Minnesota's
School Communicator of the Year Award
The MinnSPRA School Communicator of the Year Award recognizes exemplary leadership of Minnesota’s superb communications professionals who demonstrate their commitment to strengthening relationships between their district, families and the community they serve. This award honors those who value communication as a crucial role for their stakeholders. The award will be presented at the 2026 MinnSPRA Spring Conference and is open to all members in good standing who have worked in the field of school public relations for at least five years (since Jan. 1, 2021, or earlier).
Nominees will be judged by a panel of school PR professionals on the following criteria:
- Leadership: Demonstrates leadership in successfully meeting the communication needs of their school system or educational service agency.
- Communication: Exemplifies strength in both personal and organizational communication.
- Professionalism: Shows constant improvement of knowledge and skills, while providing professional development opportunities and mentoring to others.
- Community Involvement: Regularly participates in their community activities, with an understanding of regional, national, and international issues.
- Credibility: Is highly valued and recognized as an advocate for their district and beyond.
- Equity: Champions communications initiatives that support their district’s strategic priorities and DEI work.
- Strategy: Demonstrates a thorough understanding of RPIE principles and effectively uses them to help achieve district strategic priorities.
The MinnSPRA winner will also be nominated for NSPRA’s School Communicator of the Year Award and will receive a scholarship of up to $1,500 to be used for the registration fee and certain expenses associated with attending the NSPRA National Seminar in New Orleans in July 2026.
The nomination period for MinnSPRA's 2026 School Communicator of the Year Award is now closed. The winner will be announced at the 2026 Spring Conference, held April 29-30 at the Hanifl Performing Arts Center in White Bear Lake. Register for the conference today!
Meet the Newest Winner
Celi Haga, APR, named Minnesota's 2026 School Communicator of the Year
The Minnesota School Public Relations Association (MinnSPRA) honored Minnesota’s best school communications professionals and leaders who champion the profession at its 2026 spring conference, “Center Stage,” April 29-30 at the Hanifl Performing Arts Center in White Bear Lake.
Celi Haga, APR, chief of staff and executive director of strategic communications for Eastern Carver County Schools, received MinnSPRA’s highest honor, the School Communicator of the Year Award. She is among the candidates now vying for the National School Public Relations Association’s (NSPRA) School Communicator of the Year Award, which will be presented this summer.
MinnSPRA’s School Communicator of the Year Award recognizes an exemplary school PR leader who demonstrates a commitment to strengthening relationships between their district and its constituents. Haga has served the Eastern Carver County Schools community since 2019. A passionate advocate for public education, she believes strongly in the role of effective communications in elevating the work educators and staff do daily to improve outcomes for every child.
In nominating Haga for this award, Eastern Carver County Schools Superintendent Dr. Erin Rathke wrote, “Celi Haga is a mission-driven leader who exemplifies the power of strategic communication in public education… She has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to connect, influence and inspire across all levels of an organization — from community stakeholders to school board members to state legislators.”
A sought-after presenter at national seminars and conferences, Haga brings more than 25 years of public and private sector experience in public affairs, government relations and communications to the role. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Macalester College and an MBA from Alverno College. Haga currently serves as president on the MinnSPRA Board of Directors, where she leads implementation of the organization’s strategic plan and advocates for public education through public relations leadership.
Winners
2026
Celi Haga, APR
Chief of Staff and Executive Director of Strategic Communications Eastern Carver County Schools
2025
Donnie Belcher
Executive Director of Communications & Engagement Minneapolis Public Schools
2024
Dirk Tedmon, APR
Executive Director of Marketing & Communications Eden Prairie Schools In July 2024, Dirk was also named the recipient of the first-ever NSPRA School Communicator of the Year Award. Congratulations, Dirk!
