Steamboat Mountain School educators Dave Marrs and Kristi Hardy have been recognized among the top three teachers in their respective categories in the 2026 Best of the Boat awards in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. 

Their recognition celebrates teaching across SMS’s two campuses, where academic expertise, personal connections, and learning beyond the classroom shape the student experience.

Dave Marrs: School Teacher K–8, 3rd Place

Dave Marrs supports mathematics and technology at Steamboat Mountain School’s Emerald Campus, home to the school’s kindergarten through eighth-grade programs. A longtime member of the school community, his experience includes teaching lower and middle school mathematics, K–8 physical education, and leading numerous outdoor education trips. He also leads Middle School Physical and Outdoor Pursuits. 

Dave’s work reflects the breadth of learning at SMS. His contributions extend from academic support to opportunities for students to move, explore, and learn outdoors. Working with students in these different settings offers many ways to connect with them and support their growth. Doug Davis, Head of Lower and Middle Schools, speaks highly of Dave’s impact on students: “Ask any former student about Dave and you’ll probably hear about the year they got to shave his beard after mastering their multiplication facts. In my nine years working with him, Dave has modeled what it means to put students first: high expectations, real relationships, and a willingness to have fun in the process.”

This year’s honor adds to Dave’s previous community recognition: he was named among the top five in the Best of the Boat School Teacher K–12 category in 2023. His 2026 recognition is another welcome opportunity to celebrate his longstanding contributions to students and families in Steamboat Springs.

Kristi Hardy: School Teacher 9–12, 3rd Place

Kristi Hardy is the Mathematics Department Chair and teaches Upper School mathematics at Steamboat Mountain School’s Mountain Campus. She brings teaching experience from Texas, Washington, and Colorado, along with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Texas at Austin, master’s degrees in Curriculum and Instruction and Instructional Design, and National Board Certification in Mathematics. After moving to Steamboat in 2023, she taught middle school math at SMS before returning to high school teaching.

For Kristi, relationships are central to helping students engage with mathematics. In a faculty spotlight written by SMS student Pia Ostrognai ’25, Kristi shared, “I’ve always been passionate about knowing my students,” including their interests and experiences outside school. She described the opportunity to connect with every student each day as a meaningful benefit of teaching in a small school community.

Her own interests give students plenty of conversation starters. Outside the classroom, Kristi enjoys reading, snowboarding, hiking, fly fishing, and spending time outdoors with her children. She is also an enthusiastic reader and Broadway musical fan who loves a good themed trivia night, regardless of the outcome.

Celebrating Teaching Excellence in Steamboat Springs

Dave and Kristi bring different experiences to their work, but both contribute to an education built on knowing students, building community, and creating opportunities for them to grow. Their Best of the Boat recognition gives our school community a reason to celebrate those contributions.

Congratulations, Dave and Kristi, and thank you to everyone who voted for them. We are proud to celebrate these two educators and the experience, care, and rigor they bring to Steamboat Mountain School.