Necole Killick - 2024 Montana Global Educator of the Year
Necole Killick grew up in eastern Montana. She attended the University of Montana and obtained a B.A. in Spanish. She has taught in Mexico, Canada, Nevada and Montana. Currently she teaches 7-12 Spanish, 6th grade reading and K-6 Library at Lambert Schools. She also coaches golf. She has a passion for travel and getting to know others and the way they see the world. Because of this she works with Exchange Students in her community and the surrounding communities. Through hosting exchange students and being their coordinator, Necole has learned of certain things about her students. Because of this, last year she found out about a student that was to be married off if she did not receive a scholarship to the university. Sadly, this student would not be in her home country to take exams for scholarships. This lead Necole to start a nonprofit to ensure that no one is forced into marriage and that they can get their higher eduction: The Parvina Education Project. So far the project was able to send this student to MSU-Billings for this past year. She is still growing The PEP. Necole would love to see a world in which everyone gets along despite their differences. For this reason, she hosts an exchange student each year.
Elizabeth Clark - 2024 MSCA Counselor of the Year
Elizabeth Clark's journey as a school counselor is deeply rooted in her personal experiences and values. Raised in the vibrant city of Poway, California, she grew up in an environment where education was cherished and seen as the cornerstone of success. Despite facing significant challenges, including her mother's courageous and unsuccessful battle with cancer, Elizabeth found solace and sanctuary in the school environment. Witnessing the unwavering dedication of her family, who generously volunteered their time to support not only her education but that of her peers, instilled in her a profound appreciation for the transformative power of education and the importance of nurturing a supportive community.
Influenced by a family friend who was a school counselor, Elizabeth found her calling in the field of counseling. Inspired by the idea of making a difference in the lives of students facing similar struggles, she pursued her passion with unwavering determination. Graduating from Montana State University in 2016, Elizabeth embarked on her professional journey as a school counselor.
For the past eight years, Elizabeth has served as a beacon of support at Irving Elementary and Bozeman Charter School. Embracing the unique challenges of each school, she has meticulously crafted and implemented comprehensive counseling programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of students from kindergarten through eighth grade. Beyond her roles within the school, Elizabeth actively contributes to numerous committees and initiatives, including the MSCA Conference Planning and Advocacy committees, the BSD7 Crisis Response Team, and Irving's Guiding Coalition. Committed to her professional growth, she regularly attends conferences such as the ASCA convention and engages in specialized training, holding ASCA-U Specialist designations in multiple areas.
Elizabeth's dedication and excellence were recognized when she was awarded the title of Montana’s School Counselor of the Year. This honor, bestowed upon her with glowing praise from her principal, Jennifer Westphal, signifies her profound impact and commitment to the field of counseling. Revered by her colleagues and esteemed by her students, Elizabeth is described as deeply invested in collaborating with colleagues, sharing best practices, and advocating for the profession of school counseling at both the local and state levels.
Her genuine passion for supporting students and unwavering dedication to their success serve as an inspiration to her peers and a testament to her effectiveness as a counselor. As she continues to chart new paths and make lasting impacts within the field, Elizabeth remains committed to her mission of empowering students and fostering a culture of growth and resilience within her school community.
Kara Triplett - 2023 MIAAA Athletic Director of the Year
Kara Triplett, an AD of nineteen years, was recognized at the 2024 MHSA annual meeting as the recipient of the Overall Athletic Director of the Year award from the Montana Interscholastic Athletic Administrator’s Association.
Growing up on the farm but also the daughter of a teacher, Triplett has been involved in education, activities, and athletics all of her life. A graduate of Bainville High School, Triplett earned her Bachelor's degree from MSU-Bozeman in 1990 and immediately began teaching English and coaching basketball and track at Forsyth High. In 1995 she moved back to northeastern Montana, accepting teaching and coaching positions at Lambert HS, where her 2004 girls’ basketball team made a state tournament appearance.
Triplett achieved her Master’s in Ed Leadership from RMC in Billings and became an AD, Principal, and eventually Superintendent of Lambert. After thirty-one years in education, however, Triplett’s three sons had graduated, and she believed it was time to retire from Montana education.
As a result, she accepted a teaching position in Alexander, ND, for a year. With an opportunity to renew her passion for working in education and athletics, in 2022 Triplett became the co-op AD of the Richey/Lambert Fusion, while also enjoying her day job as the business manager of the Sidney High School. Triplett recently decided to suspend her retirement, returning in July as the full-time Superintendent of Lambert School. She just can’t get enough of that place!
