Arch Insights
Strike Up the Band! Worland’s Dave
Bellis Honored With Arch Coal Teacher Award
Cheyenne
(May 3, 2002) - David E. Bellis, who teaches
instrumental music and show choir at Worland
Middle and High schools, was inspired 34 years
ago by his high school band director. It made a
lasting impression on him, which led him to
pursue a teaching career.
Today, Steven F. Leer, Arch Coal president and
chief executive officer, announced Bellis is a
2002 Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Award
recipient. Gov. Jim Geringer, Superintendent of
Public Instruction Judy Catchpole, and Wyoming
Education Association Communications Director
Ron Sniffin joined Leer at the ceremony, which
took place at Jessup Elementary School in
Cheyenne.
“Arch Coal is pleased to honor 10 excellent
Wyoming teachers, who daily bring the magic of
learning to their students. Arch Coal believes
that great classroom teachers are primary,
positive influences in American education,” says
Leer. “I know these teachers dare their students
to succeed and then teach them how.”
“Probably the most important thing I do for my
students is prepare them for life,” Bellis says.
“Not all of them will continue playing their
instruments after high school, but the lessons
they learn are invaluable. They learn that
preparation instills confidence. Students learn
that teamwork makes the job easier, and
communication skills are needed to gain the
cooperation of others."
The band instructor of Worland’s “White Thunder
Marching Band” wants his students to learn to
perform creatively and to enjoy the rewards of
their hard work. His school’s band, as well as
the Wyoming State Marching Band, has traveled
often. According to Bellis, he uses the trips as
life lessons for his students as well, including
learning to live with others, experiencing
different cultures, and even converting dollars
into other currencies.
“Dave is one of those rare teachers who has the
ability to effect change by his very presence,”
says Richard Schaal, his principal. “His
greatest achievement is evident in the lives of
the students he has changed.”
“Dave is the kind of teacher you love to be
around,” says colleague Dr. Tim McGee. “He makes
you dream of helping the one child who swears he
will never ‘get it.’ I have no doubt that I’m a
better teacher because of the time I have spent
watching Dave Bellis work his magic. I’ll never
be able to thank him enough for the outstanding
things he has done for my two children.”
Bellis enjoys the achievements of his students.
“The enthusiasm a beginner shows when learning
to put his horn together for the first time or
play ‘Hot Cross Buns’ still brings a smile to my
face after 28 years of teaching,” he notes.
Bellis has a bachelor’s degree in music
education from Nebraska’s Chadron State College.
Each recipient receives a $2,500 unrestricted
cash award and a distinctive glass trophy, in
addition to other recognition. The Arch Coal
teacher recognition program is unique because it
features public nomination and peer selection.
This is the second year for the Arch Coal
Teacher Achievement Awards in Wyoming.
The Department of Education, the Wyoming
Education Association, Taco John’s and MiniMart
support Arch Coal in the program.
Arch Coal is the nation’s second largest coal
producer and employs more than 500 people in
Wyoming. The company produces more than 65
million tons of clean-burning, low-sulfur coal
annually at its Wyoming operations. Its Black
Thunder operation in Campbell County is one of
the nation’s largest and most efficient coal
mines. Arch Coal is traded on the New York Stock
Exchange (NYSE: ACI) and maintains its corporate
headquarters in St. Louis.