Two nights, two awards, one incredible group
Local teachers and school staff members celebrated at annual event
More than 100 local teachers and staff members from schools in Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd, and Wadena counties were selected by school administration for outstanding dedication, leadership, and innovation. For their achievements, they were celebrated as Educators of Excellence at two special banquet events hosted by Sourcewell on Wednesday, April 30, and Wednesday, May 7, in Blacksmith Main at The Northern Pacific Center in Brainerd.
These events recognized and awarded local educators who positively impact students and colleagues. This year, in addition to 53 Teachers of Excellence, 49 non-teaching staff were also named and recognized as Pillars of Excellence. The event was split into two nights: April 30 celebrated Teachers and Pillars in the northern half of the region, while May 7 featured recipients from the southern half.
An additional award called Innovator of the Year, given by the Innovative Schools Project (ISP), was presented to Nicole Harmer from Brainerd High School.
Cody Pulju, a teacher and coach from Menahga Elementary School, was one of the event’s honorees.
“It was a wonderful evening filled with gratitude, professionalism, pride, and renewed motivation to continue making a difference in the lives of students,” says Pulju. “Shout-out to Sourcewell for hosting such a meaningful and inspiring banquet!”
In addition to Menahga, educators from the following districts were also honored: Bertha-Hewitt, Brainerd, Cass Lake-Bena, Crosby-Ironton, Crosslake Community, Freshwater Education District, Little Falls, Long Prairie-Grey Eagle, Northland Community, Pequot Lakes, Pierz, Pillager, Pine River-Backus, Royalton, Sebeka, Staples-Motley, Swanville, Upsala, Verndale, Wadena-Deer Creek, and Walker-Hackensack-Akeley.
The Educators of Excellence celebrations were broadcast live on Facebook for the general public, and recordings are available to view on Sourcewell’s Facebook page for both April 30 and May 7.