Published On: May 22nd, 2026

HOT TOTS ANNOUNCE GRAND PRIZE WINNER OF KIDS CHOICE AWARDS: TEACHER EDITION 

Three finalists have been narrowed to one winner thanks to the Hot Tots, McDonald’s and KMOT 

MINOT, ND — The Minot Hot Tots teamed up with McDonald’s and KMOT to highlight three outstanding finalists for Minot’s first ever “Kids’ Choice Awards: Teacher Edition.” 

Three local teachers received star treatment, including a surprise classroom visit from Tate R. Tot, the Hot Tots mascot, during which each finalist was slimed by General Manager, Monica Blake.

The finalists were Christine Knudsen of Edison Elementary and Karalee MacIver and Angie Dangel of Longfellow Elementary.

All three finalists were also featured by KMOT.

“Teachers are often the first people to celebrate everyone else, so we loved having the chance to turn the spotlight back on them,” said Monica Blake, General Manager of the Minot Hot Tots. “They deserve real recognition for the impact they make every day, but of course, we had to do it the Hot Tots way with surprise classroom visits, Tate R. Tot and a whole lot of slime. We’re so grateful to McDonald’s and KMOT for helping us celebrate these incredible teachers and give students a fun way to show how much they mean to them.”

The Hot Tots received more than 60 nominations for Teacher of the Year from students across the community. 

Karalee MacIver was selected as this year’s Teacher of the Year. MacIver received a classroom party and free coffee for a year courtesy of McDonald’s, along with a $250 school supply gift card from the Hot Tots.

Maciver will be recognized at Corbett Field on Teacher Appreciation Night sponsored by McDonald’s on June 4th, as well as the other two finalists. The first 50 nominees will also be recognized during the game. 

Tickets for the game on June 4th are still available at this link: https://minot-hot-tots.nwltickets.com/SingleGame/Tickets/SelectSeats/9389