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Pied-in-the-face principals highlight Libby Spirit Assembly

by SCOTT SHINDLEDECKER
The Western News | May 13, 2025 7:00 AM

Those part of last week’s Libby Elementary School Spirit Assembly will not soon forget it.

Capping the school week Friday, sixth-grade students in the Libby Educational Enrichment Program led the fun-filled program with a chicken dance demonstration, jokes that made even the most cynical laugh, a tug-of-war between students and educators, a drawing for home-made brownies and a talent show.

And to top it all off, Principal Jeanine Kidwell and Assistant Principal Tom Gallagher each endured - with smiles and laughter - more than a dozen cream pies to their respective faces.

The cream pie ending was part of a fundraiser that piled up nearly $400. 

Gallagher raised $155 and Kidwell raised $220.47 for a total of $375.47. The money was raised for the LES Parent Council to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week!

School counselor Brittany Katzer and her LEEP students organized the event.

Findley Hannah was the emcee while Lakyn Rewerts and Shay Hutchings taught the venerable chicken dance.

Alex Jenson and Waylon Katzer told a few splitting jokes. 

“Wanna hear a pizza joke? Nah, it’s too cheesy!” was a side splitter.

The teachers, led by Joe Flores, won the tug-of-war.

The talent show featured talented singers and a group of back-flipping gymnasts.

“It was a great way to end the week and we all really appreciate what the kids did to make it a success,” Katzer said.

    Libby Elementary School teachers Dimitria Trotter, Jennifer Goucher, Jenece Scheer and Cindy Curtiss wowed their students and fellow educators with a dance to accompany "Walking on Sunshine," released by Katrina and the Waves in 1983. The performance was part of the Spirit Assembly on Friday, May 9, 2025. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
 
 
    Libby Elementary School student Leah Sharp plants a cream pie in School Principal Jeanine Kidwell's face while Caleb Peterson watches Friday, May 9, 2025, during the Spirit Assembly. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
 
 
    Libby Elementary School fourth grade teacher Joe Flores leads the educators against the students in a game of tug-of-war Friday, May 9, 2025, during the Spirit Assembly. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
 
 
    Libby Elementary School Principal Jeanine Kidwell and Assistant Principal Tom Gallagher share a laugh after enduring 14 cream pies in their respective faces Friday, May 9, 2025, during the Spirit Assembly. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
 
 
    Beach balls were part of the fun Friday, May 9, 2025, at Libby Elementary School Spirit Assembly. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
 
 
    Libby Elementary School students showed off their gymnastic skills Friday, May 9, 2025, during the Spirit Assembly. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)