Outstanding Local PTA Advocacy Award

Hillsborough County Council PTA/PTSA (Hillsborough County, Fla.)

Hillsborough County Council PTA/PTSA led the charge to secure sustainable funding for their local public schools through Hillsborough Referendum #2. The PTA united community members, educators and key partners in support of the critical initiative to ensure competitive pay for teachers, bus drivers and school staff, as well as funding for essential classroom resources and enrichment programs. Collaborating with partners such as the Hillsborough Public Education Coalition, Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association, Families for Strong Public Schools, Hillsborough County Public Schools and the League of Women Voters, Hillsborough County Council PTA/PTSA executed a comprehensive advocacy plan that included community education sessions, voter information campaigns, social media outreach and storytelling to rally broad-based support. Their efforts culminated in a resounding victory, with 66.5% of voters approving the referendum—a remarkable outcome in a divided political climate. Hillsborough County Council PTA/PTSA’s campaign not only secured vital funding but also highlighted the collective strength of a community united in prioritizing educational equity and excellence for all students.

Shirley Igo Advocate of the Year Award

Lisa-Marie Hadeen (European PTSA)

As president of European PTSA and vice president of Landstuhl Elementary School PTA in Germany, Lisa-Marie Hadeen has worked to address both the immediate needs of local school communities and broader policy issues across Department of Defense schools (DoDEA) in Europe. In particular, she has taken on significant advocacy efforts aimed at improving the safety and well-being of students and families. One of her most impactful efforts has been advocating for enhanced emergency services at high school sporting events. This became a pressing concern following multiple accidents, including a serious incident within her own community during football season. The situations revealed a lack of consistent medical support at games, putting student-athletes at unnecessary risk. Hadeen’s advocacy has focused on urging DoDEA leadership to establish clear and actionable policies requiring on-site emergency services. Thanks to her advocacy, medical tents have been established on the sidelines at football games and active duty EMT personnel have been present to provide immediate care when needed. Hadeen remains committed to ensuring that comprehensive emergency support becomes a standard for all sports across DoDEA schools.

PTA Congressional Voice for Children Award

National PTA is pleased to honor Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and Representative Lucy McBath (D-GA-06) with its 2025 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.