Princeton Teacher Named Kleenex Contest Finalist
Spanish educator Fernando Puentes is a finalist for a national award recognizing exceptional classroom contributions.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Scholarships
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Fernando Puentes, a Spanish teacher at Princeton High School, has been named a finalist for the 2026 Kleenex Heroes of the Classroom Contest. He was chosen as one of 10 finalists from thousands of entries for his commitment to his students.
Why it matters
The contest celebrates K-12 teachers who create a lasting impact and help students achieve academic success. This recognition honors the dedication of educators who provide essential support to their local school communities.
The contest features over $50,000 in total prizes, including a $10,000 grand prize for the winner and a $5,000 donation for their school. To date, Puentes has helped 18 students secure full-ride scholarships and 14 students earn half-ride awards.
The players
Fernando Puentes
He is a Spanish teacher at Princeton High School who has founded the Bilingual Buddies Program.
Kleenex Heroes of the Classroom Contest
This is a national initiative partnered with Campus Multimedia that recognizes K-12 teachers who foster strength and community impact.
The details
Puentes previously served as a 2026 America's Favorite Teacher semifinalist and was named Princeton High School Teacher of the Year. He is recognized for founding the Bilingual Buddies Program, which serves students within the Princeton area.
Timeline
Public voting for the contest began on October 8, 2026.
Public voting for the contest concluded on October 22, 2026.
The contest winner will be announced in mid-November 2026.
Culture Shift
This recognition follows his previous status as a semifinalist in the 2026 America's Favorite Teacher competition. These awards reflect a broader societal focus on rewarding teacher mentorship that extends beyond traditional classroom curriculum into student advocacy.
The potential $5,000 donation to Princeton High School could provide new resources for student support programs. Local residents and students may see continued growth in mentorship opportunities through the expansion of programs like Bilingual Buddies.
The takeaway
The success of local educators highlights the value of personalized student mentorship in securing higher education opportunities. Interested community members can support future candidates by tracking national teacher award programs throughout the school year.
What happens next
The grand prize winner of the Kleenex Heroes of the Classroom Contest will be announced in mid-November 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local educational initiatives at the Princeton Scholarships section.
More information
To review information regarding the program, visit the contest voting portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by North Dallas Gazette.
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