[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 193 (Thursday, December 6, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7338-S7339]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                       Tribute to Hannah Nieskens

  Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, this week, I have the honor of recognizing 
Hannah Nieskens of Jefferson County for her tremendous service to 
Montana veterans and her great impact on Montana's educational system.
  Hannah grew up spending time in Montana with her family and then was 
awarded the Presidential Scholarship to attend Montana State University 
in Bozeman. After graduating with honors from MSU, Hannah began her 
career of education in the Billings School District.
  During her 4 years in Billings, she met her now-husband Kelly, who 
served in the Army, and they fell in love. Hannah and Kelly now have 
three children--two daughters, Charity and Hope, and their adopted son 
Joshua. Joshua is currently serving overseas in the Air Force.
  Hannah has a distinguished career in education. She has served her 
community as a teacher in Billings, the dean

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of Wolf Point High School, and the principal at Northside Elementary 
School. Now she is the 6-12 principal in Whitehall.
  Last year, Hannah was named Montana Principal of the Year, and now 
Hannah is one of three finalists for the 2019 National Principal of the 
Year.
  In addition to Hannah's career devoted to education, Hannah has a 
passion for serving Montana veterans. After Kelly was severely wounded 
while serving in Iraq, Hannah began volunteering to help other veterans 
in the community navigate the VA. Hannah even earned a law degree to be 
better prepared to assist Kelly and other veterans struggling with the 
VA.
  Hannah currently serves as the Montana Dole Fellow, where she 
advocates on behalf of Montana's military families. She has great pride 
in calling Montana home, and we are lucky to have her.
  She has made a lasting impact on her community and the entire State, 
both through her service to our veterans and by shaping our future 
generations in the school system.
  I congratulate Hannah on all of her success and look forward to 
seeing all that she will accomplish for Montana in the future.