NEWS RELEASE: SPAPSD Recognizes P.J. Jacobs Teacher with Mandana Bliss Award
![The image shows a group of five people, two men and three women, standing together and holding a framed certificate award.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1776263702/pointschoolsnet/pca1jajxealwkcvm36jq/AprilMandanaBlissAward.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1776263702/pointschoolsnet/pca1jajxealwkcvm36jq/AprilMandanaBlissAward.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1776263702/pointschoolsnet/pca1jajxealwkcvm36jq/AprilMandanaBlissAward.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1776263702/pointschoolsnet/pca1jajxealwkcvm36jq/AprilMandanaBlissAward.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1776263702/pointschoolsnet/pca1jajxealwkcvm36jq/AprilMandanaBlissAward.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1776263702/pointschoolsnet/pca1jajxealwkcvm36jq/AprilMandanaBlissAward.jpg","width":2048}])
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
April 15, 2026
SPAPSD Recognizes P.J. Jacobs Teacher with Mandana Bliss Award
Stevens Point, Wis.—The Stevens Point Area Public School District Board of Education recognized Matt Mortell, a social studies teacher at PJ Jacobs Junior High School, with the Mandana Bliss Award during its meeting on April 13.
The Mandana Bliss Award honors staff members who demonstrate exceptional commitment to educational excellence and student success. The award is named in honor of Mandana Hale Bliss, whose legacy of dedication and service continues to inspire the district’s work today.
Mortell was nominated by student Darcy McFarlane, who highlighted his impact both in and beyond the classroom.
“Mr. Mortell goes beyond just teaching,” McFarlane shared. “He takes the time to check in with his students and make sure they’re doing okay. He consistently encourages me to do my best, both in school and in sports.”
In addition to his work in the classroom, Mortell’s role as a coach and mentor was recognized as a meaningful part of his connection with students.
The Mandana Bliss Award provides an opportunity for the district to recognize staff who make a lasting difference in the lives of students and contribute to a positive, supportive school environment.
###
CUTLINE: Matt Mortell (center), social studies teacher at P.J. Jacobs Junior High School, receives the Mandana Bliss Award at the April 13 Stevens Point Area School Board meeting after being nominated by student Darcy McFarlane. (Photo/Stevens Point Area Public School District)