Awards

About MEF Awards

The Missoula Education Foundation believes in honoring outstanding educators and students within the Missoula County Public School System.

Educators of the Year

High School

Congratulations, Hellgate High School’s Ellen McKenzie on being selected as the 2025/2026 High School Educator of the Year!

Past winners:

2024 – Ashley House, Sentinel
2023 – Jess Dochnahl, Hellgate
2022 – Milton Zhinin Barreto, Hellgate
2021 – Leon Slater, Hellgate
2020 – Lewis Nelson, Sentinel
2019 – Amy Miller, Big Sky
2018 – Tammi Allison, Sentinel
2017 – Carla Hinman, Hellgate
2016 – Richard Farrar, Big Sky
2015 – Leo Dougherty, Seeley-Swan
2015 – Tom Andres, Big Sky
2014 – Cameron Johnson, Big Sky
2012 – Tracy Stone, Seeley-Swan

Middle School

Nominations for the 2025/26 Middle School Educator of the Year are now open! Click here to access the form. All nominations are due by January 31tst, 2026.

Past winners:

2024 – Aneska Elam, Washington
2023 – Terri Daniels, Meadow Hill
2022 – Shawn Schweyen, Meadow Hill
2021 – Don Griffith, Meadow Hill
2020 – Elizabeth Fessler, Washington
2019 – Molly Norton, Washington
2018 – Chris Whiteman, CS Porter
2017 – Josh Hiday, CS Porter
2016 – Lori Ann Lynch, Washington
2015 – Scott Edge, CS Porter
2014 – Randy Zschaechner, Meadow Hill
2013 – Allison McFarland, CS Porter
2012 – Gregory Imhoff, Washington

Elementary School

Congratulations to Kristin Zscaechner, 2024-2025 Elementary Educator of the Year! Mrs. Z uses a deep understanding of arts integration, technology, and an extensive knowledge base in teaching pedagogy which she utilizes daily to change the lives of the children at Russell Elementary.

Past winners:

2024 – Kristin Zschaechner, Russell Elementary
2023 – Laurel Kress, Jeannette Rankin Elementary
2022 – Sharon Jones, Lewis and Clark Elementary
2021 – Wendy Lofthouse, Missoula Online Academy
2020 – Jon Fines, Jeannette Rankin Elementary
2019 – Kathy Dungan, Lewis and Clark Elementary
2018 – Betsy Sharkey, Lewis and Clark Elementary
2017 – Michelle Salisbury, Cold Springs Elementary (now Jeannette Rankin Elementary)
2016 – Kathy Dungan, Lewis and Clark Elementary
2015 – Molly Kast, Rattlesnake Elementary
2014 – Bryan Barrett-Catton, Lewis and Clark Elementary
2014 – Claudia LaRance, Paxson Elementary

Help support future generations!

Fund the Future

Most Inspiring Student Awards

The Missoula Education Foundation, in partnership with Missoula County Public Schools, is honored to prepare for the 17th annual Most Inspiring Student Awards, to be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Missoula.

Each spring, this evening becomes something far more than an awards ceremony. It is a rare moment when students who have quietly persevered—often without recognition—are surrounded by the people who helped them get there and the community that believes in their future. It is a rare moment when students who have quietly persevered—often without recognition—are surrounded by the people who helped them get there and the community that believes in their future. We invite you to join us in celebration. Please discover opportunities to get involved below.

Online Payment Option: If you would like to make a donation online, click on this link that will direct you to our Paypal. Please include a note with your payment that includes the type of sponsorship. We will be sure to promptly follow up via email. You can also mail donations to PO Box 1775 Missoula, MT 59806. (We are also more than happy to pick up donations!)

Last year’s program for the Most Inspiring Student Awards.

For additional event sponsorship opportunities, please contact Executive Director, Shannon Rincker, at [email protected] or by phone at 406-728-2400 x1071.