Congratulations to Stacy Tapp, Chief of Communication & Community Engagement for the Racine Unified School District, who has been named WSPRA's 2023 Mary Pat Pfeil School Communicator of the Year!

Stacy was chosen by the WSPRA Board of Directors from a group of eight exemplary nominations representing school public relations professionals throughout the State of Wisconsin. This award  recognizes the outstanding leadership and contributions of active, front-line school communicators who work full-time in school districts or education service agencies. Nominations focus on four areas: Leadership, Communication, Professionalism and Community Involvement.

Emily DeBaker, WSPRA President-Elect and colleague of Stacy’s at Racine Unified School District, shared the following during the announcement of the award:

Stacy has consistently gone above and beyond to foster a culture of open and honest communication with all stakeholders. She has become a source of inspiration, demonstrating the power of effective communication as a tool for positive change.

Whether it’s through organizing district events, drafting strategic communication, helping staff navigate different processes or dealing with one Snapchat threat after the other . . . Stacy understands that communication is truly a two-way street. And every day she works to ensure that she has created a safe and welcoming environment where everyone feels their voice matters.

As school communicators we wear many hats. But perhaps one of the most valuable hats gets put on in times of crisis and uncertainty. It’s in these times that we must be the calm, thoughtful and intentional voice in the room. We must be a pillar of strength… and provide clear, timely information to parents, students and staff. We have to think not only about right now… but hours, days, sometimes even weeks from now. Stacy makes this work look easy. She is a source of comfort when needed most… she shows unwavering dedication to keeping us connected and informed, even when faced with the most unprecedented challenges.

Although not your traditional educator per say, Stacy has a passion for education… and it shines through in every word she writes or speaks. She makes complex information… and the 187 educational acronyms used daily… easy to understand. And she does it in a way that inspires all of us… and reminds us… especially me…why we come to work every day… why we answer our phones on nights and weekends…why we do what we do.

Stacy has been in School PR for 14 years. In 2015 she earned her APR from the National School PR Association and served as a WSPRA Board of Director from 2011 to 2023.

As our state level winner, Stacy is eligible to compete for the first ever National School Public Relations Association Communicator of the Year Award to be announced at the National Seminar in Seattle in July 2024. Stacy receives free registration for the 2024 WSPRA Fall Conference as well as a NSPRA Professional Level Membership for 2023-24.

More about the WSPRA School Communicator of the Year Award is available on the WSPRA website.