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Belgrade honors National Merit student, teacher of the year and community donors
Summary
At its meeting the board recognized Ethan Belcock (commended in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship program), named Courtney Dumas Montana Teacher of the Year for 2026 and presented awards to community partners who donated backpacks and supplies to Ridgeview Elementary.
The Belgrade School District board opened its meeting by recognizing students, staff and community partners.
Communications specialist (speaker 4) announced Ethan Belcock and his family to the meeting after Ethan was named a commended student in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship program. The board presented Ethan with a certificate recognizing the honor.
The board also recognized Courtney Dumas after she was named the 2026 Montana Teacher of the Year. Dumas told trustees that her tenure begins Jan. 1 and that she will serve as a spokesperson for educators across Montana, travel for conferences, develop a platform and speak with legislators on behalf of educators. "My tenure starts January 1, and, basically, I become a spokesperson for educators for Montana," she said.
Separately, the board thanked several community partners, including representatives tied to an Amazon facility, who donated nearly 100 backpacks and other supplies to Ridgeview Elementary. R&R Taylor Construction also presented a Montana Contractors Association (MCA) Education Foundation award recognizing teacher Randy Nick for his work with the Panther Trades program.
The recognitions were ceremonial; no board action or fiscal commitments were associated with the awards.
What happens next: the board invited those recognized to remain for photos and public acknowledgements.
