For the City Times

Ben Franklin Junior High School science teacher, Nathan Olson, received the Mandana Bliss Award at the Stevens Point Area Public School District May Board Meeting. From left, Natalie Hintz, Nathan Olson, and Craig Gerlach. (Contributed)

Two teachers, Robert Hardina and Nathan Olson, received the Mandana Bliss Award at the May 8 Stevens Point Area Public School District School Board Meeting.

Hardina, fifth grade teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School, was presented the award by Roosevelt students, Jacob Hickethier and Will Gargulak. They cited his ability to inspire each student to be their own individual and use their own interests to develop their skills, strengths and interests as well as being able to make a long hard school day fun, as reasons they selected him for the award. Hardina has been a teacher with the district for 23 years.

Ben Franklin student, Natalie Hintz, presented Nathan Olson, science teacher at Ben Franklin Junior High School, the award.

“He teaches in such a way that students will remember what he has taught for a long time,” Hintz said. “He teaches to make a difference.” Olson has been a teacher with the district for nine years.

Each month students have the opportunity to recognize a staff member that has profoundly impacted their educational experience.

The award is given in the name of Mandana Bliss, the first teacher in the Stevens Point Area Public School District.