Education awards honor the dedicated

This little one looks a bit young to be Miss Montana, but that smile is the real deal. She was one of many at last week's education awards banquet who enjoyed trying on Stephanie Trudeau's Miss Montana crown and sash, posing for photos and asking for autographs. Stephanie was keynote speaker for this year's banquet (courtesy photo by Penny Kipp)

KICKING HORSE — It was standing-room-only at the Kicking Horse Job Corps Center gym last Wednesday evening, for the 13th Annual Tribal Education Awards Banquet - which honors individuals who are extraordinarily dedicated to education.

After an Honor Song by J. J. Meninick, it was time for the Lifetime Achievement Award, given to someone who has given his or her lifetime to education, to being a role model, and to providing direction for youth.

Tribal Education Director Joyce Silverthorne presented the award to elderly sisters Virginia Brazill and Mary Lucy Parker, who were among the first tribal member educators to work in public schools on the Flathead Reservation. Mary Lucy still working in the Arlee school system.

Salish elder Tony Incashola and Kootenai elder Patricia Hewankorn each received a Cultural Preservation Award, meant to honor those who provide hope for the continuation of the Salish and Kootenai cultures. Each of them are currently directors of the reservation's two culture committees.

Extra tables were brought in, and Kicking Horse students cooked and served more than 380 dinners.

Keynote speaker was Miss Montana, Stephanie Trudeau, who recently graduated from Mission High School. Many area residents find Stephanie inspiring. She spoke to the banquet gathering about the importance of pursuing your dreams, no matter what, and the leadership role that the award recipients are in.

During the School Award Presentations, the following recipients were honored:
    • elementary students of the year: Zachary Felsman, Arlee district; Brooke Doty, Charlo district; Naomi Stevens, Dixon district; Addison Mueller, Hot Springs; Natayia McDougall, Cherry Valley School; Keely Clairmont, Linderman School; Llewella Caye, K.W. Harvey School; Jarred Dupuis, Pablo Elementary; and Alexis Barrow and Katrina Stevens, both of St. Ignatius.
    • middle school students of the year: Jenna Pablo, Arlee; Chance Rosenbaum, Charlo; Nakeya Senecal, Dixon; Nicole Beernsten and Colten Berg, Hot Springs; Louis Mohr, Polson; Lucas Black, Ronan; Paden Alexander, St. Ignatius; and Roylee Conica, Two Eagle River School.
    • high school students of the year: Austin Moran, Arlee; Justine Morigeau, Charlo; Richelle Flagen and Matea DePoe, Hot Springs; Lisa Mathias, Polson; Katie Sorrell, Ronan; Vincent Shepard, St. Ignatius; Anastasia Incashola, TERS.
    • parents of the year: Dane and Malissa Morigeau, Arlee; Cari and Andy Rosenbaum, Charlo; Allan Bunce, Dixon; Bob Paro, Hot Springs; Lydia Hewankorn, Polson; Basil Tanner and Gloria Quiver, Ronan; Richard and Bernie Alexander, St. Ignatius; and Florence Couture, TERS.
    • teacher or staff member of the year: Ronda Howlett, Arlee; Dave Fitzpatrick, Charlo; Shannon Murphy, Dixon; Chris Clairmont, Hot Springs; Michelle Mitchell, Polson; Joey Kolattukudy, Ronan; Dan Durglo, St. Ignatius; and Claudette Bird, TERS.

Special thanks go to the following for making the annual banquet a success: Kicking Horse Job Corps Center staff and students; Nisa Perez-Tenas; Alicia Clairmont-Perez; Caitlin Hewankorn; Joanne Swope; Brad McCrea; David Spear; Naida Lefthand; Johnny Arlee; Chrissy Ewing; Rosemary Caye; Tribal Council; IEC; TED members; Ig Couture; A & R Trophy; Adrian Hewankorn; Eldon Big Beaver; Pablo maintenance; Karen Coffey and Naomi Kuka; Stephanie Trudeau; Thompson Smith; Willie Wright; First Resort; SKC; Nkwusm; People's Center; GIS, NRD; school administrators; Shelly LaCounte; Gale Decker; and everyone who has helped over the years.