Liz Hartley (Helena High) -- A collection of poems
Elena Hodges (Helena High) – A collection of poems

Expository Writing:

Kristen Ingman (Helena High) -- Love Poem with Toast
Nicole Lorass (Helena High) – How Much is a Text Message Really Worth?

Possibly nothing is more rewarding for a teacher than a student paying tribute to his or her efforts.

The Helena Education Foundation helps students make such recognitions with its Celebration of Excellence award.

On the basis of exceptional academics and other achievements, HEF selects area high school seniors who are then asked to pick an educator who most affected their lives. The students and their selected teachers are honored at a dinner banquet in May.

Helena Education Foundation Executive Director Lisa Cordingley said delivering the nominations is the best part about her job.

“I get to see students reward teachers in a way that may be the most significant event in their professional life,” she said. “I get to be the messenger.”

Read the full story in the Independent Record or the full list of students and educators.

The Helena Education Foundation recently awarded $20,000 in grants to Helena School District teachers.

That brings HEF’s total grant funds invested in creative programs for Helena’s public school students very close to $300,000, executive director Lisa Cordingley said.

The Great Ideas Grants program is in its ninth year and has awarded 148 grants.

The grants have affected virtually all of the district’s more than 8,000 students, according to HEF board president Lee Harrison.

Read more in the Independent Record or view the photo album of grant presentations.