2025 Excellence in Education Finalists by Bend-La Pine Schools

BLSClassof2024 — 2025-09-17 23:07:29 UTC

The first finalist is Fred Kent, IB biology and general biology teacher and football coach at Bend Senior High. Principal Chris Reese shared, "Fred Kent is an amazing educator. His passion to make his classroom into a space where each student belongs is unmatched. The respect he offers students is unparalleled and readily reciprocated by his students who adore and trust him."

BLSClassof2024 — 2025-09-17 23:17:36 UTC

Meet Brandi Daniel from Nutrition Services! Garra Schluter, Director of Nutrition Services shared, "Brandi is always cheerful and polite, has a smile in her voice, and shows sincere empathy for everyone’s issues and concerns. When there are too many holes to fill, Brandi heads out to the kitchens to fill in. The staff see her stepping up to fill the need and admire and appreciate what she does. Her contributions to our department are invaluable. She’s a miracle worker."

BLSClassof2024 — 2025-09-17 23:18:07 UTC

Our next finalist is Mayka Bruzzo from Pacific Crest Middle School! Principal Sean Keating shared, "Mayka approaches her work with love and dignity. She treats students with kindness but also strictness and fairness. Students respect her immensely, and she gets results. She is equally clear with the high expectations she holds for all students and with the love she holds for all of them. She gets results like no EA I’ve ever worked with."

BLSClassof2024 — 2025-09-17 23:18:53 UTC

Our next finalist is Connie Opsal, teacher from La Pine Elementary School! Principal Megan Silvey shared, "From the moment Connie stepped into our school, she brought with her a radiant energy that has touched everyone around her. Her unwavering positivity and deep belief in every student's ability to learn have made a lasting impact on our school community. Connie doesn’t just teach—she inspires."

BLSClassof2024 — 2025-09-17 23:19:25 UTC

Meet Ben Becker, teacher from Juniper Elementary School! Principal Dan Wolnick shared, "Ben is very creative and believes kids can be just as creative if given the space to find it. In addition to being an excellent academic teacher, he brings in other forms of inclusive learning, including launching the Juniper RAD Bike Project. Ben knows that children learn best when they know they are cared for and they belong. He lays a positive, supportive foundation for children to feel safe and be willing to make mistakes as they learn and grow."

BLSClassof2024 — 2025-09-18 16:25:55 UTC

Students at Cascade Middle School love math teacher Tara Butler-Kruger! Former Principal Gabe Pagano shared, "Tara has emphasized relationships with students this year to support their learning, knowing its importance in the relatively impersonal world of math. Tara works to address every student by name, can be seen most mornings out front of the school welcoming kids, asking them questions about their sports and outside interests, and investing a lot of energy into really knowing each of her students. I have never met another teacher as dedicated to eliciting and using feedback as Tara. She continually looks for ways to grow and get better, and fosters this attitude in her students."

BLSClassof2024 — 2025-09-18 16:42:58 UTC

The next Educator of the Year finalist is Loren Renfroe from Sky View Middle School. Principal Julie Stroinski shared, "Loren steps into leadership roles across multiple areas, strengthening parent communication, fostering school culture, and enhancing instruction. She has worked intentionally to build connections among staff that have transformed the way colleagues engage with one another. As an instructional leader, Loren has taken the initiative to expand learning beyond traditional coursework. Whether supporting colleagues, guiding students, or strengthening school culture, Loren leads with innovation, reflection, and a deep commitment to success for all."

BLSClassof2024 — 2025-09-18 16:45:01 UTC

Meet Kat Tomsic from Realms High School! Administrator Robi Cole shared, "Kat is 100% kids first and has a skill set that is exceptional. Kat stands out as an educator because of her deep and unwavering commitment to students. She doesn’t just talk about supporting students - she lives it every day. Her human-to-human approach fosters a sense of safety and belonging, allowing students to grow socially, emotionally, and academically. Kat skillfully balances care with challenge, encouraging students to push beyond their comfort zones while providing the support they need to succeed."

BLSClassof2024 — 2025-09-18 16:46:33 UTC

If you've visited Bear Creek Elementary, you've met Sarai Saavedra. She's the welcoming face for families! Principal Marc Zollinger shared, "Saraí is the welcoming heart of our school. When students, staff and visitors enter our building, she is usually the first one they see and she welcomes them warmly and is always able to meet their needs or point them in the right direction. Saraí goes above and beyond for our attendance efforts at Bear Creek to help improve our school's attendance initiatives. She has the technical knowledge needed to do the work of the attendance secretary and the relational skills to comfort those who need support the most. Saraí’s ability to welcome families in Spanish allows them to open up to her and helps them to feel heard, to advocate, and to be certain they belong at Bear Creek."

BLSClassof2024 — 2025-09-18 16:47:41 UTC

Justin Kohler is one who works tirelessly behind the scenes in our Transportation Department. Assistant Director of Transportation Tina Bandy shared, "Justin consistently demonstrates a commitment to excellence, professionalism, and teamwork. His outstanding efforts have made a significant impact on our training department, drivers, and most importantly, ensuring that our students have safe, professional, and highly trained drivers. His meticulous attention to detail, ability to juggle many responsibilities, and proactive approach helps maintain the highest standards of safety and compliance."

BLSClassof2024 — 2025-09-18 16:48:39 UTC

Meet Karima Bourque from Amity Creek Magnet! Principal Andy Slavin shared, "Karima truly distinguishes herself through her exceptional character and in all her interactions with students, colleagues, and parents. She approaches every challenge with unwavering integrity, always putting the needs of students and colleagues first. Karima is dedicated to helping students thrive! Her contributions make a tangible difference in the lives of students and those she works with. Karima serves as an inspiration to all students and colleagues, making her an invaluable asset to our school. Her efforts embody the true spirit of servicies that service, and she continues to make a profound impact on everyone she encounters."

BLSClassof2024 — 2025-09-18 16:49:42 UTC

Our next finalist is Lindy Maniscalco from Pine Ridge Elementary School! Principal Nichole Walker shared, "Lindy is one of the most caring and gentle people I have had the pleasure of meeting. She truly loves the students she works with and does everything she can to make them feel safe and confident in their learning. Lindy has a heart of gold and is invested in helping students develop their skills both academically and socially. Students love working with her and will often ask to be placed in her groups."

BLSClassof2024 — 2025-09-18 16:50:59 UTC

Help us celebrate and thank Liz Vargas, from our Office of Policy & Advocacy! Executive Director Kinsey Martin shared, "Liz embodies the values of dignity, inclusion, and belonging that our district holds foundational. She is often the first face our most vulnerable students and families see when they start in our schools, and she ensures a welcoming experience for every child and family she meets. She connects naturally with other people across language and cultural differences, and makes those in her presence feel seen, heard, and safe. As the peer coach and mentor to all of our family liaisons, Liz builds trust and safety with each member of the team. She weaves together high standards, empathy, and unwavering advocacy in a way that makes our school system a truly better experience for our students and families."