NSPRA is pleased to announce Catherine Carbone Rogers, APR, chief communications officer for Highline Public Schools in Burien, Wash., as the recipient of the 2023 Barry Gaskins Mentor Legacy Award. She will be honored at the NSPRA 2023 National Seminar during the General Session on Tuesday, July 18, in St. Louis, Mo.

The annual award, named for NSPRA past-president Barry Gaskins, APR, recognizes a practicing school public relations professional for outstanding efforts in mentoring colleagues new to school public relations; providing counsel and advice on job success; and assisting colleagues in their professional development by creating or providing programs and activities designed to improve PR skills and knowledge.

“Catherine has provided guidance, support and encouragement for a countless number of school public relations professionals over the years,” said NSPRA Executive Director Barbara M. Hunter, APR. “From colleagues in her district to school public relations professionals across the nation, she provides her widely sought counsel and expertise without hesitation, which has proven invaluable to so many during a time of ongoing change.” 

Over the course of her more than 20 years in school communications, Carbone Rogers’ commitment to school PR, the professional development of colleagues and to serving others has been a signature aspect of her career. 

“Catherine exudes servant leadership, superior professionalism and a keen talent for developing others,” said Ivan Duran, Ed.D., superintendent for Highline Public Schools. “She is deeply invested in building the capacity of her team through mentorship and professional development, and mentors and supports her cabinet peers and school principals as they build their own communication capacity.”

Carbone Rogers’ approach to mentorship and development embodies the spirit of the Barry Gaskins Mentor Legacy Award.

“Catherine selflessly gives her time, insight and advice to colleagues near and far,” said Curtis Campbell, communications manager for Puyallup (Wash.) School District. “I’ve called upon her countless times over the years for advice, perspective and support, just as I know many school PR professionals across the country also have. She is a true ‘phone-a-friend’ lifeline for so many of us. She does this because she wants to make a difference and cares about us as professionals and human beings. It’s at the core of who Catherine is.”

Carbone Rogers currently serves as a member of NSPRA’s Communication Equity and Diversity Task Force and has been recognized for work in school communications with the association’s Golden Achievement Award and Publications and Digital Media Excellence Award. She previously served as president of the Washington School Public Relations Association (WSPRA) in 2016-2017.

Visit www.nspra.org/gaskins to learn more about this award.