What began as a weather-delayed travel day ended in a surprise honor for a longtime Superior school employee. 

Gov. Greg Gianforte planned to land at Mineral County Airport around 10 a.m. Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, to visit Superior Elementary School. Fog forced the plane to divert to Libby, where the governor was scheduled to attend a law enforcement funeral and tour recent flood damage. Another fog diversion sent the plane back landing safely around 12:30 p.m. in Superior.

The governor, his wife Susan Gianforte, and local dignitaries then entered Superior Elementary School, where K-6 Administrative Secretary Dawn Bauer and Superior Schools Superintendent Logan Labbe led a tour highlighting the school’s greenhouse, food storage facilities and equipment that allow students to grow, preserve and store food. 

Unbeknownst to Bauer, the tour would conclude with a special recognition. 

Governor Gianforte presented Bauer with the prestigious Spirit of Montana Award in honor of her dedication to Superior Elementary School and her service to the community, most recently during December’s severe windstorm.

“Service is at the heart of who we are as Montanans,” Gianforte said. “Dawn’s quiet leadership and unwavering commitment to students, families, and her community reflect the very best of Montana. In good times and bad, she always steps up to care for her neighbors.” 

The award was presented during a ceremony in the Superior Elementary gymnasium, attended by students, teachers, and local leaders. Bauer received a certificate and a flag flown over the State Capitol, and the governor shared the story behind her nomination.

Bauer said, “This community always shows up for one another, especially when times are tough. Everything we do is about making sure our students and families feel supported, cared for, and valued. I’m grateful to work alongside people who are always willing to step in and help.”

In December, a major wind event caused widespread damage across Montana, including prolonged power outages in the entire county. An American Red Cross shelter was established in the school gymnasium, providing food, water and shelter. Volunteers, including Bauer, helped serve dinners to more than 250 residents. 

Through her work with Superior Schools, Bauer has helped secure funding for a greenhouse where students learn to grow and harvest food, along with a freezer, heated dry storage, a dehydrator, and a vacuum storage system. During the power outage, many of these supplies were used to support the community. 

Bauer also helped obtain grant funding to establish and operate an in-school daycare for educators and staff. Beyond her role as administrative secretary, she packs food for students in need on weekends, mends torn jackets and leads clothing drives to ensure children have adequate winter wear. 

In addition, Bauer is a licensed Advanced EMT and nationally registered EMT who began emergency medical work in 1990 and currently serves with the Superior Volunteer Fire Department. She continues to teach CPR, AED, and first aid courses for the American Heart Association. Bauer is also in her fourth year as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), representing children in foster care and other challenging situations in Mineral County courts.

The Spirit of Montana Award recognizes individuals for exceptional service, dedication, and accomplishments. Nominations are accepted through the Governor’s Office.

    Dawn Bauer, K-6 Administrative Secretary for Superior Elementary School, gives a tour of the greenhouse and outside gardens to Governor Greg Gianforte. Senator Denly Loge and Representative Curtis Cochran partook in the tour as well as others from the community. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)