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. When she's not teaching, Mrs. Bender serves as the FFA club supervisor and lends her expertise as a coach for soccer and track & field, which are both sports she excelled at in college. These activities require extra time, effort, and expense, commodities that Mrs. Bender generously supplies 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 entrepreneurial 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 students share the fruits of their labor 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 students, these skills are a pathway to a career that dovetails with the ag-centric town of Blackfoot.

The most remarkable byproducts of Mrs. Bender's guidance in the classroom are the heartfelt notes her students have written to her. Such an outpouring of gratitude and respect highlights her impact on her students. Her devotion back to them is palpable. She avails herself to communicate with 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."

Mrs. Bender plans to bring a new, modern greenhouse to campus so the Floral Design Program continues to grow along with the greenery! Mrs. Bender's 1-year-old daughter, Charlotte, will continue her role as a class mascot and cheerleader- lending big smiles to encourage the students to work hard! She's always striving to give 100% to her students and her family; no small feat for any teacher.