Pierre Educational Foundation

Inspiring Academic Excellence

Established in 1995, the Pierre Educational Foundation promotes the further educational development of the Pierre Public School District students, staff and graduates by the delivery of quality educational opportunities and resources.

About

Find out more about the Pierre Educational Foundation, what we do and our history.

Contribute

Find out how you can contribute to the Pierre Educational Foundation. Any gift is welcome!

Wall of Honor

View our eWall of Honor – An ongoing, electronic wall of honor for staff of the Pierre School District.

Recent Facebook Posts

Pierre Educational Foundation

2 days ago

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! 💙🍎Member FDIC | #EducatorOfExcellence #BankWest #PierreSD ... See MoreSee Less

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Pierre Educational Foundation

2 days ago

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEThe 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 HullCharles “Lindy” and Shirley Feeney Scholarship ($1,000) – Charlee Williams- SmithDennis and Shirley Eisnach Scholarship ($1,000)- Hadley HartHerbert and Irene Emde Family Scholarship ($1,000) – Nora AllenPierre Educational Foundation Bonus Scholarship ($1,500) – Ella OxfordEdith and Richard Warder Scholarship ($2,000) –Alex OedekovenMortenson Family Scholarship ($2,000) – Logan GriffithSpilde Family Scholarship ($2,500) – (College/University) – Riley BergSpilde Family Scholarship ($2,500) – (Vocational or Technical) – Amara DellJacobson Rise Up Scholarship ($3,500)- Clare MadsenJames and Gertrude Mueller Scholarship Fund ($3,500) – Grace FischerAlvin Benesh Engineering Scholarship ($4,000) – Crisper MosesSchliessmann Family Scholarship ($4,000) – Carter MerrillShaw Family Scholarship ($5,000) – Charlotte HullShaw Family Scholarship ($5,000)- Alex OedekovenSwan Family Scholarship ($5,000)- (Vocational or Technical) – Amara DellSwan Family Scholarship ($5,000) –(College/University) - Carter MerrillMarjorie and Fritz Forney Scholarship ($10,000) – Clare MadsenBrabander Family Scholarship ($10,000) – Adriana SpearsBrabander Family Scholarship ($10,000) – Clare MadsenEvelyn Benesh Music Scholarship ($40,000) – Tiger DuinkherjavEvelyn Benesh Music Scholarship ($40,000)- Madilynn FischerThe 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. ... See MoreSee Less

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Pierre Educational Foundation

4 days ago

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 jennifer@pefgovs.org. ... See MoreSee Less

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Pierre Educational Foundation

5 days ago

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 jennifer@pefgovs.org. ... See MoreSee Less

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Pierre Educational Foundation

6 days ago

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 jennifer@pefgovs.org. ... See MoreSee Less

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