Student & Teacher Recognition
The Foundation is proud to celebrate students, teachers and staff who excel in Great Falls schools. Their success is a testament both to their individual efforts and to the community commitment to public education.
Gold Star Award
Celebrate your child’s teacher! A Gold Star Recognition Award honors a special teacher, administrator, or staff member for his or her dedication and above-and-beyond contribution to education. Parents, grandparents, or any community member may donate any amount to the GFPS Foundation in honor of GFPS employees they want honored. Each honoree receives a special Gold Star Award certificate, which is hand delivered by Foundation staff. Gold Star Awards are presented throughout the year but are most popular during holidays and the end of the school year as a way to thank educators.
Excellence In Education
This program recognizes top graduating seniors, selected by their principals, as Distinguished Scholars and Distinguished Achievers. These students then select the two teachers or educators who most inspired them and had a positive impact on their educational careers. The students and teachers are honored at a special recognition ceremony each May and in the Foundation’s annual Excellence in Education publication.
Congratulations to 2026 BNSF Teachers of the Year
BNSF believes investing in education is important. The future of the economy and communities depends on creating a skilled workforce, and BNSF is committed to supporting schools and communities across Montana.
BNSF is proud to partner with the Great Falls Public Schools Foundation in honoring these two outstanding educators with the Teacher of the Year Award. Each will receive $2,000 to use for continuing education or classroom enhancements.
Neil Kynett
Math
Great Falls High School
Great Falls High School Principal Geoff Habel describes Mr. Kynett as an outstanding educator. "He is a person who has been a father figure for many, many students over the years. He has been one of our strongest math teachers here for a many years. Neil has taught at all levels during his tenure here and he always finds a way to meet the students where they're at. ... He is a mentor among mentors.”
In his application, Mr. Kynett said "I try to inject humor into my lessons and daily routines and am certainly not afraid to make a fool of myself if I think it will enhance the learning taking place in my classroom. Students will remember me singing the Quadratic Formula to the tune of Pop Goes the Weasel or telling an awful math joke that nonetheless generates giggles and smiles. I want my students to be engaged and take ownership of their learning and I think if they are relaxed and enjoying the lesson that is more likely to occur." Mr. Kynett went on to say "I want to display a sincere respect and admiration for my students and by doing so hope to increase the likelihood of them having a memorable, and hopefully highly successful, high school experience. I want to demonstrate to my students how to be a leader people will want to follow; how to be a teacher students will want to learn from."
As a 37 year educator, 27 years with GFPS, he has taught all levels of secondary math. He has received numerous awards during his career including several GFPS Foundation Distinguished Educator awards. Mr. Kynett has served as a department head at GFH, had multiple tenures as a class sponsor, and served on numerous committees and advisory groups.
Tara Murillo
Librarian
Chief Joseph Elementary
Chief Joseph Principal Andrea Thares describes Ms. Murillo as someone who brings light and zeal to colleagues, students, and families, highlighting the importance of literacy and dedication. "In every aspect of her work, Tara models heart, professionalism, creativity, and collaboration, and she does an exceptional job of connecting with all humans, regardless of their level of need. In every aspect of her work, Tara models dedication, professionalism, and heart. She is the kind of educator who makes a lasting difference in the lives of her students, their families, and her colleagues.”
Ms. Murillo believes the library is a place where everyone belongs. Her ultimate goal is for each person who enters the library to leave with a sense of curiosity, confidence, and purpose, empowered to engage thoughtfully with the world around them. When asked about her teaching philosophy she replied, “I prioritize student well-being alongside academic growth, creating an inclusive space where students feel safe, seen, and valued. Students are encouraged to take intellectual risks, ask questions, and explore ideas without fear of failure. I guide students in ethically navigating technology, including artificial intelligence, while fostering critical thinking and inquiry through a collaborative approach.”
A 27 year GFPS educator, Ms. Murillo has been named a Purple Star Champion and received numerous Gold Apple and Gold Star awards among many other recognitions. She has served on numerous committees both at the building and district level and also serves as a mentor to new librarians in the district.
339
Distinguished Scholars Selected
472
Excellence Teachers Recognized
148
Heisey Teacher Scholarship Recipients
Support The Future Of Education Through Community Leadership & Philanthropy
The Great Falls Public Schools Foundation partners with local business leaders and companies to make a difference in the lives of students. To discuss how your organization can help, contact the Foundation at (406) 268-7401 or [email protected].