Byron and Teresa Friesen know a little something about Heartland Community School. They both were around and experienced first-hand what it was like to move into the brand-new Henderson Community School in 1953. Teresa began first grade at the new Henderson Community School, and Byron, her husband, began his third-grade year there.
“I started first grade in a country school, and after the district was consolidated, we moved to what is now the District 95 Apartments for second grade. I remember later in second grade, we would grab books and whatever else we could carry and move them to the new school that was partially completed,” said Byron.
“When I was older and started going to basketball games in the area, I realized that our gym, bleachers, and entire facility were the best around,” said Byron. Byron and Teresa both graduated from high school in Henderson, as did their three children. Teresa’s class was the inaugural first-grade class to complete 12 grades and graduate from Henderson in 1966 since there wasn’t a Kindergarten yet.
They are both in favor of passing the new bond, which is set for the May 14 election. “It’s been a long time since any major renovations, and it’s time so our facility will be the best again,” said Byron.
Today, Byron and Teresa have two daughters who teach at Heartland—Tara Maltsberger teaches 5th grade, and Cami Buller teaches preschool and TYKE. They have three grandchildren who have graduated from Heartland and two more coming up in elementary and junior high school.
Over the years, they’ve attended hundreds of extracurricular activities at Heartland for their children and grandchildren and realize the importance of keeping our facility safe and up to date.
“One of the main reasons both of our daughters moved back to live and teach in Henderson with their families was because of the school,” said Teresa.
Not everyone, like Byron and Teresa, has such deep roots in our school, but they and their family are a testament to how important a school is to continued community growth.
As Byron said, it’s time. Let’s ensure Heartland Community School is ready for the next 40 years by voting FOR the school bond at the upcoming May 14 Bond Election.
Visit the Heartland website for complete information about the bond election.
