Nominations Have Closed
Tell us about a student, teacher, principal, superintendent, or school board member who has inspired you with their ability to beat the odds, solve problems creatively, and help their communities thrive! Nominate them for a Champion of Education Award! See the details below!
You know heroes just like Nerissa!
Across Arizona, champions are hard at work supporting our school communities! School Connect is inspired by the passion, vision, and daily dedication of countless students in our local communities. They rise to the challenge day after day, much like Nerissa Felix, one of our top 3 finalists for Student Champion of the Year 2021. Her accomplishments in the classroom went beyond being kind and having a positive attitude; she is a galvanizer, a project manager, and a role model – constantly asking the question, “Why not me? How can I make a difference for other people?”
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!
Join Our Village
Doing this alone is impossible; it takes all of us working together to make a difference.
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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.