TDS Telecom presents Most Valuable Educator Award to Chippewa Falls educator

TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS®) today surprised a school counselor with its Most Valuable Educator Award, which honors a person working in Wisconsin schools making a difference in the lives of students and their community.

Hillcrest Elementary School’s Kristi Kjelstad was presented with the award and a Green Bay Packers prize package that includes four tickets to the Dec. 17 game against Tampa Bay and the opportunity to take a group of students to Lambeau Field to tour the stadium and meet with a Packers alum.

Kjelstad was chosen as TDS’ Most Valuable Educator among more than 50 nominations from throughout the state. An avid Packers fan, Kjelstad was honored Friday in front of students, staff, and family members at a school assembly.

“TDS is thrilled to honor Kristi with this award as we highlight the outstanding work educators do in our schools every single day. Kristi goes above and beyond to help students and families and is exactly the kind of unsung hero we wanted to recognize with the Most Valuable Educator Award,” said Marcus Stabe, TDS associate manager of field marketing in Chippewa Falls who presented the award to Kjelstad.

Kjelstad’s impact goes far beyond the classroom. She is known for regular lunch “check-ins” with students, responding to students in crisis, producing Hillcrest’s fifth-grade news program, arranging career speakers, coaching the school’s Girls on the Run program, facilitating a student advisory group, serving in multiple faculty committee roles, and much more.

“I nominated Kristi Kjelstad for the TDS Most Valuable Educator Award because she shows up each day for students, staff and families. The entire Hillcrest community looks to Kristi for her leadership, guidance, empathy, and kindness. I am so pleased that her hard work and dedication are being celebrated with this award!” said Kara Vergin, library media specialist at Hillcrest and Halmstad elementary schools.

“Mrs. Kjelstad receiving the Most Valuable Educator Award is a reflection of the profound impact she’s had on our students’ lives. Her influence extends far beyond the classroom, creating a brighter future one compassionate connection at a time,” added Hillcrest Principal Lori Hebert.

Madison-based TDS has served Wisconsin for more than 50 years. The company is continuing construction on high-speed, all-fiber internet networks in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, with service launched already in several neighborhoods. For more information, visit TDSFiber.com.

Media Contact: Mark Schaaf | Associate Manager of Communications | TDS Telecom | 414-326-3588 | mark.schaaf@tdstelecom.com

TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS Telecom/TDS®) delivers high-speed internet, TV entertainment, and phone services to a mix of small to mid-sized urban, suburban and rural communities throughout the U.S. With 1.1 million connections, TDS’ mission is to create a better world through its communications services. Powered by fiber-optics and new industry-leading technologies, TDS delivers up to 8 Gigabit internet speeds and offers internet-protocol based TV entertainment solutions along with traditional phone services. TDS also offers businesses VoIP advanced communications solutions, dedicated internet service, and data networking services. Visit tdstelecom.com.

TDS Telecom, headquartered in Madison, Wis., employs 3,400 people and is a subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. [NYSE: TDS]. Founded in 1969, Telephone and Data Systems provides wireless, broadband, video and voice services to approximately 6 million connections nationwide through its businesses: UScellular and TDS Telecom. Visit tdsinc.com.

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