Russ Elek of Burlington, Vermont, has been named the New England School Communicator of the year by the New England School Public Relations Association (NESPRA) at the chapter’s annual conference. Elek serves as the Communications & Public Relations Specialist for the Burlington School District (BSD), and has become known in the community for providing video updates on the progress of the new high school and technical center being built in Burlington.
“I am humbled and honored to have received this award,” said Elek. “I love my job, I care deeply about Burlington School District, and I believe in public schools. I wouldn’t be here without the support of so many great teachers who loaned me extra books to read, suggested I participate in writing competitions, and supported my love for public speaking. Public school shaped who I am today, and I feel lucky that I get to spend my days sharing stories about equity, deep learning, academic achievement, and the positive impact students have on their communities.”
In his acceptance speech, Elek reiterated the importance of sharing the good work that happens in schools and fostering equity and inclusion. He cited examples of helping students explain the importance of gender-neutral locker rooms and being overwhelmed by joy when Burlington High School students became just the second school in the county to raise the Black Lives Matter Flag.
“Anyone who has worked with Russ knows this recognition is incredibly well deserved,” said Essex Westford School District Communications Coordinator Ben Dickie, one of Elek’s nominators. “He brings an unmatched level of passion, authenticity, and care to everything he does, and he has a remarkable ability to tell the stories that matter most in public education. Russ builds trust, celebrates students and staff, and helps communities feel connected to their schools in meaningful ways. I’ve learned so much from watching how he approaches this work with empathy, integrity, and purpose, and I often find myself trying to emulate the same energy and commitment he brings every single day. I couldn’t be prouder to see him recognized as the New England School Communicator of the Year.”
“We are thrilled to present the School Communicator of the Year award in recognition of the critical work school communicators do,” said NESPRA President Julia Mitchell. “Russ exemplifies the heart and hard work that strengthen connections between schools, families, and communities. We are thrilled to have him represent New England school communicators.”
Elek will now represent New England, competing against award winners from across the country, in the running to be the National School Communicator of the Year.
Elek was nominated him for the award by Ben Dickie of Essex Westford School District and Meghan Baule of Colchester School District. Elek was presented the award at the New England School Public Relations Association annual conference held in Marlborough, MA, on May 8, 2026. In his remarks, Elek emphasized the connections school communicators build with communities.
About the New England School Public Relations Association (NESPRA)
The New England School Public Relations Association (NESPRA) is the official New England chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA). NESPRA provides networking and professional development opportunities for professionals with PreK-12 communications responsibilities in the six New England states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and bordering Canadian provinces.
Picture courtesy of Lifetouch Photography
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