Kelli Gard
Position: Culinary Instructor/FCCLA Advisor
School: Riverton High School
School District: Fremont County School District #25
City, State: Riverton, WY
Support Kelli
Leave a comment
Get Updates
Music that Describes Kelli
Kelli Gard was nominated by her colleague, Shayla McNiven.
Ms. Gard is one of the most enthusiastic and hardworking individuals you will ever meet. She is deeply committed to enhancing the school environment by organizing engaging spirit days and activities, such as themed teacher dress-up days where students guess the secret theme. Ms. Gard creates interactive games like hiding small ducks throughout the building to boost morale among students and staff. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in coordinating an entire career day, dedicating extensive personal time to secure speakers from the community to provide valuable insights into various professions. Her unwavering efforts continually contribute to making Riverton High School a more dynamic and engaging place.
As the culinary teacher, Ms. Gard is responsible for providing food for the Ron Thon Wrestling Tournament, the largest wrestling tournament in the state. Athletic Director Mark Lenhardt says this event serves approximately $10,000 worth of food. She devotes an immense amount of time and effort to ensuring the tournament's success, providing meals for volunteers, coaches, and referees.
"Having worked both days of the tournament, I witnessed firsthand how crucial her efforts were—her delicious food was not only appreciated but was a highlight of the weekend," said McNiven.
In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she serves as the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) sponsor at Riverton High School. Under her leadership, the program has flourished. Last year, her team won the state cooking competition and earned the opportunity to compete nationally. To support this achievement, Ms. Gard spearheaded multiple fundraising efforts outside her regular school duties, including organizing a farmer's market and craft fair and selling the team's award-winning tacos. A recurring theme in her work is her willingness to dedicate her personal time, without compensation, to create meaningful opportunities for students.
"Her hard work and commitment have significantly impacted Riverton High School, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her as a valued member of our school district and community," said McNiven.
Kelli teaches at the high school and I work with students at the middle school, but we hear tell of her awesomeness! Her classes are in DEMAND (especially Baking and Pastry) and her students sing her praises. The experiences and skills kids have with her in FCCLA have had such an impact. Our 8th graders light up learning about the opportunities they will have with Mrs. Gard from upperclassman. She does what all great teachers do: make learning fun, practical, meaningful, and “life-changing”.
Kelli is always a positive influence. She greets you with a smile and encourages all she meets to be their best version of themselves. She’s not hesitant to jump in to make things better from Prom to Cheer leading. #LCOTY
Kelli is truly amazing! The best mother in law anyone could ask for! She so kind, thoughtful, a little chaotic but that’s what makes her, her!! Love love love!!!
Mrs. Gard is an amazing person who always puts others before herself. She organized and made the food for me and my wife’s wedding, and we can’t be more appreciative. We loved how she went above and beyond what we thought possible and made our day so much better. We love her!
Kelli has been a friend and hero of mine for years. I never stop being amazed at how passionately and creatively she conquers every challenge and opportunity she adopts or is given. Always proud of you, Kelli!
Ms. Gard never stops. If a cause is worthwhile, she will make it happen. Her energy and compassion combine to work miracles in her students lives, in the school, and in the community. Her very visible accomplishments (state titles, national titles, revenue, etc) are only rivaled by her quiet non visible accomplishments (encouraging students, making time for struggling coworkers, sewing and fixing and baking for those in need in the community) Ms Gard is one in a million and Riverton is much, much better because of her impact.she embodies everything that the life changer of the year award stands for.
Ms Gard is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. She has left a positive impact on every student. As the FCCLA advisor, she has had amazing success-including many National Qualifiers, Top 10 National Placers, and the Wyoming Spirit of Advising Award in 2024! Thank you Ms Gard!
Kelli is the kindest person with the biggest heart. She can make your bad day into one of the best! I love working with her, she is one of the best.
I met Kelli taking her fitness class many years back and I loved her enthusiasm and sunny personality. Now I have watched her take that into her teaching career with great success for her culinary students and her FCCLA group. She manages this while being the mother of a large family and she never seems to run out of energy.
Kelli is a true gem! Totally dedicated to her friends, family and community! She will give ??% in backing ideas to better the community and school. Dedication of time to help fulfill others dreams in support! Love her great attitude!!
Kelli Coreson Gard is truly one of a kind! She pours her heart into everything she does and has touched so many lives with her kindness, passion, and dedication. She leads by example, inspires everyone around her, and makes a difference every single day. There is no one more deserving of Life Changer of the Year than Kelli! ??
Kelli Gard is the best mother in law any one could ever ask for. She is a huge blessing in my life and I am beyond grateful for her love and support. Kelli has for sure changed my life for the better and I love her tons!
I couldn’t agree more! I’m so pleased Kelli was nominated for this award. Kelli is an amazing teacher, mother, friend, sister… an amazing everything. She brightens your day, always has a smile to share and is always doing amazing things for others.
No matter where Kelli is, she makes every space and every person feel important and part of her team, no matter what. Kelli has a unique positive perspective on many things. Trouble shooting changes lives, things, people, I could go on and on ! This woman very much deserves the Life Changer Award. She does this so seemingly easy, by just being the God given bright spot that the Lord made her.
