Knudsen said he was among the first kindergartners to attend classes at the then new school in Bainville in 1987.
“It is a real treat for me to have locals come all the way to Helena for such a special award,” he said, congratulating Wills.
Gov. Greg Gianforte also congratulated Wills. Gianforte said his daughter just became a teacher, so he knows firsthand how important the work is.
“Not only does your work have a lasting impact in the lives of your students, but it imparts in them an understanding and appreciation of our state’s history,” he said. “Our shared history is what binds us together as Montanans, and it couldn’t be more important to preserve. Preserving and learning from that history helps our state meet the challenges of today and build a strong, more prosperous tomorrow.”
The Centennial Bell was placed in the Capitol building in front of the Senate by an act of the state Legislature in 1989. It is rung every Nov. 8 to commemorate President Benjamin Harrison’s declaration of statehood for Montana on that day in 1889. Montana was the 41st state inducted into the union.
Editor’s note – This story has been updated to correct information about the entities that donated funds to the winner of the Montana History Teacher of the Year award.