In 2012 Triplett earned the MIAAA Class C Athletic Director of the Year, has worked and managed several post-season events, is the Class C Rep to the MIAAA, and to date is the Class C AD President. She was also elected to serve on the MHSA Executive Board as the Class C Representative, where she was named 2024-25 Vice President.
Triplett lives in Lambert with Bill, who coaches women’s basketball at Williston State College. Triplett is pleased her sons all reside in Lambert and hopes someday her grandchildren will be Lambert Lions/R&L Fusion!
Kim Aarstad - 2023 MASBO Outstanding Business Official
Kim Cummings Aarstad dedicated her professional career to public service for almost forty years. As a single mom, she began working as the Billing Clerk for the City of Troy before moving to Libby to work for the city as a meter reader, deputy clerk-treasurer, and finally as the City Clerk Treasurer, a position she held until 2001, when she and her husband Rich moved to East Helena. There soon was no doubt in her mind that it was the best thing that would happen to her career. Kim was hired as the Business Manager/Clerk for the East Helena School District in November 2001. Over the next twenty-two years, she immersed herself in Tiger Pride and embraced the drive for k-12 status for the district. One of the proudest moments of her life was the dedication and ribbon cutting for East Helena High School. GO VIGILANTES!
Kim has never been one to sit on the sidelines. When she became Clerk-Treasurer for the City of Libby she became an active member of the Montana Municipal Clerks, Treasurers, and Finance Officers Association, serving as president of that organization for several years as well as becoming a Certified Municipal Clerk and Certified Municipal Finance Officer. Throughout her leadership, she remained a dedicated advocate for advanced training for herself and her colleagues in the field. That did not change when she came to East Helena, where she joined the board of the Montana Association of School Board Officials (MASBO), and later served as president and currently fiscal agent.
Kim is a dedicated professional as indicated by her colleagues in their letter of recommendation for her as Montana School Business Official of the Year. She cares deeply about her work, is a team player, and always strives for the highest level of professionalism. This commitment to excellence, to putting the best interests of the students first, and her years of dedication have been the guiding principles during her tenure at the East Helena School District.
With her retirement from the district in August 2023, she is now whipping the home front into shape. Spending time with her two beautiful granddaughters, Chesnie and Kashlyn; making sure that the family cow dog, Teddye Blew, remains content and refrains from rolling in any and everything odoriferous, while managing her recalcitrant husband of thirty years, Rich, keeping him on task.
Kevin Kicking Woman - 2024 MIEA Indian Educator of the Year and 2024 Montana Teacher of the Year
Kevin Kicking Woman (Kooki “Corner”) is an enrolled tribal member of the Blackfeet Nation in Montana. He also has Cree ancestry.
Kicking Woman served in the Navy for four years, based on the USS Sacramento, in Bremerton, Washington. He completed three tours overseas and one tour in the Desert Storm conflict. Kicking Woman was honorably discharged from his service in the Navy with accommodations and Main Propulsion Engineering certification.
Kicking Woman has his teacher license, class 7 teaching certification, meaning he is a qualified Blackfeet language cultural teacher. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Native American Studies and Anthropology at the University of Montana. Kicking Woman graduated from the University of Montana in 2014 with a Master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Cultural Anthropology, Linguistics, and Music Ethnology.
Kicking Woman has dedicated his career to teaching, learning, and sharing cultural knowledge. He began working at Browning High School in 2018, Browning Montana Today, Kicking Woman teaches Blackfeet Language and Culture at his alma mater, Browning High School.
Kevin has been raised, lives, and practices his Native ceremonies, traditions, singing and dancing. He is an active member of many of the societies and bundles of the Blackfeet People. His passion for singing has brought him respect, acclaim and knowledge. His singing, sharing and teaching others has impacted and enriched many lives. Kicking Woman and his wife (Joni) have five children and one grand-daughter “Kooki” who is his pride and joy.
Jamie Matthew - 2024 MACSS Rural Teacher of the Year
Jamie Matthew currently teaches 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades at Swan Valley Elementary in Condon, Montana. Next year, she will be teaching 6th grade as well. She has worked at the school for the past 12 years; the first six as a classroom paraprofessional and the last six as a classroom teacher. Jamie obtained her teaching degree through Western Governors University online while she began teaching under an Emergency Authorization. Jamie grew up in nearby Seeley Lake, Montana on her family guest ranch riding horses, taking trips into the Bob Marshall, and becoming an avid fly fisherman. When she is not teaching, Jamie enjoys watching her children play sports, spending time on the nearby lakes on the family’s boat in the Summer, and spending time with her husband Jonathan and two children, Connor and Aubrey. Jamie is passionate about teaching in general, but mostly about instilling a love of reading and learning in her students, building mutually respectful relationships with students, and creating curiosity of the world around them through inquiry-based lessons and open response discussions. She loves to incorporate hands-on learning, problem solving, and utilizing the school forest to develop students into global, lifelong learners.
