Creston Superintendent Honored as Communicator of the Year

We are excited to share that Creston Community Schools Superintendent Deron Stender was recently honored as the 2024 Communicator of the Year at the Iowa School Public Relations Association (ISPRA) Fall conference. Family and friends were in attendance for the surprise award. 

Stender shared his appreciation for the recognition. “I am deeply honored to be named the Iowa School Public Relations Association's School Communicator of the Year. This recognition reflects the network of exceptional public school communicators from whom I’ve had the privilege to learn and grow. It also represents the dedication of the Creston Community Schools team, who support our students, staff, and community. This award is a testament to the power of collaboration and our shared commitment to ensuring the best for our schools.”

ISPRA is the state-chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA). Its members include public relations professionals, superintendents, and other educators who wish to grow their communications skills and connect with their peers across the state. They hold two conferences a year, and at its most recent conference in October, they announced that Stender was the recipient of this prestigious award.

ISPRA’s website describes the award in more detail, stating the award recognizes “the exemplary leadership of Iowa’s outstanding communications professionals for demonstrated commitment to the enhancement of communication and relationships between their school systems and the families and communities they serve. The award honors those who recognize that communication is a critical component of leadership.”

ISPRA President Alexandra Wade shared her appreciation for superintendents and other district leaders investing their time in ISPRA. “Deron demonstrates an admirable dedication to communications in his role as superintendent. By consistently investing his time and expertise in collaborating with fellow school communicators, Deron has broadened the impact of his leadership beyond the Creston community,” she said.

If your district is interested in having a representative join ISPRA, you can learn more by contacting SAI Communications Director Laine Buck or by visiting the ISPRA website.