Great Bend Post
The 2026-27 school season has officially come to a close, but not before one more educator was named as an Eagle Media School Hero. Little Panther Preschool Principal Tandi Mai was presented a giant $500 check from OPI & Golden Belt Printing.
Mai has been the principal at the new preschool since it opened in 2023. Under her leadership, according to her nomination, "Her building has thrived and enrollment has increased to over 300 three and four-year-old children currently enrolled. Tandi is my hero for many reasons: She is always positive and ready to offer her smile, her love, and her support to those around her. She whole-heartedly believes that every child deserves the absolute best environment in which they can learn and grow. She lovingly challenges both her students and her staff to be the best version of themselves, and unsurprisingly, with her guidance, they are."
The nomination further said that Mai has the unwavering belief the education changes lives, and that she has created a safe and loving environment in her building that allows students to thrive.
"Tandi supports her staff in providing rigorous instruction so that all students can be challenged to meet the Kansas State Standards for Early Childhood," the nominator said. "She always puts other first. She is the most selfless, sincere, and humble person I know. She epitomizes love and is the perfect person to be a child's first principal. For these reasons and countless others that I have failed to mention, Tandi Mai is my hero and is the most deserving of this recognition."
This year's Nominate a School Hero contest was presented by OPI and Golden Belt Printing. The School Hero Contest is for any school employee who goes above and beyond in his or her job.