On Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025, Karla Kelly, a long-time theology teacher at Billings Central (BCCHS), announced her retirement. Mrs. Kelly, who has taught for 24 years at BCCHS, is known for her captivating personality and commitment to fostering a relationship with her students. Her retirement coincides with several other staff changes, including Tyson Byers, a freshman health teacher; Marci Hecker, another longtime teacher at BCCHS, specializing in several different math disciplines; Mark Wahl, a freshmen algebra teacher, and Nate Kavanagh, one of BCCHS’s guidance counselors. Despite the multitude of staff changes occurring, it is important to remember and express gratitude toward each of these teachers who have educated us and shaped our values as young people.
Born in Cut Bank, Montana, in a Catholic household, Mrs. Kelly aspired to become a teacher at an early age. “I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. I mean—my sisters and I would play ‘school’,” Mrs. Kelly expressed. Growing up on a farm, Mrs. Kelly’s experiences likely influenced her decision to pursue teaching as a career. On one occasion, Mrs. Kelly explained, “I grew up on a farm, so my mom couldn’t drive me back and forth into town for half-day kindergarten. So, my sisters actually taught me how to read before I ever went into first grade.” Upon achieving her teaching degree in K-8, Mrs. Kelly started her career in 1989 as a third-grade teacher in Ridgecrest, California. Four years later, Mrs. Kelly moved back to Montana to restart the Trinity Lutheran Church’s preschool in Choteau, where she taught for another four years. Then, Mrs. Kelly moved down to Billings to teach theology at our very own BCCHS.
Through her tenure at BCCHS, Mrs. Kelly has been involved in numerous school activities, such as acting as the faculty advisor for the Native American Club, hosting the Chess Club, and serving in her previous post as BCCHS’s Religious Coordinator. “When I was the Religious Coordinator, I would do all of the retreats. I would coordinate when we have sacraments such as the sacrament of penance and reconciliation, I’d coordinate the masses and got priests to come in…We’ve gone on field trips to Bozeman when they had an Absáalooke display for the Crow reservation,” Mrs. Kelly explained. Her involvement within BCCHS’s religious activities and clubs has been invaluable, as has been her dedication in the classroom.
In the classroom, Mrs. Kelly is known to her students not only for her fun-loving manner and humor, but also for her passion to teaching theology. Mrs. Kelly discussed theology, saying how, “The content lends itself for interest, I think. Most kids are actually interested in learning about things like that.” When asked how she maintains student engagement, Mrs. Kelly explained that, “keeping my own enthusiasm up and keeping my energy level up, because I think students will match your energy level.” These methods have proven successful, as evidenced by statements from Mrs. Kelly’s devoted students. In the words of Sophomore Jimi Jensen, “One of the best teachers I have had in a while. I learned a lot in her class and understood everything she taught.”
Much to the delight of her students, Mrs. Kelly plans to continue to be involved in the school by substitute teaching. For now, the administration has yet to announce Mrs. Kelly’s replacement. However, whoever is chosen will no doubt have a high bar to meet. Mrs. Kelly advised her unknown successor, “Don’t take yourself too seriously, and discipline with love.”
On behalf of the school, students, and faculty, Mrs. Kelly, we thank you for your many years of teaching and your dedication to your students in the deepening of our faith. Of the many contributions Mrs. Kelly has made, she sums up her BCCHS teaching legacy as, “Everybody’s faith is their own, and everybody is on their own faith journey. You can’t judge that journey, you have to allow people, all people, to be on that faith journey, but yourself, try to emulate Christ as best you can.”
