Each year, Kalispell Education Foundation honors a high school, middle school, and elementary school educator, as well as three non-teaching staff members, for their contributions to the Kalispell Public Schools community. Each recipient receives $250 for personal use and a commemorative award.
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2026 Middle School Educator of the Year
Kristi Sanders– Kalispell Middle School
Sanders is widely recognized for the enthusiasm, encouragement, and care she brings to her classroom each day. Through engaging lessons and meaningful relationships with students, she helps young learners build confidence in their reading, writing, and ability to express their ideas — while also contributing to school culture, curriculum design, and student life far beyond her own classroom.
In response to the recognition, Sanders reflected on what the award means to her:
"It is truly an honor to have my name mentioned in connection with this award. I am surrounded every day by educators who give so selflessly and show unwavering commitment to the children in our community," she said. "So many of my colleagues go above and beyond, and it is a privilege to teach alongside them. The greatest gift I received today is the reminder that even reaching one student, making a difference in even one life, matters deeply. That is why we do this work. Thank you for this recognition and for the opportunity to be part of such an incredible community of educators."
As part of the award, Sanders will receive a $1,000 classroom grant and a $250 personal award, generously provided by Stockman Bank. These funds support continued excellence in education and recognize Sanders' commitment to her students and the broader school community.
Students describe Sanders as supportive, inspiring, and someone who truly listens. One student wrote in their nomination: "Mrs. Sanders is a joy to be around! She always fills her lessons with meaning and fun and is truly an inspiration to all those around her. If she was a color, I'd say she would be yellow because of how she spreads her light all around the world."
Colleagues echoed that sentiment, noting Sanders' wide-ranging contributions to KMS. One colleague shared:
"Kristi always strives to make KMS a better place for everyone. She works tirelessly to improve staff culture, has helped design curriculum for our WIN classes, co-directs the KMS musical, tutors students after school, and still finds time to plan amazing lessons in her ELA and Reading classes. She even secured grants to purchase outdoor recreation equipment for our entire school."
This year's selection process was led by the KEF Student Board, which includes Naomi Miller and Hudson Capser of Flathead High School and Josh Lee and Myla Lamson of Glacier High School. The program received a record-breaking 276 student nominations, reflecting the meaningful connections teachers build with students across Kalispell Public Schools.
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2026 Essential Personnel of the Year
Kerri Schultz– Edgerton Elementary School
Kerri Schultz, Paraprofessional at Edgerton Elementary, is known for her compassion, patience, and steady support of students.
Colleagues shared that she has a special gift for building trust with students who need extra care, helping them feel safe, supported, and capable.
She is often entrusted with some of the highest-need learners and approaches that role with consistency, professionalism, and a genuine heart for kids – helping students not just get through challenges but truly grow.
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2026 Essential Personnel of the Year
Kim Nolan – Glacier High School
Kim Nolan, Math Paraprofessional at Glacier High School, has impacted students through her patience, creativity, and deep content knowledge.
One student shared, "I have been a student of Mrs. Nolan's for about three years, and she has helped me tremendously with math and learning in general. I have always been a slower learner, and she has been so patient with me, while also providing me with different learning styles. Mrs. Nolan works so hard and you can tell she is passionate about what she does, along with caring for us students."
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2026 Essential Personnel of the Year
Daniel Cadigan – Rankin Elimentary
Daniel Cadigan, Lead Custodian at Rankin Elementary, is celebrated for the positive relationships he builds with students and staff throughout the building.
Nominators noted that Dan goes well beyond maintaining a safe and welcoming school by bringing joy and connection to the school culture.
From participating in special events and reading with students to stepping in wherever help is needed, he creates a sense of belonging that students and staff appreciate and remember.
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2026 High School Educator of the Year
Kelli Higgins– Flathead High School
In partnership with Kalispell Public Schools, Kalispell Education Foundation (KEF) was proud to surprise Flathead High School educator Kelli Higgins as the 2025 High School Educator of the Year during a school wide assembly on Friday, December 20th.
Mrs. Higgins, who leads Flathead High School’s International Baccalaureate Program, was recognized for her exceptional dedication to students and her unwavering commitment to excellence. Students, families, and colleagues consistently described her as inspiring, compassionate, and deeply invested in helping students grow as learners and as people.
Students shared that her classroom makes learning meaningful and motivating, even when the work is challenging, while colleagues praised her steady leadership and belief in every student’s potential.
This year’s award process was led by the KEF Student Board, including Naomi Miller and Hudson Capser of Flathead High School and Josh Lee and Myla Lamson of Glacier High School. During the presentation, Hudson shared how Ms. Higgins has shaped his high school experience, saying, “She believed in me before I fully believed in myself and consistently encouraged me to take on challenges that helped me grow.”
The award process was led by the KEF Student Board, and the honor includes a $1,000 classroom grant and a $250 personal award, generously provided by Stockman Bank.