‘Night of Stars’ honors Swanberg for excellence in education
courtesy photo
Carey Swanberg
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
DILLON — Retired teacher Carey Swanberg was inducted into the 2018 Education Hall of Fame when University of Montana Western’s Education Department and Alumni Office, in partnership with Stockman Bank, hosted the seventh annual Night of Stars on Saturday, April 21 on the Montana Western campus.
Swanberg was one of six Montana Western alumni inducted into the Education Hall of Fame in recognition of their exceptional contributions to education.
Swanberg, who attended the University of Montana Western from 1972-1976, graduated with a bachelor of science and was hired by the Ronan School District in the same year. She remained at the school for 40 years before retiring in 2016. During her tenure as an educator, she was an integral member of the Lake County community.
Her achievements include building a joint school and community garden, winning a Gold Star Award in Recognition of Excellence for the 2005-06 school year, and creating a Home Reading Incentive Program that is still in operation today.
She spent five years as head volleyball coach at Ronan High School and was part of a committee that brought women’s volleyball to Montana in 1979.
Even after her retirement, Swanberg continues to educate her community about physical health. She has been a FoodCorps site supervisor, a national non-profit that works to create healthier schools by placing service members in public schools to teach hands-on lessons about food and nutrition. She is also a member of the SciNation advisory committee to encourage Native American involvement in the STEM fields while promoting and respecting tribal cultural values.
Swanberg’s favorite memories at Montana Western revolve around the intramural sports program. Her athletic activities included softball, flag football, racquetball, and tennis.
Roxanne Engellant, Director of the University of Montana Western Foundation, said “I think everyone can name one teacher who made a difference for them and we want to acknowledge and celebrate those educators who spend a lifetime making a difference for their students.”
