Communications Department Earns National Recognition
The Highline Communications Department earned 12 awards in the 2026 National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) awards program, including the association's highest communication recognition and eight awards of excellence. This reflects the hard work and dedication of the entire team.
Each year, NSPRA recognizes individuals whose contributions have had a positive and lasting impact on school public relations and education while celebrating the year’s best work in school communication.
Gold Medallion Awards
The Gold Medallion is NSPRA's top program award, recognizing superior comprehensive and strategic school communication programs.
- Bond/Finance Campaign: Highline Education Levy
Golden Achievement Awards
The Golden Achievement Award recognizes exemplary work in all aspects of school communications, marketing and engagement.
- 2024-25 Strategic Communications Plan
Publications and Digital Media Excellence Awards
The Publication and Digital Media Awards recognize outstanding tactical materials such as publications, newsletters, videos, podcasts, websites, social media and more.
Award of Excellence
- Annual Report: 2024-25 Annual Report
- Branding/Image Package: 2025 Highline Education Levy Renewal
- Writing: Joint Message: Standing Strong Together
- Newsletter: Keeping Our Promise - Bond Email Newsletter
- Social Media: Hispanic Heritage Month at Highline
- Social Media: Schools of Choice
- Social Media: Future Ready Fest - Take the Next Step
- Video (Series): Class of 2025: Leaders Shaping Tomorrow
Award of Merit
- Special Purpose Publication: Highline Quarterly Community Mailer
- Video (Singular): Coding Their Future: College-Level Coding in High School
National School Communicator of the Year
Highline Public Schools Chief Communications Officer Tove Tupper, APR, has been named one of four finalists for the 2026 National School Communicator of the Year Award, one of the highest individual honors presented by NSPRA.
The award recognizes communications leaders whose strategic leadership has made a lasting impact on their schools and communities.
For more than a decade, Tove has supported and led Highline’s communications efforts, helping guide messaging during major initiatives and challenges, including Highline’s 2024 cyber incident.
“Tove balanced transparency and caution,” said Superintendent Dr. Ivan Duran. “Her approach preserved trust and empathy among stakeholders during uncertainty.”
She also oversees strategic communications and community engagement aligned with the Highline Promise, strategic plan and commitment to transparency.
“Tove represents the very best of our profession,” wrote the Washington School Public Relations Association Board in support of her nomination. “She is a strategic, thoughtful, and deeply respected leader.”
The National School Communicator of the Year will be announced at the NSPRA National Seminar in July.
Read more about Tove and why she was selected as a finalist.