Local Teacher Takes Home Honors and $5,000 Prize for Excellence in Education

The Bend Senior High School community has much to celebrate as chemistry and physics teacher Heidi Friesen has been awarded the runner-up title in OnPoint Community Credit Union’s prestigious 2026 Prize for Excellence in Education. This recognition not only highlights her outstanding contributions to education but also comes with a $5,000 cash prize for Friesen and a generous $1,500 donation to the school for essential resources and supplies.

A Celebration of Excellence

Heidi Friesen's accolade places her among an elite group of educators being honored this year. Alongside four other educators of the year, Friesen's commitment to her students and field is worthy of applause. The top honors were awarded to Ashley Reich from Holt Elementary School in Eugene, Mikael Benson from Harrison Park Middle School in Portland, Stephanie Fitzgerald of Colton High School, and Kali Dalton from Coweeman Middle School in Kelso, Washington.

Impact on Local Education

The Prize for Excellence in Education is an annual initiative that has positively impacted the local educational landscape since 2010, distributing over $1 million to more than 350 educators and schools in the region. This year's recognition for Friesen further signifies the community's commitment to supporting and uplifting the efforts of dedicated educators who shape the future of their students and the broader society.

Supporting Resources for Schools

As part of this initiative, each educator of the year also receives significant financial support to aid their teaching efforts. In addition to the cash prize, winners have their mortgage or rent covered for one year and receive a donation of $2,500 for their respective schools. This level of support ensures that local educational institutions have the resources necessary to thrive.

The recognition of educators like Friesen not only serves as a personal achievement but also emphasizes the importance of valuing and investing in education for the benefit of the community at large.