John Baber

John Baber was a cornerstone of the Billings arts and education community for over 44 years. After earning his degrees from Montana State University Billings, he dedicated his career to School District 2, where he was eventually recognized as the 2002 Teacher of the Year. Beyond the classroom, John was a visionary leader who helped found the Rimrock Opera Company and the Billings Pops Orchestra, while directing countless productions at the Billings Studio Theatre. His life was a testament to the idea that the arts are not just a hobby, but a vital pulse of a community.

The motivation for this scholarship stems from John’s own transformative moment at the start of his career. Though he originally considered a career in professional dance in New York City, a single heartfelt interaction with a student during his first days of teaching convinced him that his true calling was mentorship.

John believed that financial barriers should never stand in the way of a student’s passion for music, education, drama, or dance. This scholarship is established to support students who share John’s "dual heart” – those who possess both a high level of artistic talent and a deep-seated desire to inspire others through education and performance. By supporting the next generation of Montana artists, John’s “hug” continues to reach students he never even met.