One Montana history teacher is recognized each year with the Montana Statehood Centennial Bell Award.

This year’s recipient, Bonnie Boggs, didn't travel to the ceremony in Helena alone, however - her 22 fifth-graders came all the way from Miles City to support their favorite teacher.

Boggs has been a teacher at Garfield Elementary in Miles City for 37 years, and the Browning native says she never expected for this to happen.

"It's a dream. We take all the things we do on a daily basis and all the sudden it turns into this wonderful program that I happen to be the recipient of. I don't know where my luck was but it's wonderful," she said.

But parents of her students say luck has nothing to do with the honor.

Brooke Ship said, "She teaches by knowing what the students are interested in, and relates the curriculum to that. It's been inspiring to watch her students start to realize how capable they are."

Former and current students say Boggs is the type of teacher they'll remember forever.

Student Alexis Shipp said, "Mrs. B is a role model for me. I hope I can change the lives of as many people and children as she has.

Garfield principal Laurie Huffman nominated Boggs, noting that the veteran teacher sincerely cares about each student, and is very creative in her lessons.

"Mrs. Boggs is a teacher from the old school who incorporates new school technology," she explained.

Boggs received a plaque as well as cash gifts for her classroom from Montana's News Station, the Sons and Daughters of Montana Pioneers, and the Office of Public Instruction.

Another highlight of the day: the students got to ring the Centennial Bell as part of Statehood Day.