Helena Education Foundation

When former student Gregory Elison chose Polette as his distinguished educator and the teacher who most influenced his educational career, he began rethinking the retirement he was considering.

“After 26 and a half years, I was thinking of retirement, but when I get an accolade like this, I’m putting those plans a little in the future for now,” Polette said.

Polette was one of 48 educators and high school seniors recognized at Helena Education Foundation’s seventh annual Celebration of Excellence Monday night at the Great Northern Hotel.

Lisa Cordingley, HEF executive director, said the Celebration of Excellence is a special event.

“It’s very clear that although we started this for students, our wish is that it isn’t the most wonderful thing that happens in their lives, but for teachers it could be the most important thing in their professional career,” she said.rmer student Gregory Elison chose Polette as his distinguished educator and the teacher who most influenced his educational career, he began rethinking the retirement he was considering.

Read the whole story in the Independent Record and see photos, video and more from this year's celebration here.

The band students were marching around getting one last practice in Thursday morning, and 300 students attended the Vigilante Academy sponsored by the Helena Education Foundation at both high schools.

Lisa Cordingley, HEF executive director, was in the HHS cafeteria setting up snacks for students to enjoy during breaks.

Cordingley said students learn life lessons at the academy they might not otherwise have the opportunity to learn, unless it’s the hard way.

“The response has been fabulous,” she said about the academy. “It turns an unusual school day into something profoundly productive.”

Read the whole story in the Independent Record.