WFHS alum earns Promising Teacher Award

Ericka Freed, a 1999 graduate of West Fargo High School, recently received the Promising Teacher Award from the Poudre School District Foundation in Wellington, Colo.

"I was completely humbled and honored when I received this award," Freed said. "I have had so many opportunities to learn from and work with amazing people. In my mind, this award is an extension of them. The love and dedication from the teachers that I have grown up around made an impression on me that has guided my style and passion for this profession."

Freed, originally from Horace, N.D., currently is in her second year teaching physical education, and splits her time between Rice and Putman elementary schools. She accomplished her undergraduate studies at North Dakota State University.

Freed also points to her background in sports as a reason for her success and drive.

"Soccer was a big part of my high school life, the work ethic and pride that it brought out in me was life changing," she said. "After high school, I received an opportunity to stay involved in the soccer community, this time as a coach."

Freed said that, as a coach, watching her players compete and grow is "inspiring."

"I loved coaching from the moment I started and I am still coaching for the competitive traveling team in Fort Collins," she said.

Freed accepted her award March 1, during a banquet at the Hilton Hotel in Ft. Collins, Colo. Poudre School District is the ninth largest in Colorado, and serves approximately 24,000 students in 50 schools.

"I am lucky to do what I love for a living," she said. "It's rewarding to go to work each day."

Freed's parents are MaryAnna Krageness, Auburndale, Fla., and Donald C. Freed, Horace.