KIMBALL -- Band Director Kristi Hiles-Smith was recognized at the SPVA Championship with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her dedication and leadership to the students. 

“Mrs. Hiles-Smith's bands have always performed at a top level, and it just recognizes her contributions to the conference’s instrumental music component with that award, so it’s a well-deserved award,” said Superintendent Trevor Anderson. “It’s great to see her recognized for all her hard work over the years.” 

The award follows the announcement of her retirement at the end of the 2025-2026 school year after 22 years at Kimball Public Schools. 

“I just think anytime that you’re recognized for your body of work, for the time and effort you put into something – it’s very meaningful. I just really appreciated earning that honor,” Hiles-Smith said.    

She has been the Band Director for grades 5-12 for the entirety of her career with KPS, then a few years in, she began teaching music to kindergarten and first graders. 

“It’s kind of fun I get to have them as real littles and then I get to see how much they've grown up by the time they get into fifth grade; I get to follow them all the way through until their seniors in high school,” Hiles-Smith said. “That’s just one of the things I’ve really loved about my job is just getting to be there year after year to see the growth and development of my students.”