A Lesson from a Lifetime Hall-of-Fame Educator
My sister, brother and I were raised by a remarkable woman who devoted her life to education right here in Coeur d’Alene. Our mom, Karen Coppess, was an elementary school teacher and later a principal in the CDA School District #271, and she believed deeply that every child deserved the opportunity to succeed.
But her commitment didn’t end when the school day was over. She quietly helping families who were struggling, anonymously purchasing supplies for students who didn’t have them, and encouraging children who simply needed someone to believe in them. She understood something powerful: when you invest in a child’s education, you change the trajectory of their life.
That lesson has stayed with me throughout my life and my work in this community.
Education Shapes the Future of Our Communities
Today, education is not only a personal opportunity—it is a community imperative. The strength of our workforce, the health of our economy, and the prosperity of future generations are all directly tied to whether young people have access to post-secondary education and training.
Idaho’s Education Challenge
In Idaho, we face some sobering realities. Our state consistently ranks among the lowest in the nation in several key areas, including high school graduation rates, post-secondary “go-on” rates, per-student education spending, and teacher compensation. These challenges affect not only students and families, but also the long-term prosperity of our communities.
For many young people in North Idaho, the barrier is simple: affordability. The cost of tuition, books, tools, and housing places higher education out of reach for many talented and motivated students.
Why This Matters to the Business Community
For the business community, this has real consequences.
A strong workforce is the foundation of a strong economy. Research from the Social Security Administration shows that individuals who pursue post-secondary education experience significantly better outcomes. Workers with a bachelor’s degree earn, on average, nearly $1 million more over their lifetime than those with only a high school diploma. They are more likely to secure higher-paying jobs, achieve homeownership, and build financial stability for their families.
A Stronger Workforce Benefits Everyone
When our community invests in education, everyone benefits.
Businesses gain access to a stronger talent pipeline. Communities with skilled workforces are better positioned to attract and retain companies that offer higher-paying wages. Local economies grow stronger, and families have greater opportunities to thrive.
A Community Stepping Forward
That is why our Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber’s Education Committee is so committed to our annual scholarship program—and why the generosity of our business community continues to inspire me.
This year, we are once again especially grateful to the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, whose remarkable matching challenge has created a powerful movement across our region. Their leadership has doubled the impact of every scholarship and inspired businesses throughout North Idaho to step forward and invest in students.
Several organizations have expanded their commitment this year, including STCU and Young Construction Group with 10 scholarships each, Northwest Specialty Hospital with 10 Strength of Character Awards in addition to scholarships, Kootenai Health with six scholarships, and North Idaho College and Parker Automotive Group with five scholarships supporting students on their educational journeys.
For the students who receive these scholarships, the impact is deeply personal. One past recipient shared, “This scholarship didn’t just help pay for school—it gave me confidence that my community believed in me. It allowed me to pursue opportunities I once thought were out of reach.”
Today, we are very close to reaching our goal. With just 27 additional scholarships, we can ensure that 200 local students have the opportunity to pursue their education and career dreams.
If you believe in the power of education to strengthen our workforce, support families, and build a brighter future for North Idaho, I invite you to join us. Together, we can change lives—and shape the future of our community.
A Legacy That Continues to Inspire
March 3 would have been my beautiful mom’s 83rd birthday. Over the course of her career in the Coeur d’Alene School District, Karen Coppess taught and served as principal to more than 2,000 students.
One of the things I cherish most is when I run into someone in our community who tells me a story about her as their teacher or principal—how she encouraged them, challenged them, or helped them believe in themselves. Those moments remind me how one educator’s belief in a child can ripple across generations.
Many times I find myself praying that God would somehow give her the opportunity to see what is happening here today—an entire business community stepping forward to invest in students and open doors for their futures.
If she could, I believe she would see exactly what she spent her life working toward: a community that believes in and pours into its young people.
And I think she would be incredibly proud.
