“It was really, really hard and at times un-imaginable how we were going to continue moving forward with the masks and the changes that were constantly happening,” said Torbenson. She says teachers, school administrators and other staff just never gave up. The secret was being able to change directions at a moments’ notice. “Being really flexible, resilient, and learning how to pivot at the drop of a hat,” said Torbenson. “It just wasn’t me, it was the whole, everybody involved, students, families and teachers. You know all teachers [and] administrators.” Torbenson has long been a fan of Oprah Winfrey, and had signed up to receive text messages. One message asked how she has been resilient during the pandemic. She answered the questions and before long a producer called asking her to be part of the show featuring what Oprah called, ‘100 Strong.’ “So there were a lot of people who put their own needs on the back burner and were being resilient and learning how to pivot and helping one another out,” Torbenson said. There were other teachers, nurses, doctors, technology experts, care-givers and others among the one hundred guests. Lisa never got a chance to speak, but she says it was an honor and an inspiration for her and her school to get that kind of recognition. “It does show you what can happen when a group of people come together and don’t give up,” Torbenson said. “Let’s face it, this has been a huge trial for all of us.” As with many Oprah events, there is a gift to go along with the honor. The ‘100 Strong’ group will each get a 4-day stay at a resort.
BLAINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER HAS OPRAH EXPERIENCE
BLAINE – (May 20, 2021) – A local elementary teacher is still charged up after an Oprah Winfrey experience. Lisa Torbenson, a second grade teacher at Sunrise Elementary, was part of a Zoom-type show hosted by Oprah just before Mother’s Day. It was meant to honor people who have been resilient through the pandemic.