Rhonda Long - 2024 MACSS County Superintendent of the Year
Rhonda Long has been in the education field for 24 years. After graduating from Carroll College in 2000, she and Jeremy, her husband, moved back to Central Montana where they raised their two girls, Shelby and Ruthie. Rhonda began her career in education by teaching for six years at King Colony Elementary, a one-room school, in Fergus County. In 2006 she ran for the position of Fergus County Superintendent of Schools. She has held that position for over 17 years. Realizing the need to learn more about administration, Rhonda enrolled in an administrative leadership cohort at MSU-Bozeman graduating in May 2011. Community and education are very important to Rhonda. She has served on many boards including the Boys and Girls Club of Lewistown, The Central Montana Foundation Scholarship Committee, Treasurer of the MACSS group, Central Montana Youth Challenge, Fergus County Supervisory Committee, and Bright Country Nights Committee.
Kiki Moses - 2024 META Technologist of the Year
This is my 5th school year as the IT Director for Cayuse Prairie School. I truly bleed our Mustang colors blue and white. I’ve worked in government, nonprofit, and private industries, this is my first time in a school setting. My degrees are in Biochem and Accounting, however, I’m a geek at heart and taught myself how to utilize, troubleshoot, and repair certain hardware and software applications. I learn something new everyday!
I began working for Cayuse December 2019 then March 2020 happened. It’s been an adventure ever since! I operate on the philosophy that efficiency, accuracy, and a genuine smile can create a well run department. I do however loathe printers and projectors.
I am absolutely humbled to have received the META Technologist of the Year award during this year’s Conference. I will continue to do my very best!
Dr. Jason Neiffer - 2024 META Empowered Superintendent of the Year
Dr. Jason Neiffer is the Executive Director of the Montana Digital Academy, Montana’s state virtual school. For the last 27 years, Jason has pursued innovative ways to combine technology and pedagogy to make learning engaging and meaningful for students of all ages.
A Carroll College graduate, Jason began his career at Capital High School in Helena as a history teacher and head speech and debate coach. Retiring from coaching a decade later to focus on teaching, he has taught classes in history, geography, government, debate, computer science, and journalism. As an adjunct professor at the University of Montana and Carroll College, he has taught courses in educational technology methods, teacher evaluation and assessment, social studies methods, social media and communication, and graphic design.
In 2010, Jason was recruited by the MTDA Executive Director and Board to be the first Curriculum Director for the new digital learning program. Leading the charge on the ground, he recruited 70 teachers, set up a student information system and learning management system, and, along with an amazing group of first-time online teachers, adopted a curriculum for 60 course titles.
In 2013, he was promoted to Assistant Director/Curriculum, and in 2018, he completed his doctorate in Teaching and Learning at the University of Montana, focusing on educational technology and distance learning. His doctoral research on the implementation of Siri in the classroom and its impact on student engagement has been cited in studies worldwide, including those examining AI-driven intelligent personal assistants.
In 2022, Jason stepped into the Executive Director role at MTDA and has since led an evolution of the program to include new services, study and implement AI, and work to make distance learning more accessible and relevant to students.
In addition to being named the 2024 META Empowered Superintendent of the Year, Jason has been honored as a Distinguished Educator, Most Inspirational Teacher, Outstanding Teacher, and recipient of the ISTE “Making IT Happen” award, Blackboard Catalyst for Teaching and Learning award, and Northwest Council for Computer Education Eric Jensen Leadership award. He is a frequent professional development speaker at schools and conferences across the nation. He has also served in national leadership roles, including as Chair for the Virtual Learning Alliance Curriculum Committee.
He lives in Missoula with his wife Alison, who works in environmental non-profit development. They love to travel around the world and can often be found debating whether a paper map or Google map is correct deep inside a Tokyo subway station.
Penny Huxtable - 2024 MCASE General Educator of the Year
When I was a little girl, I used to play “school” all the time at home with my sister and brother. I always got to be the “teacher.” I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a teacher. I was encouraged and supported by many teachers as I went through my school years and I always hoped to be the kind of teacher that really made a difference for students.
After working my way through college at U Of M Western, I started my first teaching job in Arlee, MT. I am pretty sure my fifth grade class taught me more about being in a teacher role than I ever taught them about math or reading! I then returned to Dillon to be closer to family and to start our family business- a now successful excavation firm. Here I was hired by Grant School as a part time Title 1 para. The next year, I began teaching in the “Lower Room” and I have taught multigrade classes ever since; sometimes as the only teacher, other times with a second teacher or para- 25 years so far!
