Fifty-two ‘most inspiring Missoula Public School students’ to be recognized at April 25 awards dinner

Fifty-two middle and high school students in Missoula County Public Schools (MCPS) will be honored for their outstanding achievement at a special dinner and awards ceremony at 6 p.m., Thursday, April 25, at Big Sky High School. The annual event is sponsored by MCPS, Exchange Club of Missoula and Graduation Matters Missoula.

The students that will be recognized with Most Inspiring Student Awards were nominated by teachers and staff for their classroom achievements, outstanding character, and their commitment to overcome a variety of challenges in their lives.

"These students are unique," says MCPS Superintendent Alex P. Apostle. "Each student has worked hard to overcome a significant challenge and we want them to know that we appreciate their hard work and dedication to remaining in high school and succeeding academically."

Fifty-two students and their families will be participating in the dinner. This year, attendees will hear from two speakers, Mike Tran, a physical therapist at Community Medical Center, and Wendy Lofthouse, a Paxson Elementary teacher. Both speakers will share their inspiring personal journeys as both a parent and professional. Superintendent Alex Apostle will provide welcoming and closing remarks.

A list of students that will be honored at the April 25 event follows. For more information, contact Karen Allen, MCPS region 3 executive director, at 728-2400, ext. 1074.

Big Sky High School

Koby Sleeping Bear

Acena Carter

Sandra Phelps

Michael Wireman

Rainy Greywater

Jaden LaBare

Scotty Morgan

Mathalia Stroethoff

Hellgate High School

Irelynn Polich

Michael Schaeffer

Eric Hansen

Mayzie Shaver

Kiana Ballek

Tanner Williams

Tavis Little Leaf

Tori Rushfeldt

Seeley Swan High School

Jon Dodd

Jordan Everson

Sentinel High School

Keaton Alexander

Jeff Woods

Savannah Kibler

Bryan Gottlieb

Chantel Lynch

Zoe Tate

Megan Birkett

Michael Steber

Willard Alternative Learning Center

Ashleigh DeVries

Cheyane Scott

Kasey Ellingson

Andrew Gervais

Brittney Haase

Lacee Lowe

Skylar Nowlen

Jackson Stevens

C.S. Porter Middle School

Ryelee DeBeaord

Zayne Sharard

Presten Lagervall

Mateo Whatley

Barbara August

Jack Basolo

Meadow Hill Middle School

Kylie McKittrick

Alexa Greene

Aurora Liberty-Dupuis

Ino Gabriel Caina

Nichole Whitcomb

Leah Zetterberg

Washington Middle School

Candace Andrews

Rhiannon Moreland

Chance Leuphold

Hallie Martello

Mikeala Burklow

Olivia Petruski