There are a lot of new faces headed to Stone Elementary for the start of school and not all of them are students.  After teaching at the school for nearly a decade, Mrs. Sarah Richardson took an opening at the Malad Middle School teaching PE and history, leaving a vacancy for the 2nd/3rd Grade teacher.  Over the summer, Principal Jeanie Reeder worked to fulfill the position, sifting through qualified applicants to eventually select Miss Lilly Russell.

Miss Lilly, as she likes to be referred to, was excited to share her story of how she eventually made her way to Stone, saying, “Getting to where I am now as an elementary teacher at Stone has been an unconventional journey. It’s not something that fits neatly onto a résumé, and I’m grateful for this chance to share my story — and to remind myself why I do what I do.

“I’m originally from Washington, near Puget Sound, where my dad worked as a machinist contracting for the Navy. We moved to Iona, Idaho, when I was four to be closer to family. I had the absolute best childhood, thanks to my sweet family! I’m the youngest of six kids, and I grew up riding my bike, surrounded by a small community that loved me and looked out for my well-being.

As a teenager, I discovered I had a knack for math. I took AP Calculus and passed the exam. Around that time, a family friend’s son was failing geometry, which was crushing his confidence. His math teacher said she couldn’t help him, so my mom volunteered me as a tutor. He was a hands-on learner, so we pulled out a measuring tape, drawing board, paper, and scissors, and worked together to discover the “how” and “why” behind the formulas. He did so well — and I discovered my passion for teaching.

Throughout high school and college, I worked for a steel distribution and fabrication company called Vernon Steel. That job paid for my education out of pocket, but it also shaped my view of life. I started out sweeping floors and emptying heavy oil-barrel garbage cans, which I struggled to lift. I noticed my co-workers using forklifts and cranes, so — much to my employer’s initial dismay — I taught myself how to operate them. I was later properly certified and learned to use saws, shears, brakes, the plasma cutter, the water jet, and equipment like excavators and telehandlers.

Since BYU–Idaho gave me winters off instead of summers, I often worked in subzero temperatures. I remember cutting scrap metal outside in bitter cold, vowing I’d forever be grateful for an indoor job — and I am!

Later, I served an LDS mission in New Zealand, which was the adventure of a lifetime. I biked across the country and fell in love with the island people, whose kindness and love left a permanent mark on my heart. While there, I met many intelligent adults who couldn’t read or write. Helping them learn to read in English deepened my passion for literacy and made me realize how fortunate I was to have grown up with access to education.

After my mission, I took a job at the Idaho National Laboratory in the R&D Fabrication Department, working alongside some of the world’s most talented machinists, running advanced computerized machines. I was the youngest technician in my department.   I stayed there for several years and, at the time, didn’t feel the need to finish my bachelor’s degree in education — I was young, and the pay was good.

That changed when I became a mother. I left my job to stay home with my son and quickly fell in love with motherhood. But life doesn’t always go as planned, and at age 30 I found myself a broke single mom. That’s when I resolved to follow my dream and finish my degree in education. Waiting tables while completing my last year at BYU–Idaho was challenging, but that dream kept me going.

Last school year, I taught elementary music in Idaho Falls School District. I love singing, playing clarinet, and guitar, so it was the perfect fit. With over 550 students, I challenged myself to learn every name and build a relationship with each child. That year gave me priceless experiences I’ll never forget.

I knew I wanted to raise my son in a small town in the country, so I applied to the Oneida School District. After speaking with Mrs. Reeder, visiting Malad, and seeing Stone Elementary, I knew this was where my son and I were meant to be. The small class sizes, supportive principal, dedicated staff, and the school’s charming, historic building all drew me in.

I feel blessed to be one of the few people who truly chase their dreams. I want that for my son — and for the children in my class. Gratitude makes me one of the happiest people I know, and I’m thrilled for this new opportunity to work with the extraordinary children entrusted to my care. I hope to pass on my excitement and love for learning every single day.”

Miss Lilly is sure to make a great addition to the Stone Elementary staff as she brings her unique background, talents, and passions to
the school.