Windy Boy receives education award from Office of Public Instruction

A local legislator was honored by the Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction this morning for his work in closing achievement gaps in education.

Rep. Jonathan Windy Boy, D-Box Elder, was invited to receive a Montana Learn award this morning, presented by Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen during the final Education Caucus meeting of the season, with awards presented to legislators while hot apple fritters were served.

"The superintendent is honored to recognize your great work on behalf of Montana's American Indian students and your tireless advocacy for language immersion opportunities¯ Windy Boy's notification of the award said.

Rep. Katie Zolnikov, R-Billings, also received the award, presented to legislators whose work in the 67th legislative session contributed to closing achievement gaps or focuses on improving math and reading achievement with a focus on middle school, an announcement of the presentation said.

Other awards presented were the Montana Hope award, legislators whose work championed family, student and community engagement as well as safety, mental health and suicide prevention.

This session's Hope awards went to Rep. Neil Duram, R-Eureka, and Rep. Sue Vinton, R- Billings.

The Montana Teach Award, presented to Rep. Bob Phalen, R-Lindsay, and Rep. Ross Fitzgerald, R-Fairfield, is presented to legislators whose work celebrates teacher excellence and extending leadership opportunities while championing teacher recruitment and retention.

Montana Ready award is presented to legislators whose work expands industry, military and post-secondary partnerships, and focuses on STEM, CTE and workforce development. The award this year went to Rep. Marta Bertoglio, R-Clancy, and Rep. Ken Walsh, R-Twin Bridges.

The Montana Influencer in Education award is presented to legislators whose work improves education in Montana and leaves a lasting impact for all of Montana's students. This year the award went to Rep. Fred Anderson, R-Great Falls, Rep. David Bedey, R-Hamilton, Rep. Seth Berglee, R-Joliet, Rep. Llew Jones, R-Conrad, Sen. Bob Keenan, R-Bigfork, and Sen. Dan Salomon, R-Ronan.