Teaching in a rural school has many challenges and many rewards! I love teaching mostly the same students each year- I know them, their learning styles, strengths, weaknesses and personal interests. I love connecting something we learned a year or more before to something we are learning now. We are able to pursue interesting questions and personal interests over one or more years because we can just continue the topic or interest! I am able to give students individualized learning and we can really build a strong classroom community. It is a lot of extra work, but I think any teacher doing an excellent job in their classrooms knows that the extra work you put in can have great benefits to student learning.
We have many programs and activities throughout the year such as museum presentations in the fall, Christmas play, science fair, basketball and track; but my favorite program is our Outdoor Days. I like to provide students with lots of in the field experiences. Every year, students participate in our Outdoor Days program. Students learn about geology, ecology, history, art, and other topics. Two of their favorite trips are Yellowstone Park and Crystal Park/Coolidge Ghost Town. These learning experiences are a benefit of the rural setting.
When I am not teaching, I love to spend time with my family- my husband, Bill, and our son, Tristan, and daughter, Mary. I also love spending time with our dachshunds, Biscuit, Frank and Beans. We spend a lot of time working together as a family and we also shoot black powder rifles competitively throughout the state. I also like digital scrapbooking, camping, reading and I probably watch a little too much Netflix.
I am truly honored for this recognition for General Educator of the Year. The isolation that comes with a rural setting often makes me feel like people don’t even know we exist so this recognition is genuinely appreciated!
Amy Forsberg - 2024 MCASE Special Educator of the Year
My name is Amy Forsberg and I’m a Special Education Teacher in Philipsburg Montana. I spent 25 years in the Anaconda School District teaching Special Education for grades 4-12. Needing a change, I decided to take a position in Philipsburg. In Philipsburg I work with students K-12. My biggest accomplishment is raising my three daughters with my husband Aaron. As a teacher my biggest accomplishment was starting a program at the 7-12 grade level for 7 autistic students.
Maria Pace - 2024 MCASE Early Career Special Education Administrator Award
Maria Pace is a seasoned educational leader with 24 years of experience in the field of education, encompassing a wide range of roles and responsibilities. Maria has served as a special education teacher, instructional coach, superintendent and principal. Maria is currently serving as the Director of the Prickly Pear Cooperative. Maria's extensive expertise spans all areas of education, demonstrating her commitment to student success and professional development. Maria is currently serving as the Director of the Prickly Pear Cooperative, where she continues to foster a positive work culture and supports the educational growth of students in rural districts.. Maria is also an active member of the Reading League Montana, dedicated to improving literacy throughout the state of Montana.
Valerie Hafele - 2024 MCASE Special Education Director of the Year
Valerie K. Hafele is a mom, wife, educator, advocate, and passionate leader committed to making the world a better place through intentional acts of kindness. Valerie is the Special Services Director for Glendive Public Schools. In this capacity, she oversees programs related to special education, federal and state programming, and various district office needs. Her responsibilities include managing Special Education, Gifted
and Talented programs, English Learners, McKinney Vento, Title I, Title IX, Foster Care, 504 plans, homeschool/private school coordination, mentoring program, classified hiring, highly qualified staff development, and staff training.
Valerie is affectionately known by her friends and co-workers as the “child whisperer,” a testament to her ability to build strong relationships and set high expectations. Additionally, she is known as "BatMan" in the district, reflecting her relentless passion for justice and advocacy. She firmly believes that everyone has the power to make a positive difference and chooses to do so every day. Valerie's leadership in education is driven by her commitment to empowering students, families, and school staff, creating a ripple effect of positive change throughout her community.
Stacy Lemelin - 2024 MAEMSP National Distinguished Principal
Stacy Lemelin is the principal at Meadowlark Elementary in Billings. She earned both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Montana State University. She began her career as an educator more than 30 years ago and has spent the last 17 years serving as an elementary principal. She loves all aspects of education and hopes to keep growing as a leader. As a principal, Stacy demonstrates exceptional commitment to her students and staff, often going above and beyond in her efforts to support them. Her efforts to support the well-being of others are widely recognized. She fosters a positive school climate and actively engages in extracurricular activities, showcasing her leadership skills and dedication to making a difference. She is respected by her peers and the community and works to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued.
Stacy has a natural ability to understand people and is an effective listener. Many times she sits back and listens well before she she communicates her opinion. Mentoring new teachers and new principals is a strength for her. Her positive attitude and successful implementation of programs and of running the largest elementary school in Billings Public Schools have made her a sought-out colleague for advice and counsel.
