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Whitefish
teacher wins
Shreeve educator award
Ask anyone
who knows Kathy Akey to describe her work as a second-grade teacher
at Muldown School in Whitefish and the word “cares” will
undoubtedly pop up early on in their response.
“In addition to all the qualities Kathy has that make her an
excellent teacher, she really cares about her students and takes the
time to teach each one individually,” said Jill Rocksund, the
principal of Muldown School.
Maresa Jenson, a Whitefish High School freshman, also speaks highly
of her former first- and second-grade teacher.
“I remember how much she cared for all her students and me,”
Jenson said. “I don’t think she ever missed a time when
we needed a hug or to put a Band-Aid on our scraped knees.”
Such a caring attitude and a commitment to teaching for 28 years has
earned Akey the 2004 Maryfrances Shreeve Award — an honor bestowed
annually by UM on an outstanding Montana educator.
Akey received the award — named in recognition of Shreeve, a
longtime Montana teacher — at a ceremony Saturday, March 6,
in Missoula. She received a $3,000 cash prize with the award.
On receiving the award, Akey said she is flattered and a little surprised.
She said her goal in teaching is simply to make every day a special
one for her pupils.
“Every day students are dropped off by parents who love them
dearly and want the best for them,” Akey said. “I have
the opportunity to create a good day for them. I try to make those
six hours I am with them as special as I can.”
A 1976 UM School of Education graduate, Akey began her teaching career
that year in a two-room school house in Armington. She spent four
years teaching sixth grade at Central School in Whitefish before moving
to Muldown School in 1982.
At Muldown, Akey has played a central role in educating first- and
second-grade pupils for more than two decades. She serves on a variety
of committees and teaches across the curriculum. Akey also is an active
volunteer in the Whitefish community.
“I believe it’s important to be a lifelong learner,”
Akey said. “I want to continue to learn and apply it to my teaching.”
Akey’s colleagues at Muldown School believe it is extremely
fitting that she be recognized with the Shreeve Award.
“For many years Kathy Akey has provided a safe and caring classroom
for children,” said Anne Audet, a Muldown first-grade teacher.
“She does this quietly and self-effacingly. Kathy will honor
the legacy of Maryfrances Shreeve.”
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