Distinguished Service Award

This award recognizes a member who:

• is employed full-time in school public education, communications and/or public relations for at least five (5) years/60 months;
• is a current and active member of Kansas School Public Relations Association (KanSPRA);
• advocates for public education in Kansas through work in their school district, the State of Kansas and/or nationally;
• remains committed to a creative, dedicated and professional approach to school communications;
• demonstrates excellent personal communications skills, shares expertise and best practices with colleagues, and supports and encourages fellow KanSPRA members in their efforts to promote public education.

Nominations can be submitted by KanSPRA and non-KanSPRA members. Members can only receive this award one time. The award will be presented at the annual state conference in the fall.

KanSPRA Distinguished Service Award honorees:

• 2025 - Alisha Call, Arkansas City Public Schools
• 2024 - Jake Potter, Leavenworth USD 453
• 2023 - Dane Baxa, Goddard Public Schools
• 2022 - Kaci Brutto, Blue Valley Schools
• 2021 - Ken DeSieghardt, Patron Insight
• 2020 - David Smith, Shawnee Mission School District
  
• 2019 - Maggie Kolb, Olathe Public Schools
• 2018 - Martin Weishaar, Auburn Washburn
• 2017 - Kristi McNerlin, Blue Valley Schools
• 2016 - Nancy Horst, Emporia Public Schools
• 2015 - Julie Boyle, Lawrence Public Schools
• 2013 - Keturah Austin, Andover Public Schools
• 2012 - Carol Pitts, Kansas Association of School Boards
• 2012 - Annette Singletary, Goddard Public Schools
• 2008 - Wendy Johnson, APR, Wichita Public Schools
• 2007- Karen McDermott, APR, Maize USD 266