2022 Advocacy Award Winners

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Announcing the Recipients of the 2022 Outstanding Advocacy Awards

National PTA is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2022 Outstanding Advocacy Awards!

National PTA is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2022 Outstanding Advocacy Awards!

The annual awards honor state, local and individual PTA advocates for taking action to improve the education, health, safety and well-being of every child.

The honorees will be recognized during the National PTA 125th Anniversary Convention June 14–19.  

Advocacy Award

Outstanding State PTA Advocacy Award

Utah PTA

Utah PTA raised their voice by sponsoring forums, developing informational materials and meeting with government leaders on a wide range of topics—including big tobacco and increased funding for special education, teacher recruitment and student mental health support. They also drafted legislation to assist refugee students in making a smooth transition to living in and going to school across the state.

About the Award 

The Outstanding State PTA Advocacy of the Year Award is awarded annually to one State PTA that through their dedication, leadership & efforts positively affected legislative and/or regulatory policy aligned with National PTA’s public policy agenda. 

Outstanding Local PTA Advocacy Award

Bell Elementary School PTA (Kirkland, Wash.)

Advocacy efforts at their school included a big push to make their playground ADA compliant, so all students could have access and feel included, as well as securing funding to replace old laptops, to support remote learning during COVID-19. Bell Elementary School PTA also advocated for changes to lunchroom requirements that have led to significant reductions in food waste, instituting a composting program and relaunching a food donation program at their school.

About the Award 

The Outstanding Local PTA Advocacy of the Year Award is awarded annually to one local, district, council or regional PTA that through their dedication, leadership & efforts positively affected legislative and/or regulatory policy aligned with National PTA’s public policy agenda. 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advocacy Award

Sussman Middle School PTA (Downey, Calif.)

To celebrate all students and foster a more inclusive environment, Sussman Middle School PTA hosted and supported several initiatives within their school and in the wider community, including providing resources to the Where Everyone Belongs (WEB) club, getting donations for school spirit wear for disadvantaged students, hosting a two-week kindness event, developing materials to raise awareness of autism, partnering with a local nonprofit that works with at-risk youth to offer resources, and restocking the local PTA HELPS food bank.

About the Award 

The Outstanding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion PTA Advocate of the Year Award is awarded annually to one local, district, council or regional PTA that through their dedication, leadership and efforts positively affected legislative and/or regulatory policy aligned with National PTA’s DEI Priorities.

Shirley Igo Advocate of the Year Award

Laura Mitchell (Silver Spring, Md.)

Among her many efforts, Laura Mitchell’s work includes improving awareness of mental health issues and leading efforts to improve access to mental health services for students. Mitchell launched Wheaton Wellness Wednesdays to create a positive mental health culture and organized mental health first aid classes for parents to support themselves and their children. She has supported and developed programs on a variety of issues, including equitable COVID-19 vaccine education and access through community clinics. Mitchell has also developed several education initiatives, including substance use and tobacco prevention, suicide prevention, HIV awareness and LGBTQIA+ student support initiatives.

About the Award 

The Shirley Igo Advocate of the Year Award is awarded annually to one individual who most exemplifies the qualities that made one of PTA’s greatest child advocate leaders, former National PTA President Shirley Igo, a true advocate for all children. Shirley was a model of public service and volunteerism throughout her life. She was an impassioned and compassionate leader, dedicated to moving PTA forward and committed to ensuring that others would follow. 

Outstanding Youth Advocate of the Year Award

Marina Devine Guzmán and Lucia Chico (Coral Gables, Fla.)

Marina Devine Guzmán and Lucia Chico launched The Garden Project, which included a Mental Health Garden, where students can practice mindfulness, as well as a Butterfly Garden, filled with native pollinator plants. The project increased peer involvement in environmental issues; beautified the campus and other areas in their community; increased the number of native plants flourishing in South Florida; and brought together alumni, parents, teachers, counselors and other environmental advocates in support of a common cause.

About the Award 

The Outstanding Youth Advocate of the Year Award is awarded annually to a young person (defined as someone under 18, or still in high school at the time of nomination) who exemplifies the qualities of creativity, leadership, and dedication, and has positively affected policy or change in his or her school or community in a way that aligns with PTA’s mission and goals. The youth individual(s) must be a member of a PTA or PTSA.

PTA Congressional Voice for Children Award

National PTA is pleased to honor Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) with its 2022 Congressional Voice for Children Award. The award recognizes outstanding leadership and commitment to advancing issues impacting children and youth.

The PTA Congressional Voice for Children Award is given to two Members of Congress each year (bicameral, bipartisan) in recognition of outstanding leadership related to child and education advocacy. Congressional award winners are nominated and selected by the National PTA Legislation Committee and National PTA President.



Previous Advocacy Award Winners

2021 Advocacy Awards Winners

2020 Advocacy Awards Winners

2019 Advocacy Awards Winners

2018 Advocacy Awards Winners

2017 Advocacy Awards Winners

2016 Advocacy Awards Winners

2015 Advocacy Awards Winners