PORTLAND, Ore. — OnPoint Community Credit Union has announced the four winners of its 2026 OnPoint Prize for Excellence in Education Educator of the Year awards, honoring teachers and school staff across Oregon and southwest Washington for their impact on students and communities.
The four Educators of the Year will each have their mortgage or rent paid for one year and will receive an additional $2,500 for their schools. Four runners-up will each receive $5,000, along with $1,500 for their schools.
The 2026 award recipients are:
- Ashley Reich, a fourth-grade teacher at Holt Elementary School
- Mikael Benson, a math and gardening teacher at Harrison Park Middle School
- Stephanie Fitzgerald, a mathematics and leadership teacher at Colton High School
- Kali Dalton, a counselor at Coweeman Middle School
“Great educators do much more than teach lessons. They encourage students to believe in themselves and create meaningful connections that last far beyond the classroom,” said Rob Stuart, president and chief executive officer of OnPoint Community Credit Union. “This year’s honorees demonstrate extraordinary dedication, compassion and leadership, and we are proud to celebrate the lasting impact they have on their students, schools and communities.”
According to OnPoint, the Prize for Excellence in Education program has awarded more than $1 million to over 350 educators and schools since its launch in 2010. The 2026 campaign will distribute an additional $193,000 in awards.
Reich, who has taught for 20 years, was recognized for creating an inclusive classroom environment and leading efforts to provide winter coats to students in need. She also established a student council program for fourth- and fifth-grade students at Holt Elementary.
Benson earned recognition for combining humor and creativity in the classroom while revitalizing Harrison Park Middle School’s outdoor learning garden. In 2025, he organized a plant sale that raised more than $6,000 for the school.
Fitzgerald was honored for her hands-on approach to teaching mathematics and for helping create an “Education 101” course for students interested in becoming teachers. She also pursued a second master’s degree to expand dual-credit math opportunities for students.
Dalton was recognized for her work supporting students’ social and emotional well-being, helping develop a schoolwide curriculum and launching parent and mentorship initiatives at Coweeman Middle School.
The 2026 runners-up include:
- Sam Wishart of City View Charter School
- Kristine Napper of Whitford Middle School
- Heidi Friesen of Bend Senior High
- Yaneira Romero of James John Elementary
OnPoint also announced recipients of its 2026 Community Builder Awards, which fund school projects aimed at strengthening local communities.
The $5,000 grand prize went to Cedar Ridge Middle School for its “Kiln for Kids” project.
Additional $2,000 Community Builder Awards were awarded to:
- Carus Elementary for a community garden project
- Mapleton School District for a makerspace initiative
- Rex Putnam High School for indoor percussion drum replacements
- Woodland High School for postsecondary exploration field trips
Founded in 1932 by 16 schoolteachers, OnPoint Community Credit Union says the education awards program continues to reflect its roots in supporting schools, educators and students throughout the region.
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