The Indian Hill School District is proud to announce that Chief Communications Officer Heather Higdon has been honored with a 2025 National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) Gold Medallion Award for her innovative entry, Student Ambassadors: Developing K-12 Communications Experienceships. This top national honor recognizes exemplary, strategic school communication programs and is the only award of its kind in the field of school public relations.
Indian Hill’s award-winning submission was selected from among 76 competitive entries submitted by top school communication professionals across the country for the Gold Medallion Awards, winning in the category of Special Communication Project/Campaign. The Gold Medallion program is judged by a panel of seasoned, award-winning, and accredited communication professionals who cited the district’s work as truly exemplary.
“Our students are leading now, and this recognition is a testament to the extraordinary vision, leadership, and collaboration that define Indian Hill’s unique offerings to ensure student success,” said Indian Hill CEO/Superintendent Kirk Koennecke. “Heather Higdon’s creation of the Student Ambassador program embodies our commitment to engaging students in authentic learning experiences. Through this initiative, students develop real-world communications skills and contribute meaningfully to telling both the story of their learning as individuals and our district’s story; now, the nation has taken notice.”
The Student Ambassadors program was designed to provide Indian Hill students in grades K-12 with immersive experiences in communications, storytelling, and media skills working alongside professionals and in collaboration with the district’s Campus Life program and newly launched K-12 Entrepreneurs’ Center. It is among the first of its kind nationally, and it serves as a model for peer districts aiming to elevate student voice and leadership in school communications.
“This award is deeply meaningful because it affirms the value of student voice in our school communications,” said Heather Higdon, Indian Hill chief communications officer. “Our Student Ambassadors are leading the way in crafting the narrative of what it means to be part of the Indian Hill experience. I want to thank both CEO/Superintendent Kirk Koennecke and our Board of Education for believing in and supporting this innovative program and the entire Brave team for working to make it a success. I am honored to represent our district, our team, and our incredible students on a national stage.”
The NSPRA will officially celebrate the 2025 Gold Medallion Award winners during the Gold Medallion Awards Ceremony Luncheon at the NSPRA National Seminar on Wednesday, July 23, in Washington, D.C. The award-winning projects will also be featured on the NSPRA website and across the association’s national platforms.
Photo caption: Indian Hill School District Chief Communications Officer Heather Higdon