Champions of Education Awards
Because every child deserves a champion, we honor those who have courageously made a difference for Arizona youth
Honoring Arizona Champions of Education
The School Connect Champions of Education Awards event honors those who lead with heart and help us to build a brighter future for Arizona youth. Every year School Connect presents awards in 13 categories, including individuals ranging from kindergarten all the way to CEO! Watch our Student Champion of the Year for the K-6 Category, Matthew Simek, to learn how he is a champion for education!
Who is a champion of education?
We believe that champions of education are those who not only have vision for a better world but take action on behalf of our kids. Champions of education include educators and community members who take the time to build relationships, establish trust, and know that what they invest in students travels home with them, and in turn strengthens their families, and ultimately the communities around all of us. Every courageous leader who helps to create a safe space for students, who gathers networks of people to work toward positive change in the world around them, every one of you is helping to start a movement that creates a brighter future for Arizona youth. Join us to honor our champions of education!
Education Awards
Changemaker Award
Superintendent
This Superintendent has taken a stand as a leader – bringing innovative solutions to their entire district; building networks of support across multiple sectors to create diverse and powerful growth in their district. They have cast a clear and compelling vision for their school district and work with diverse community partners to support the initiatives of individual schools as well as district wide strategies of support.
Hero Maker Award
Teacher
This Teacher has built trust, modeled resilience, and cultivated leadership in others to influence not only their classroom, but parents, other teachers, and even outside community members, thus stimulating hope and inspiring courageous leadership for the future. They are also in tune with the needs of students and parents with a clear understanding of how community partnerships can support wraparound services and academic achievement for students and greater parent engagement.
Catalyst for Education Award
Principal
This Principal has sparked collaboration toward a specific change, leading the way as a catalyst that ignites hope and rallies others to champion their school community. They have identified strategic ways community partners can impact their school and built community partners into a village of strategic partnerships that are founded on relationships of trust and win/win collaboration.
Collaborative Leadership Award
School Board Member
This School Board Member has partnered with other leaders to bring unified community engagement and support to their district, building synergy and empowering their board to exceed expected outcomes for their district. They have also cast a compelling vision of the goals and needs of their school district while building strategic partnerships that can drive outcomes in their schools district wide.
Student Champion of the Year
Student (K-6)
This Student exemplifies great-hearted leadership – cheering others on, leading by example, and inspiring his or her fellow student to generosity, perseverance, and the bold leadership required to empower the next generation. They have been fully engaged in their education by bringing their unique gifts and talents to every aspect of learning and are also interested and concerned in the welfare of their peers.
Student Champion of the Year
Student (7-12)
This Student exemplifies great-hearted leadership – cheering others on, leading by example, and inspiring his or her fellow student to generosity, perseverance, and the bold leadership required to empower the next generation. They have been fully engaged in their education by bringing their unique gifts and talents to every aspect of learning and are also interested and concerned in the welfare of their peers.
Because It Takes A Village Award
School
This school has built a diverse network of community partners to support the school, students, and families in its community. Leadership has worked strategically to celebrate community engagement and the school actively tracks progress toward their goals, celebrating every step towards victory!
School Champion of the Year Award
School Champion
This person has become a trusted partner of the school principal and the community. By listening to the strategic goals of the school and needs of the community, they have facilitated collaboration amongst parties, tracked and communicated progress, and celebrated the entire team’s efforts toward student success!
EVENT DETAILS
Event Location
TBD
Event Date & Time
April 27, 2023 | Time TBA
NOMINATIONS OPEN FEBRUARY 2023
Who attends the Awards?
Attendees include award finalists, co-workers and families, and leaders in the community supporting K-12 education
- Nominate an Educator
- Register to Attend
- Sign up to Volunteer
- Sign up to Sponsor
Andrea Worth Wins Founder’s Heart Award 2022
As her award was announced, Dan Steffen, Co-Founder of School Connect, commented that this award mattered so much because you just can’t make people care. But when you see people who do care like Andrea Worth, those who are rising to help close the learning gap, resolve digital equity issues, and make sure every child has access to the education and future they deserve, these people should be celebrated for they inspire the heroes in each of us.
Principal Abraham Gonzalez Wins Catalyst for Education Award
Cheers erupted in the room as Principal Abraham Gonzalez was announced the winner of the Catalyst for Education Award! As a principal of Villa De Paz in the Pendergast Elementary School District, Abraham strives to help his school be the gem of the community for his students!
Coming April 2023!
Community Awards
CIVIC IMPACT AWARD
Local Government
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT AWARD
Local Nonprofit
COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD
Local Business
NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT AWARD
National Nonprofit
BRIDGE BUILDERS AWARD
National Business
HOPE BUILDERS AWARD
Local Faith
FOUNDER’S HEART AWARD
Courageous Leadership
Thank you to our Sponsors!
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School Connect Champions of Education Awards 2023
The School Connect Champions of Education Awards event honors those who lead with heart and help us to build a brighter future for Arizona youth.
