Easy As Pi School Supplies Winners

Kiersten Kerr

My name is Kiersten Kerr, and this is my 12th year as the Teacher Librarian at Coeur d’Alene High School. My goal is for the library to be a safe and welcoming space for every single student in our school. Our library is VERY busy with students who visit to study, collaborate, socialize, eat lunch and take a break from their stressful lives. We are here before, during, and after school to provide support and help with whatever they might need. We are so pleased that our Library is used by so many students!

Reaction Statement: “I was so excited to learn that our CHS library received this grant for headphones and cords for all of the technology that our students are using throughout the day. Our busy students rely on their devices not only for school work but also to stay connected to jobs, family, and friends. With these funds, we will be able to provide more charging stations for them to use throughout the day. Thank you so much, Owens, McCrea & Linscott PLLC for your very generous support of our community, schools, and students!!!” 

James Phillips

Jim Phillips has been teaching at Coeur d’Alene High School since 1998. He has been listed numerous times in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, and has been honored multiple times with the North Idaho Student Teacher Achievement Recognition award for outstanding educators. He attended Washington State University where he studied with Gerald Webster and Dr. David Turnbull, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Music, Bachelor of Music in Trumpet Performance, K-12 Teaching Certificate, and a Master of Arts in Music. He directs the Jazz Band, Chamber Orchestra, String Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble and Marching Band/Pep Band. He lives in Coeur d’Alene, ID with his wife, their four beautiful children, an ever-expanding flock of chickens and three very happy dogs.

Reaction Statement:  “We are thrilled to be a recipient of the Owens, McCrea & Linscott PLLC Easy as Pi School Supplies grant! The money will be extremely useful for helping maintain our music library by providing for storage boxes for some of our 50+ year old sheet music. This is a resource we want to protect for the next generation and this grant will make that possible. Thank you so much for investing in our students!”

Tara Nelson

My name is Tara Nelson, and I am an English Language Arts teacher at Coeur d’Alene High School. I am in my seventh year of teaching as I had a previous career before answering my calling to become an educator. I am a native Idahoan, born and raised in Coeur d’Alene. I love where I live; I am inspired by students daily; and I am forever grateful for my colleagues, family, and friends. My hope as a teacher is to instill a love of learning in my students that will last for a lifetime.

Reaction Statement: “I am super pumped about winning the Easy as Pi School Supplies drawing as it is affording me the opportunity to purchase books for my students to read with younger students to improve their fluency, build their confidence, and practice their public speaking skills. I feel so fortunate to live in a community where businesses want to give back to the schools and support our efforts in creating engaging experiences for children. Thank you!”

Melody Melton

I’m a local girl educated at North Idaho College and the University of Idaho. I have taught communications to over 10,000 students at Coeur d’Alene High School for the past 32 years. 

Reaction Statement: “I am so grateful for this classroom grant from Owens, McCrea and Linscott PLLC! Without the continued support of our community I would be purchasing the supplies for my students myself. Thank you, thank you, thank you for investing in the future!”