In addition to serving as an education leader in her school district, Stacy was also elected in 2019 to the position of MAEMSP Federal Relations Coordinator, serving as a liaison between the Montana Congressional Delegation and the MAEMSP membership and keeping a constant watch on federal legislation that affects the elementary and middle school principals in Montana.
Sol Jones - 2024 MASC Administrator of the Year
Sol Jones is currently an assistant principal at C.R. Anderson Middle School in Helena, Montana. Sol has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in secondary education from the University of Jamestown (ND) and a Master of Science degree in educational leadership from Montana State
University Bozeman.
Sol has been in education for 21 years and has taught high school English and PE, coached basketball at the high school and collegiate levels, and has been in his current role as assistant principal since 2019. Sol values the meaningful relationships he has built with his students and colleagues and strives to promote a student-centered climate and culture within his school that is safe, inclusive, tolerant, and prepares students for a positive future.
Sol lives in Helena with his wife of 18 years and two children who are 13 and 9. Sol and his family enjoy their time adventuring in the outdoors, camping, riding bikes, and hiking around Helena and Montana.
Kathy Kidder - 2024 MASC Administrator of the Year and 2024 MASSP Assistant Principal of the Year
Kathy Kidder has been an assistant principal at Capital High School for 16 years and has taught 2nd through 12th grade over her 30 years in education. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (K-8) and Physical Education (K-12) from Eastern Montana College and her Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Montana. Kathy is a dynamic leader with a passion for working with teachers to collaborate on instructional strategies to capitalize on opportunities for student growth. Throughout her career while collaborating with colleagues she emphasizes teamwork, continuous improvement, and academic success. This year Kathy was awarded the 2023-2024 MASSP Assistant Principal of the year and most recently the Montana Association of Student Councils “Administrator of the Year” for 2023-2024.
Shelli Strouf - 2024 MASSP Principal of the Year
Shelli Strouf has served the Billings Public School system for the past 30 years. She spent the first 13 years of her career as an elementary school teacher and transitioned to Senior High School 16 years ago, where she worked as an Assistant Principal, and most recently as the
Principal. In 2013, she was named the Montana Assistant Principal of the Year. She is highly respected by the staff and is often commended on her ability to build positive relationships. She values student input and creating valuable professional development for the staff. Her career has been driven by a passion for improving student achievement and fostering teacher growth.
Rick Duncan - 2024 MASS Superintendent of the Year
Rick Duncan graduated from Great Falls Public Schools and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from the University of Montana in 1979. While studying Anthropology, he took an opportunity to study and live with a native tribe in the northern Amazon Rainforest. In 1981, he earned a Broadfield Social Studies endorsement from the University of Montana and and began his teaching career in Plains, Montana.
He began his administrator career as an activities director and principal in Jackson Hole, Wyoming before returning to Montana in 2001 and becoming a principal, then superintendent at the Powell County High School district where he continues to serve as superintendent. For the past two years, Rick has also served as superintendent at Deer Lodge Elementary School District.
Rick has earned many accolades for his dedication to Montana public education. He was named the 4-Rivers MASS Regional Superintendent of the Year in both 2023 and 2013 and was the recipient of the SAM G.V. Erickson Award in 2015. Rick has served as President of both MASS and SAM and has been the SAM Delegate Assembly Steering Committee Chair for many years. Rick has served as a SAM Leaders Professional Learning Program coach/mentor for the past five years. He has been very instrumental in education advocacy by representing SAM’s interests during the last three legislative sessions.
Rick leads by example - encouraging and engaging both students and educators to greater levels of success.
Dennis Parman - 2023 SAM G.V. Erickson Award
With a career spanning over 41 years in education, Dennis Parman has distinguished himself as a highly respected pillar of Montana public education. He is an outstanding educator with a vast understanding of school curriculum, educational opportunities, operations, policy development, child development, and the role higher education plays in preparing education leaders. He is well known as an excellent researcher with the ability to implement strategies in the best interest of children in compelling ways that influence action. A team builder and collaborator, he encourages diverse views and fosters a culture of 'gracious space.'
Dennis' commitment to public education has resulted in collaborative efforts that drive positive change. His service to public education through his roles as a teacher, principal, school district superintendent, Deputy Superintendent at OPI under the leadership of Denise Juneau, and 8 years as Executive Director of the Montana Rural Education Association provide him with a unique perspective and outstanding set of skills targeted on improving education. His passion for providing a quality education to all children makes him the perfect candidate to receive the SAM G.V. Erickson Award for his lifetime service to public education which has left an indelible mark on Montana's education landscape.
Dennis lives in Helena with his wife, Tana. They have two grown children, Tucker and Tanner.
