Havre Public Schools' Russell receives Spirit of Montana Award

Havre Public Schools Special Services Director Cheryl Russell received a special award from the top elected official in the state while he was in Hill County recently.

Gov. Greg Gianforte presented the Spirit of Montana award to Russell at Robins School Administration Building, giving the award In packed room.

"We created an award, and you're the recipient and they're all here to celebrate you," Gianforte said to loud applause.

Russell said after the presentation it came as a complete surprise.

"It means a great deal to me," she said. "It's an incredible honor, and I am proud every day to serve our students, our families and our community.

She added that she is privileged to work with the faculty, staff and administration of the Havre Public Schools district.

Gianforte read from a letter given to Russell with the award and the flag, saying, "It's my honor to recognize you with the Spirit of Montana Award for your dedication to strengthening our communities and significantly impacting the lives of special education students."

Gianforte's letter noted that Russell started as a paraprofessional but realized her calling was to help special needs students.

She worked as a janitor in the same Kalispell school where she worked as a paraprofessional while earning her degree in special education. She later earned her master's degree in special education and an administrative license.

Russell said she worked as a paraprofessional and teacher as well as a janitor in Kalispell, then has spent the last nine years as a special education director, in Miles City and the Flathead Special Education Cooperative before become special services director for Havre Public Schools.

"Teaching our kids is a calling," Gianforte read from his letter, "and service is at the core of your values. It's who we are as Montanans and it's part of what makes our state The Last Best Place. On behalf of a grateful state, thank you for dedicating your career to serving others and being part of an integral part of not only (Havre Public Schools), but also our Montana communities.