Awards Nominate a Colleague 35 Under 35

NEW in 2024: As NSPRA introduces the Emerging Leaders Award, the association is sunsetting the 35 Under 35 recognition while still reflecting the best aspects of the honor in a new, more expansive and inclusive award. These changes were inspired by member insights gathered by the NSPRA Awards Task Force.

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Every other year, NSPRA's 35 Under 35 program recognizes professional and professional partner members who are making a difference for their school districts or education-related employers.  Members of previous 35 Under 35 classes have contributed to NSPRA in a variety of ways. Many serve, plan to serve or have served as chapter officers. Some write for NSPRA member publications, present at NSPRA Seminars or participate as panelists for NSPRA professional development webinars. The invaluable insights of these emerging leaders are critical in keeping NSPRA on the forefront of school public relations.

Read the press release announcing members of the 2022-2023 35 Under class.

Congratulations to the 2022-23 “35 Under 35” class,
presented in partnership with Rhodes Branding!

Will Argeros Multimedia Specialist Roosevelt School District  (Phoenix, Ariz.) From Will's nomination: "He is hungry and is making a difference in his school community!"	Ja’Leasa Bolden Director of Communications Moss Point (Miss.)  School District From Ja’Leasa's nomination: "Ja'Leasa has an outstanding record of innovation and motivation."	Olivia Bronczek Communications Coordinator Massillon City (Ohio)  Schools From Olivia's nomination: "Olivia's ability to connect with her community is outstanding."
Collin Brooks Director of Communications Johnson City (Tenn.)  Schools From Collin's nomination: "His ideas are thoughtful and his expertise is exceptional."	Jesse Chatz Director of Communications Skokie-Morton Grove (Ill.)  School District 69 From Jesse's nomination: "Jesse is an advocate for advancing educational equity for all students."	Jacqueline Dillard Director of Communications Butte County (Calif.)  Office of Education From Jacqueline's nomination: "Her career in school PR will be aspirational and long-term."
Eshaya Draper Communications Manager Middlesex County (N.J.)   Magnet Schools From Eshaya's nomination: "He is a lifelong learner and his growth potential is immeasurable!"	Kelly Gordon Chief Communications Officer Pattonville School District  (St. Ann, Mo.) From Kelly's nomination: "Kelly is in tune with the community and the information they need."	Leslee Hackett Consultant Goliath Communications  (Alief, Texas) From Leslee's nomination: "An avid learner, Leslee is always committed to improving her craft."
Jasmine Hager Internal Communications Specialist Charlotte-Mecklenburg (N.C.)  Schools From Jasmine's nomination: "She is known for her willingness to help whenever possible."	Christian Justrabo Communications Specialist St. Tammany Parish (La.)  Public School System From Christian's nomination: "He's an invaluable asset who can step into almost any communications role."	Maggie Kelly Director of Communications  and Community Engagement Estacada (Ore.) School District From Maggie's nomination: "She has built our communication program from the ground up."
Alexandra Kincaid Public Information  Office Director Dayton (Ohio) Public Schools From Alexandra's nomination: "Communications under her leadership has transformed."	Maria Kury Spanish Communication  Specialist Wichita (Kan.) Public Schools From Maria's nomination: "Maria embraces the vision that ALL students are empowered to dream."	Rebecca Latham Chief Communications Officer Community Consolidated School  District 15 (Palatine, Ill.) From Rebecca's nomination: "Rebecca is fearless in her work."
Ashten Latta Public Relations Manager South Carolina Whitmore School  (Columbia, S.C.) From Ashten's nomination: "She believes building community relationships is foundational."	Mandi LeCompte Communications Manager Highline Public Schools  (Burien, Wash.) From Mandi's nomination: "Mandi is a multi-disciplinary creative  who is passionate about equity."	Jessica McCartney Director of Communications Enumclaw (Wash.)  School District From Jessica's nomination: "Jessica is a rising star in school PR!"
Molly McGowan Gorsuch, APR Director of Client Engagement Rhodes Branding  (Columbia, S.C.) From Molly's nomination: "Molly sets up communication departments for success."	Megan Moore Communications Director Lexington County (S.C.)  School District One From Megan's nomination: "She is proactive in her innovative communication efforts."	Iva Petrosino, APR Director of Communications Gates Chili Central School District  (Rochester, N.Y.) From Iva's nomination: "Iva consistently demonstrates leadership and excellence."
Kayla Pologa Marketing/Partnerships Manager Deer Valley Unified School District (Phoenix, Ariz.) From Kayla's nomination: "She is respected throughout the district for her expertise."	Megan Renihan Communications Coordinator Batesville (Ark.) School  District From Megan's nomination: "Megan has brought a wave of change and efficiency."	Emily Reverman Communications Manager Salem-Keizer (Ore.)  Public Schools From Emily's nomination: "She has an innate ability to share stories through student voice."

Josué Reyna Public Information Director Menifee (Calif.) Union  School District From Josué's nomination: "He is a leader of leaders, making our district better."

Mitchell Roush Director of Communications  and Marketing Grand Island (Neb.) Public Schools From Mitchell's nomination: "He believes in amplifying  student and teacher voices."

Kristin Rozek School and Community  Relations Specialist Green Bay (Wis.) Area Public Schools From Kristin's nomination: "Kristin is detail-oriented but sees the big picture."

Elishia Seals  Educational Sales Consultant Finalsite From Elishia's nomination: "Elishia is a future star and a natural leader."

Eric Steckling Director of Communications and Community Relations Deerfield (Ill.) Public  Schools District 109 From Eric's nomination: "Entering the field at the height of COVID, he rose to the challenge."

Alyssa Teribury Assistant Program  Manager Capital Region BOCES  (Albany, N.Y.) From Alyssa's nomination: "Within a few years, Alyssa has become a true leader."

Juanita I.C. Traughber, APR Communications Director University School  of Nashville (Tenn.) From Juanita's nomination: "Juanita's work shapes the school's brand."

Anakaren Cárdenas Ureño Director of Communications  and Engagement Laguna Beach (Calif.) Unified School District From Anakaren's nomination: "She has honed her communication skills with demonstrated results."

Valonia Walker, APR Chief Communications Officer Hempstead (Texas) Independent School District From Valonia's nomination: "She is a gifted storyteller who creates engagement."

Kelsey Webb Marketing and Public  Relations Coordinator Ohio Hi-Point Career Center  (Bellefontaine, Ohio) From Kelsey's nomination: "Kelsey has a forward-thinking approach to her work."

Paul Weller Director of Media Services Central Indiana Educational  Service Center (Indianapolis, Ind.) From Paul's nomination: "His desire to share stories is inspiring!"

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To be considered for the award, nominees must have:

Nominees must:

• Be age 35 or younger as of the nomination deadline. 
• Have worked in school public relations for at least one year.
• Be a professional or professional partner member of NSPRA.

NSPRA will recognize each honoree with a profile piece in upcoming issues of its monthly Member Memo e-newsletter to association members as well as on its website and social media channels. Honorees will also be recognized at the NSPRA 2023 National Seminar in St. Louis, Mo., in July.

The sixth class of NSPRA's 35 Under 35 program is sponsored by Rhodes Branding.

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View a list of previous 35 Under 35 classes here. For more information about this program, please contact NSPRA Communications Specialist Sarah Loughlin at sloughlin@nspra.org or 301-519-1221.