LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Kelsey Bender was nominated by a family member, Kimberly Drain.

Four years ago, Mrs. Bender arrived at Blackfoot High School as a freshly-minted teacher. She has since made an indelible impression on her students and community. In addition to her role as teacher, Mrs. Bender serves as the FFA club supervisor.  She also lends her expertise as a coach for soccer and track & field, which are both sports she excelled at in college.  All of these activities require extra time, effort, and expense; commodities that Mrs. Bender generously supplies in order for her students and athletes to succeed.

Her passion project, however, is her innovative Floral & Greenhouse Program. What appears to be a simple elective course is actually a fundraising opportunity, an entrepeunuerial primer, a morale booster for local seniors, a team-building enterprise, and much more. Mrs. Bender's wide-ranging curriculum allows students to create and explore various aspects of agricultural and business concepts.  The fruits of their labor are shared with residents, who subscribe to their seasonal flower-delivery service and look forward to the annual plant and flower sale. Mrs. Bender's students have supplied lovely floral arrangements for school dances, proms, and many local weddings. For many of these students, being exposed to these skills is a pathway to a career that dovetails with the ag-centric town of Blackfoot.

The most remarkable byproduct of Mrs. Bender's guidance in the classroom is witnessed by the heartfelt notes her students have written to her.  Such an outpouring of gratitude and respect highlights the impact she has had on her students. Her devotion back to them is palpable. She avails herself to communicating with both current and former students at all hours.  She's always willing to hear them out and help them out, even in the middle of the night. Mrs. Bender works tirelessly on her own time to ensure that every lesson plan, project, and event is well-thought out and organized. Living on her family farm has allowed Mrs. Bender to imbue her assignments with real-world practicality.

"I think we all have had that one special teacher in our lives, one that sparked a love of learning in us," said Drain. "I think Kelsey has the rare ability to connect with people of all ages and walks of life.  She has chosen the perfect path, and it has chosen her."