Nearly 500 students in the Munger Mountain School were gathered in the school’s gymnasium as state and federal dignitaries presented one of their teachers with a national award for excellence. Greg Gallagher, Milken Family Foundation Senior Program Director was on hand as State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow made the announcement that second grade teacher Chris Bessonette would be the sole recipient of the award in Wyoming. Gallagher explained to the children and fellow teachers in attendance that the selection was made because of the exceptional work by this educator that serves as a model for the state and nation. Bessonette was also cited for the ease he made the school’s dual immersion curriculum for the students. When asked to comment after receiving the award, Bessonette told the children to follow their dreams. As part of the honor, Bessonette received an unrestricted $25,000 cash award. This is the only Milken Educator Award to be given in Wyoming this season and joins honorees from up to 40 states across the nation.
