Governor Greg Gianforte presented the Spirit of Montana Award to Superior resident Dawn Bauer in recognition of her longstanding commitment to Superior Elementary School and her selfless service to the community during a recent severe windstorm that left much of the area without power.
The award was presented during a ceremony at Superior Schools attended by students, teachers, local leaders, and community members. Bauer received a certificate and a Montana state flag that had been flown over the State Capitol in her honor. During the presentation, Gov. Gianforte shared the story behind Bauer’s nomination and highlighted her impact on students and families in Superior.
“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.”
Bauer, who serves as an administrative secretary at Superior Schools, said the recognition reflects the broader spirit of the community.
“This community always shows up for one another, especially when times are tough,” Bauer said. “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 swept across nearly every county in Montana, causing widespread damage and power outages. In Superior, prolonged outages prompted the establishment of an American Red Cross shelter that provided food, water, and a place to stay for residents in need. Community members and volunteers, including Bauer, helped prepare and serve meals, providing dinners for more than 250 people.
Bauer’s work at Superior Schools has played a key role in strengthening the community’s ability to respond during emergencies. In recent years, she has helped secure funding to establish a school greenhouse where students learn to grow and harvest food, along with a freezer and heated dry storage space for food supplies. The school also acquired a dehydrator and vacuum storage system, resources that proved invaluable during the power outage when stored food was used to support the broader community.
In addition to these efforts, Bauer helped secure grant funding to establish and operate an in-school daycare facility for educators and staff. Beyond her administrative role, she regularly packs food for students who need extra support on weekends, mends torn jackets, and organizes clothing drives to ensure children have warm and appropriate clothing.
Before the award ceremony, Bauer and Superior Schools Superintendent Logan Labbe led Gov. Gianforte on a tour of Superior Elementary School. The tour highlighted the greenhouse, the in-school daycare facility, and the school’s food pantry. Bauer also showed the governor the gymnasium, which served as the Red Cross shelter during the windstorm response.
The Spirit of Montana Award recognizes Montanans for their accomplishments, dedication, and service to their communities. Residents may nominate individuals who exemplify the Montana spirit for future recognition.