A Wood River High School alumni and an educator for over 30 years, Viki Kohler retired as a 5th grade teacher at Carey Elementary in 2007 after teaching every grade at the school – over 600 students by Principal John Peck’s estimates.

Students and staff recalled her exceptional commitment to teaching and her ability to empathize with every student. She was a living model of “relationships, relevance and rigor” long before it became a focus in education. Students from across the country wrote to express their appreciation of her after she passed away last year.

Kohler was also a long time supporter of the Blaine County Education Foundation, making regular pre-tax contributions through the employee giving program. Her contributions were pooled with others in her school to provide everything from art supplies to books and materials for the preschool. All of her contributions went to the Carey School.

Kohler became the BCEF’s first legacy donor when the executor of her estate announced a $10,000 gift to Carey Elementary for new playground equipment. “This is humbling,” said Principal Peck, “to know that she gave her life to teaching and then left such a generous legacy for the school. Her gift will continue to affect children at our school for many more generations.”
 

Carey recently combined a groundbreaking for the new playground with a celebration for The Leader In Me program. For a video of the groundbreaking, go to http://www.kmvt.com/younews/103589444.html?vid=a.
 

Educators interested in learning more about the employee giving program or other donation opportunities are welcome to contact Heather Crocker at hcrocker@blaineschools.org.