Pierre Educational Foundation

05/19/2026

Pierre Educational Foundation will gladly share upcoming reunion information. Send info to [email protected] and we will help spread the word!

05/08/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 Educator of Excellence, Charis Blanchette!

Last night, BankWest was proud to serve as the presenting sponsor of the Pierre Educational Foundation’s Evening of Excellence, where we had the honor of recognizing an educator whose impact goes far beyond the classroom.

Our 2026 Educator of Excellence, Charis Blanchette, was nominated by students whose words tell a powerful story of encouragement, trust, and genuine care. Again and again, students shared how Charis showed up for them—whether by helping them prepare for an important exam, offering advice on a tough day, or simply listening when they needed someone most. Students described a classroom that was engaging, fun, and meaningful—and an educator they felt safe confiding in on both good days and hard ones. One student shared that even after just one year, the impact was extensive, leaving lessons they still carry with them today.

As part of this recognition, BankWest is honored to award a $1,500 grant to support continuing education or classroom enhancement—because investing in great educators is an investment in our communities and our future. Thank you, Charis, for being a mentor, role model, and trusted presence in the lives of so many students. Your dedication does not go unnoticed, and we are proud to celebrate you! 💙🍎

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05/08/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Pierre Educational Foundation hosted its annual Evening of Excellence on Thursday, May 7th at Larkspur Landing.

The Evening of Excellence recognized the top students of the 2026 graduating class as Scholars of Excellence. Each of these students have achieved a 3.75 grade point average or better through their academic career.

The Evening of Excellence also recognized 21 educators nominated for the BankWest Educator of Excellence. The nominees are selected by the 2026 Scholars of Excellence. Nominations are based on the educator’s impact on the education and lives of the students. Charis Blanchette was named the 2026 BankWest Educator of Excellence Award in recognition of her impact on the students in the Class of 2026 and many classes before. The $1,500 award is sponsored by BankWest.

The event also announced the winners of over $159,000 in scholarships awarded by the Pierre Educational Foundation. These scholarships are made possible by donor endowed funds to support graduates in furthering their education. Scholarships recipients included:

The Pierre Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship ($1,000) – Charlotte Hull
Charles “Lindy” and Shirley Feeney Scholarship ($1,000) – Charlee Williams- Smith
Dennis and Shirley Eisnach Scholarship ($1,000)- Hadley Hart
Herbert and Irene Emde Family Scholarship ($1,000) – Nora Allen
Pierre Educational Foundation Bonus Scholarship ($1,500) – Ella Oxford
Edith and Richard Warder Scholarship ($2,000) –Alex Oedekoven
Mortenson Family Scholarship ($2,000) – Logan Griffith
Spilde Family Scholarship ($2,500) – (College/University) – Riley Berg
Spilde Family Scholarship ($2,500) – (Vocational or Technical) – Amara Dell
Jacobson Rise Up Scholarship ($3,500)- Clare Madsen
James and Gertrude Mueller Scholarship Fund ($3,500) – Grace Fischer
Alvin Benesh Engineering Scholarship ($4,000) – Crisper Moses
Schliessmann Family Scholarship ($4,000) – Carter Merrill
Shaw Family Scholarship ($5,000) – Charlotte Hull
Shaw Family Scholarship ($5,000)- Alex Oedekoven
Swan Family Scholarship ($5,000)- (Vocational or Technical) – Amara Dell
Swan Family Scholarship ($5,000) –(College/University) - Carter Merrill
Marjorie and Fritz Forney Scholarship ($10,000) – Clare Madsen
Brabander Family Scholarship ($10,000) – Adriana Spears
Brabander Family Scholarship ($10,000) – Clare Madsen
Evelyn Benesh Music Scholarship ($40,000) – Tiger Duinkherjav
Evelyn Benesh Music Scholarship ($40,000)- Madilynn Fischer

The 2026 Evening of Excellence was sponsored by BankWest, Bachand & Hruska, P. C., Brakke Financial Services, Brosz Engineering, Cathy Sonnenschein Properties, Central Dakota Eyecare, Century Business Products, Delta Dental, Edward Jones – Carol Gengler, Financial Advisor, Oahe Federal Credit Union, Puetz Design & Build, Rice & Associates, Riter Rogers, and Slumberland Furniture.

05/06/2026

The Evening of Excellence would not be possible without the contributions of our sponsors. Thank you Slumberland Furniture for supporting our students and educators!

If you're interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact the Pierre Educational Foundation at [email protected].

05/05/2026

The Evening of Excellence would not be possible without the contributions of our sponsors. Thank you Riter Rogers for supporting our students and educators!

If you're interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact the Pierre Educational Foundation at [email protected].

05/04/2026

The Evening of Excellence would not be possible without the contributions of our sponsors. Thank you Puetz for supporting our students and educators!

If you're interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact the Pierre Educational Foundation at [email protected].

05/03/2026

The Evening of Excellence would not be possible without the contributions of our sponsors. Thank you Oahe Federal Credit Union for supporting our students and educators!

If you're interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact the Pierre Educational Foundation at [email protected].

05/02/2026

Please help us congratulate Scholar of Excellence Conner Lehr. Congratulations, Conner!

PEF is pleased to recognize each of the 2026 Scholars of Excellence over the next few weeks, leading up to the 2026 Evening of Excellence. Each of the PEF Scholars of Excellence have achieved a 3.75 grade point average or better at TF Riggs.

05/02/2026

The Evening of Excellence would not be possible without the contributions of our sponsors. Thank you Edward Jones- Carol Gengler for supporting our students and educators!

If you're interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact the Pierre Educational Foundation at [email protected].

05/01/2026

Please help us congratulate Scholar of Excellence Cienna Tipton. Congratulations, Cienna!

PEF is pleased to recognize each of the 2026 Scholars of Excellence over the next few weeks, leading up to the 2026 Evening of Excellence. Each of the PEF Scholars of Excellence have achieved a 3.75 grade point average or better at TF Riggs.