Central Oregon has two reasons to smile this week: a beloved local educator is being honored for four decades of dedicated service, and a new free training opportunity at Central Oregon Community College is opening doors for residents interested in the growing solar industry.
A Central Oregon Daily feature is shining a spotlight on a local educator whose 40-year career has been guided by the twin principles of grace and truth. The story highlights the lasting philosophy that has shaped this educator’s work across generations of Central Oregon students — a reminder of the quiet, steady impact that dedicated teachers have on their communities over the long haul. While the full details of the profile are rich with personal reflection, the core message is clear: four decades of commitment to students and to principled education is something worth celebrating.
Meanwhile, The Source Bend is reporting that Central Oregon Community College is offering free solar installation training to community members. The program represents a meaningful opportunity for local residents to gain hands-on skills in a field that is rapidly expanding — and to do so at no cost. Solar installation is one of the fastest-growing trades in the country, and having accessible, no-cost training available right here in Bend means that Central Oregonians can build new careers without financial barriers standing in the way.
Together, these two stories reflect something that makes Bend and the broader Central Oregon region special: a community that values both its people and its future. Whether it’s honoring the educators who have given decades of their lives to local students, or equipping the next generation of workers with skills for a clean-energy economy, Central Oregon continues to invest in what matters most.
Residents interested in the free solar installation training at COCC are encouraged to reach out to the college directly for enrollment details and upcoming session dates.
