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Author: NSPRA/Thursday, May 7, 2026/Categories: News
Each year, NSPRA’s highest individual honors recognize professionals and education leaders whose work has strengthened school communication, advanced the profession and made a lasting impact on the communities they serve.
This year, NSPRA is proud to recognize the three following distinguished honorees whose leadership, mentorship and commitment to strategic communication continue to shape the future of school public relations:
The honorees will be formally recognized during the new NSPRA Awards Celebration and Dinner at the NSPRA 2026 National Seminar on Tuesday, July 21, along with the still-to-be-announced 2026 Gold Medallion Award winners. NSPRA will also announce and honor the 2026 National School Communicator of the Year at NSPRA 2026.
2026 NSPRA Presidents Award Recipient: Trent Allen, APR
One of NSPRA’s highest individual honors, the Presidents Award recognizes a member for outstanding professionalism and integrity throughout a career in school public relations and significant contributions to the profession and association.
A past president of NSPRA, Trent Allen, APR, is widely respected as a thoughtful and principled leader whose influence has helped strengthen both the school public relations profession and NSPRA itself. Throughout more than two decades in school communication leadership, Allen has become known for his collaborative leadership style, steady guidance during complex moments and deep commitment to mentoring emerging professionals.
Currently serving as chief of staff for California’s San Juan Unified School District, Allen has modeled the evolving role of school communicators as trusted executive leaders and strategic advisors. His leadership within NSPRA, including his service as association president in 2023-2024, played a pivotal role in strengthening NSPRA’s leadership culture and advancing collaborative, member-focused leadership.
Colleagues across the country credit Allen with helping them grow into leadership roles, strengthen their professional networks and see new possibilities within their careers.
Read more About Trent
2026 Barry Gaskins Mentor Legacy Award Recipient: Danielle Airey, APR
Named for NSPRA past-president Barry Gaskins, APR, the Barry Gaskins Mentor Legacy Award recognizes a school public relations professional for outstanding mentorship and support in helping colleagues grow their skills and succeed in the profession.
Danielle Airey, APR, chief communications officer for Arizona’s Peoria Unified School District, has built a reputation as both a strategic communications leader and a trusted mentor whose influence extends across Arizona and throughout NSPRA.
Known for her calm leadership, candid guidance and unwavering support of others, Airey has helped shape the next generation of school communicators through intentional mentorship, leadership development and advocacy for accreditation in public relations. As Arizona’s first APR chair, she has coached and encouraged numerous professionals pursuing accreditation while helping strengthen the culture of professional growth within the state.
Under her leadership, Peoria Unified became the first school public relations team in Arizona with multiple APRs, and several former members of her team now lead communications efforts in districts across the state.
Read more About Danielle
2026 Bob Grossman Leadership in School Communications Award Recipient: Laurie Dent, Ph.D.
The Bob Grossman Leadership in School Communications Award honors a superintendent for leadership and a strong commitment to strategic communication, community engagement and trust-building in education.
Dr. Laurie Dent, superintendent of Washington’s Sumner-Bonney Lake School District, has built a district culture rooted in transparency, authentic engagement and a shared commitment to student success.
Guided by the belief that every student should feel known, valued and supported, Dr. Dent has elevated communication as a strategic leadership tool that strengthens trust, builds partnerships and aligns the community around a common vision. Her leadership helped guide the district through major initiatives and challenges, including the successful passage of the largest school construction bond in Washington state history and the district’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A 2024 Washington State Superintendent of the Year and past NSPRA Superintendent to Watch, Dr. Dent is recognized for her visible, relationship-centered leadership style and her belief that communication is not simply part of leadership; it is leadership.
Read more About Dr. Dent
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