anatomy. Important lessons about matters extending into life and my future were routine in that classroom, and the interest and joy associated with learning and education were truly discovered in that class for myself and so many others. All of this can be tracked back to one person, my teacher, Ms. Foley. The environment and energy that she provided in her class interlinked learning and fun. This allowed myself to not only understand and remember what I was being taught, but also memorize and connect everything to gain the full understanding. Ms. Foley’s teaching really peaked my interest in the human body, and is one of the primary reasons I look to pursue a career in a health related career. The information I have learned has stuck with me and has been used all these years later, and no doubt will be used even further throughout higher education. However, the memories and fun I had in Ms. Foley’s class are what truly separate her from the pack and are what will stick with me for the rest of my life.
Student: Darshon Singh
Parents: Sheryle Armstrong
Educator: Trevor Ivory
Butte High School
Everybody hates math. None of my friends liked math; my mom didn’t like math; even my teachers in school didn't like math. But, for me, I’ve been head-over-heels in love with math since I was born. I was so emphatic about the subject, yet I had no one to share with, no one to talk to. Until one day during Junior year when I was, ironically, meeting with the speech and debate team. A new coach walked in the door; He started coaching this year and only recently started teaching at Butte High. His name was Mr. Ivory. While the team and I discussed the topic, a senior was doing his physics homework in the other corner of the classroom. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed Mr. Ivory gravitating towards him. I heard, just barely in earshot, a passionate voice talking about the math behind his particle physics homework. I was gobsmacked. Someone who actually enjoys math?! Our friendship afterwards only continued to develop around our mutual love for all things math. He relentlessly pushed me and helped me to pursue my goals where, today, I’ve taken multiple math classes at Montana Tech. He is solely responsible for saving my dreams and without him I would be unrecognizable.
Student: Kershaw Mellott
Parents: Dawn English & Kevin Mellott
Educator: Aaron Arntson
Butte High School
This year, Mr. Arntson started handing out tardy slips. But I believe that he found this calling two years ago while he was still in the classroom, handing out tardies to people who didn’t know the rules of his classroom, people like me. We weren’t in school for two weeks before he gave me lunch detention for being late to his class. The next day, he asked me how it was, and I told him the number of bricks on the wall. I questioned why he never told me I was late. He said I should know the rules. That late is late, whether that be a second, minute, or hour. I’ve told him this exact story many times, how he never told me that he was marking me late and he will deny this whole-heartedly. But I’ve never told him how much respect I gained for him in that moment and how much fun his class was after that little hiccup. Every day was something new and I never knew what to expect. I enjoyed every day in that class, and it made learning easy. Mr. Arntson opened my eyes to being able to enjoy school on a whole new level, and when I wake up each morning looking forward to school, I thank him.
Student: Jack Luoma
Parents: Derek & Jennifer Luoma
Educator: Lorie Herlson
Margaret Leary Elementary School
I was in 3rd grade when I first met Mrs. Herlson. Back then, if you were to walk into her room, you would be greeted with a gumball machine to the right of the door, an old mom and pops café booth accompanied by an equally old Coca-Cola dispenser with glass bottles in the opposite corner, and finally a full set of calligraphy and fountain pens on her desk. What I wouldn’t give to be back in that booth having a coke. But having an amazing room can only take you so far with your students. What I remember most about Mrs. Herlson is the amazing energy she would bring to the classroom. Her creativity, dedication, and overall kindness has contributed to the person I have become and continues to inspire me to this day. Not only do I share her creative passion, but I also found my passion while in her class. Finding joy in school is an important aspect of education, and with Mrs. Herlson’s help, I found my love for mathematics and genuine learning. I don’t know what I would have done without Mrs. Herlson’s help and kind spirit. I will always have the utmost respect and gratitude for everything she has done and continues to do for all her lucky students.
Student: Autumn Silk
Parents: Dave & Lori Silk
Educator: Cindra Powers
Hillcrest Elementary School
Mrs. Powers was my First-grade teacher at Hillcrest Elementary School. I remember looking forward to going to school because she was such a great teacher. I loved how kind and patient she was, especially when I went through a period of missing my mom; I loved when during recess she would walk around the field with a group of us; and I loved her golden rule in her classroom, “treat people how you want to be treated.” But to be honest, I picked Mrs. Powers for another reason… she gave me a second family. Mrs. Powers has been teaching Irish Dance for 20 years. She got me to go to a class in first grade, and since then, for the past 12 years, I have had something to look forward to every Tuesday night, and I can thank Mrs. Powers for that. She and her daughter, Kerry, have created such a supportive and encouraging environment. I know I can talk to either of them, as well as the dancers. It truly feels like a family. I really can’t imagine what I would have been doing every Tuesday night for the past 12 years if it wasn’t for my time in Mrs. Powers first grade class. She has, really, impacted my life for the better.
Student: Maya Dare
Parents: Maggie & Andy Dare
Educator: Scott Cooney
Butte High School
When it came time to sign up for classes sophomore year, I heard whisperings of you, your rigorous coursework and fastidious way of teaching. Although others could have deterred me, I hesitantly checked the box signing myself up for English III Honors. Beginning junior year, I was demure and scared of what was to come, but your class would soon become a highlight in my day. In one short essay I could not extol you enough, your love to teach has caused me to love to learn. I used to abhor the thought of challenging myself, and now I’m eager to seize each new day. The poetry portion of your class sparked a new fervor in me I would have never discovered on my own. The classroom environment you’ve created directly helped me more freely express myself and engendered confidence in myself, my writing, and my recitation ability. Knowing I’d be greeted by a smiling face and maybe a high five, or a quick joke in your class each day alleviated some of the pressure of junior year. I’d like to think my practice with trashket-ball bettered my aim as well. Although my time in your classes, plural because College Readiness will be fondly remembered, was ephemeral, the profound impact they left on me is not. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
