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Written by Annie Wooden, Sanders County Ledger.

A Thompson Falls teacher was recognized last week by the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥. Junior high special education teacher Chris Kelly, who has been teaching at Thompson Falls since 2002, was awarded the Maryfrances Shreeve Award for Teaching Excellence.

The award is presented by the Phyllis J. Washington School of Education at the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥. Each year, they choose one teacher to receive the award. School of Education Dean Dr. Daniel Lee presented the award to Kelly last Wednesday, with the help of some special guests.

Dr. Lee addressed the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ and staff and then introduced Monte, the UM Grizzlies mascot, who gave high-fives to Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ in grades kindergarten through eighth who were gathered in the junior high gymnasium for the presentation, which was a surprise for not only Kelly but also the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ and most of the school staff.

Kelly was awarded a plaque, along with $3,000 for her to use however she pleases, as well as $1,000 for the school. The 22-year teacher was shocked by the award.

"I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for my amazing Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ and colleagues," Kelly said as she addressed the school. "It's an honor."

Principal Len Dorscher said Kelly is an amazing teacher and added that he is proud to call her his friend. "She has touched the lives of so many of you, and many who aren't here today," Dorscher told the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥.

Dorscher and fellow teacher Sierra Lilly nominated Kelly for the award. "She is among the rarest of educators, able to balance her passion for her Ñý¼§Ö±²¥, a family life, and finding time to be a positive presence to her community," Dorscher wrote in his nomination letter. "Mrs. Kelly believes education is about the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ and we can best serve the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ by showing them and their families that they are important," wrote Lilly. "Over the years, Christina has worked tirelessly to finish her own education, set up her special education classroom, and actually teach and transform the culture of her Junior High building. Her desire to serve Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ in an 'equal is not fair, fair is not equal' mentality has helped her and her coworkers include and inspire all Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ in new creative ways." Both educators mentioned Kelly's commitment to teaching and coaching. "I cannot think of a teacher more deserving of being recognized for her excellence," Dorscher wrote.

Kelly is a 1997 graduate of Thompson Falls High School and attended the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥. After receiving her bachelor's degree, she returned to Thompson Falls to teach, starting as a Title and Art teacher, then teaching third and second grades before moving to the junior high two years ago to teach special education after she finished her master's degree.

"I wouldn't be here if it weren't for so many amazing people," Kelly said. She said that former teacher Lequita Cavill was one of her biggest mentors, and she thanked Tom Holleran and Glenda Farlan for their care and being such great teachers.

Kelly said that she feels blessed to teach in the school where she was taught. "I had such a positive experience here at Thompson Falls Schools and now I get to create a positive experience for Ñý¼§Ö±²¥," she expressed. "I hope kids learn that they are capable of doing anything they put their minds to, and that they learn to find their passion."