Evening of Excellence
2024 SAM Evening of Excellence
- Keynote Speaker: Senator Dan Salomon
- 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 and 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.
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.
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.
- 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.
- Kara Triplett: 2023 MIAAA Overall 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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Kevin Kicking Woman: 2024 Montana Teacher of the Year and 2024 MIEA Indian Educator 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, 20011, 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.
- 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, 20011, 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.
- Jamie Matthew: 2024 MACSS Rural Teacher of the Year
- âJamie 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.
- âRhonda Long: 2024 MACSS County Superintendent of the Year
- âKiki Moses: 2024 META Technologist of the Year
- âThis 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!
- âJason Neiffer: 2024 META Empowered Superintendent of the Year
- âDr. 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.
- âDr. 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Stacy Lemelin: 2024 MAEMSP National Distinguished Principal
- Sol Jones: 2024 MASC Administrator of the Year
- Kathy Kidder: 2024 MASC Administrator of the Year - HS Level and 2024 MASSP Assistant Principal of the Year
- 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.
- âRick Duncan: 2024 MASS Superintendent of the Year
- Dennis Parman: 2023 SAM G.V. Erickson Award