Pam Prisinger Selected for True Friends of Education Award 

Pam Prisinger, née Martin, was presented with the True Friends of Education Award at the Milbank School District Board of Education meeting on Monday, November 10. The Milbank Education Association (MEA) sponsors the award annually in concert with National Education Week that will be celebrated this year from November 17-25.  Prisinger taught third, fourth, or fifth graders in Milbank from 1979 until her retirement in 2022, and she continues to serve as a substitute teacher in the Milbank system..

Beth Wagner, a third-grade teacher at Milbank Elementary School, attended the school board meeting and read the letter that will accompany Prisinger’s nomination for the Friend of Education Award at the South Dakota Education Association/NEA level. The nomination letter stated, “She (Pam) has a genuine care for others and fostered a positive environment, where every student felt valued and capable. Even after retirement, Pam has remained an active supporter of education. She continues to serve in the Milbank School District with the same energy and dedication that defined her teaching career.” Wagner went on to say that Prisinger often steps up to fill long term leaves of absence to provide students with stable, warm, and high quality instruction.

Dick Schwandt, president of the school board, added, “Thank you, Mrs. Prisinger for your dedication.”

Brittni Cordingley, second-grade teacher at Milbank Elementary, later commented on Prisinger receiving the True Friends of Education Award, “Pam has the biggest heart. She is patient and kind and would help anyone out. I was lucky to work beside her for so many years, and I am so thankful that she has continued her career in education as a substitute because we need her and know that we can always count on her.”