NEWS RELEASE: Washington's Monica Anderson Honored with April Mandana Bliss Award

 

News Release

Stevens Point Area Public School District

1900 Polk Street

Stevens Point, WI 54481

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

CONTACT:            Sarah O’Donnell, director of communications
                              715/343-6629 | sodonnel@pointschools.net 

April 28, 2025

 

Mandana Bliss Award Celebrates Washington’s Monica Anderson

Stevens Point, Wis.—The Stevens Point Area Public School District is proud to announce that Ms. Anderson, a third-grade teacher at Washington Elementary, has been honored with the Mandana Bliss Award at the Stevens Point Public Schools April School Board Meeting. This award celebrates educators who go above and beyond to create a positive and engaging learning environment for their students.

The award was presented to Ms. Anderson by her former student, Ella Splinter, who nominated her due to the extraordinary care, creativity, and commitment to her students. “Ms. Anderson is a thoughtful, caring, funny, bubbly, and kind teacher,” Ella wrote. “She’s always up for trying something new, like the teacher talent show or the all-school sing. She makes everyone feel welcomed and cared about at school.”

Ella described Mrs. Anderson’s classroom as a place where every student felt safe, supported, and inspired to be themselves. From daily read-alouds that brought stories to life to the quiet encouragement that built confidence, Ella’s words painted a picture of a teacher who goes far beyond the lesson plan.“She gave the best hugs and told the best jokes,” Ella shared. “Mrs. Anderson believed in me and gave me the confidence that I could do anything. She deserves to be honored as an adult who takes ownership and makes her school community a better place.”

The Mandana Bliss Award is the highest recognition awarded by the Stevens Point Area School Board, honoring individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to their roles and the broader school community. Ms. Anderson’s recognition reflects her dedication to these values, creating a classroom environment where every student feels encouraged to learn, develop, and succeed.

Congratulations, Ms. Anderson, on this well-deserved honor. The Stevens Point Area Public School District thanks her for her ongoing efforts to make our schools a place where all students are supported.

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CUTLINE: From left: Mandana Bliss Award recipient Monica Anderson, 6th-grade student Ella Splinter, Washington Elementary Principal Hallie Ritchay, and Stevens Point Area Public School District Superintendent Cory Hirsbrunner pose for a photo following the award presentation at the April Board Meeting. (Photo/Stevens Point Area Public School District)