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Celebrating Advocacy and Inclusivity in Education

On January 27, 2025, the National PTA proudly announced the recipients of its prestigious awards for Outstanding Advocacy and Diversity in Education. These awards honor the relentless efforts of PTAs and their advocates who strive to enhance the education, safety, and well-being of every child while ensuring that the voices of all communities are respected and represented.

Outstanding Advocacy Award Winners

North Carolina PTA: A Beacon for Public Education

The Outstanding State PTA Advocacy Award was presented to North Carolina PTA, a commendation well-deserved due to its unwavering commitment to public education reform. Amidst challenges faced by the state, which ranks low in education funding, the North Carolina PTA has emerged as a critical leader advocating for necessary changes. Their campaign, in collaboration with the state government, focuses on securing increased funding for public schools, enhancing teacher salaries, and halting expenditures on private school vouchers until true equity in public education is reached.

Hillsborough County Council PTA/PTSA: A Community United

The Hillsborough County Council PTA/PTSA in Florida received the Outstanding Local PTA Advocacy Award for its effective community mobilization efforts to secure sustainable funding for local schools. Through a comprehensive advocacy plan that brought together educators, community members, and local organizations, they successfully rallied support for Hillsborough Referendum #2. With 66.5% of the vote in favor, their initiative ensured competitive pay for educators and essential resources for classrooms, showcasing the power of dedicated community collaboration.

Adams Middle School PTSA: Fostering Inclusivity

In recognition of its commitment to diversity and support for every student, Adams Middle School PTSA in Redondo Beach, California, was awarded the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advocacy Award. Their innovative multicultural events have transformed their school's culture into one that celebrates all identities. New initiatives, such as low-sensory activities for neurodivergent students, have significantly improved engagement, making them a model for schools district-wide.

Advocate of the Year: Lisa-Marie Hadeen

The Shirley Igo Advocate of the Year Award celebrated Lisa-Marie Hadeen of the European PTSA, based in Germany. Lisa-Marie has dedicated her efforts to improving safety measures in DoDEA schools, advocating for emergency services at high school sporting events following concerning incidents. Her determination has led to significant improvements in medical support at games, reflecting her commitment to student well-being.

Outstanding Youth Advocate: Paree Raval

Paree Raval, a student from Bellevue, Washington, was acknowledged for her passionate advocacy concerning access to quality education and mental health resources. During her impactful efforts, she actively participated in policy discussions, influencing vital funding decisions to bolster educational support across her district.

Jan Harp Domene Diversity and Inclusion Award Recipients

Franklin Elementary PTA: Bridging Communities

With a strong focus on diversity, Franklin Elementary PTA in Provo, Utah, demonstrated remarkable growth in membership, particularly among male and Latino attendees. Their inclusive approach has addressed critical community needs, exemplified by their successful advocacy for dog waste stations, emphasizing the importance of diverse voices in identifying local issues.

Special Education PTA of Old Bridge: Inclusive Engagement

The Special Education PTA of Old Bridge, New Jersey, has made strides in fostering inclusiveness by inviting diverse voices and hosting accessible community events. By translating resources and focusing on diverse participation, they ensure that every family feels represented and supported.

Willow Glen Elementary PTA: Breaking Barriers

In San Jose, California, Willow Glen Elementary PTA has adopted a multi-faceted approach to inclusivity. Their strategies, from engaging native Spanish speakers to providing accessible communication channels, have created an inviting atmosphere for every family.

A Call to Action

As these remarkable initiatives reflect, advocacy in education is crucial for building caring, inclusive communities. National PTA President Yvonne Johnson emphasized, "The efforts of these PTAs provide voices for every child, ensuring their right to thrive in a supportive environment."

The recipients of the 2025 Outstanding Advocacy Award will be formally recognized at the upcoming National PTA Virtual Legislative Conference, scheduled for March 4-6, 2025.

For more information on the National PTA and these remarkable achievements, visit PTA.org.