Last month at the NSPRA Seminar in New Orleans, Tove Tupper, APR, was named the 2026 NSPRA National School Communicator of the Year, one of the association’s highest individual honors.

Presented by NSPRA in partnership with Finalsite, the award recognizes a practicing school communication professional whose leadership, communication, professionalism and community involvement exemplify the highest standards of the profession.

For more than a decade, Tove has built a record of leadership that reflects the significance of that recognition. At Highline Public Schools in Burien, Wash., she has helped shape the voice and strategic direction of the district, championing transparent, student-centered communication and serving as a key strategic partner to district leadership.

As chief communications officer, Tove leads districtwide communications strategy grounded in research, listening and trust-building. Her work has helped strengthen community confidence in Highline and has guided the district through some of its most complex challenges, including a 2024 cyberattack that shut down district systems for six weeks.

Beyond Highline, Tove’s impact can be felt across the school communication profession. As a mentor, presenter and national leader, she has invested deeply in strengthening the profession and developing those within it, including through her longstanding commitment to Accreditation in Public Relations as a champion for the credential, a mentor to those pursuing it and a leader in national accreditation efforts. 

Read more about Tove’s leadership, career and the work behind her recognition as the 2026 NSPRA National School Communicator of the Year.