NEWS RELEASE: Mandana Bliss Award Honors 5th Grade Teacher, Briana Weber
![Four women standing together and smiling for a photo after one won an award at the January School Board Meeting.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1768422949/waxnqzs3jrsqlg466tp7/WeberMandanaBliss-7.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1768422949/waxnqzs3jrsqlg466tp7/WeberMandanaBliss-7.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1768422949/waxnqzs3jrsqlg466tp7/WeberMandanaBliss-7.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1768422949/waxnqzs3jrsqlg466tp7/WeberMandanaBliss-7.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1768422949/waxnqzs3jrsqlg466tp7/WeberMandanaBliss-7.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1768422949/waxnqzs3jrsqlg466tp7/WeberMandanaBliss-7.jpg","width":2200}])
News Release
Stevens Point Area Public School District
1900 Polk Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Sarah O’Donnell, director of communications
715/343-6629 | sodonnel@pointschools.net
January 14, 2026
Mandana Bliss Award Honors 5th Grade Teacher, Briana Weber
Stevens Point, Wis. – The Stevens Point Area Public School District is proud to announce that Briana Weber, fifth-grade teacher at Kennedy Elementary School, has been selected as the January recipient of the Mandana Bliss Award. This award recognizes staff members for their dedication to educational excellence and their positive impact on students and school communities.
Briana was honored for the caring, supportive, and encouraging environment she creates for her students, helping them grow both academically and personally.
During the January School Board meeting, the award was presented by student Taelyn Peper, who shared what Briana’s teaching means to her.
“The definition of a teacher is a person who teaches, especially in a school,” Taelyn said. “My definition of a teacher is someone who is caring, funny, and encourages me to grow, not only in school, but as a person as well. My definition describes Mrs. Weber. She always takes her time to understand her students, encouraging us with patience and kindness. She always has a smile where we feel supported, safe, and confident. She’s not just a teacher, but someone who has made a lasting difference in all our lives, including me.”
The Mandana Bliss Award is named in honor of Mandana Hale Bliss, Stevens Point’s first school teacher and a trailblazer in education. The award recognizes staff members who exemplify service, compassion, and a commitment to helping every student succeed.
###
CUTLINE:
Fifth-grade teacher Briana Weber of Kennedy Elementary School receives the Mandana Bliss Award during the January School Board meeting, presented by student Taelyn Peper. Weber was recognized for her caring, encouraging, and supportive impact on her students. (Photo/Stevens Point Area Public School District)