Minnesota Community Education Association

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Member Awards

Awards & Recognition

Every day, MCEA members make a lasting difference in the lives of students, schools, and communities. The Member Awards program celebrates these outstanding educators, leaders, and advocates whose dedication, innovation, and service exemplify the values of our association. We invite you to explore our award opportunities, recognize deserving colleagues, and help us honor the individuals who inspire excellence in public education.

Lifetime Achievement Award

The MCEA Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual with 20+ years of leadership in the field of Community Education who has made exemplary contributions to advance the goals and principles of Community Education locally and throughout Minnesota.

Nominations must include one (1) completed nomination form and up to three (3) letters of support addressing the candidate’s accomplishments in these areas locally and statewide:

    • Professional Achievements
    • Leadership Qualities.
    • Efforts to Foster Collaboration and maximize resources
    • Involvement in Local and Statewide Initiatives
    • Lasting Impact on the Field of Community Education

Complete the online nomination form and email letters of support, no later than Nov. 1:

Please be sure to indicate the candidate’s name on all support letters emailed .

Click here for Lifetime Achievement Award Online Application

1997   Jerry Hughes
1998   Verne M. Melberg, St. Paul
1999    No Award given
2000   Jim Stewart
2001   Marilyn Kerns
2002   Thomas Fish
2003   Dennis L. Carlson
2004   Bridget Gothberg
2005   No Award Given
2006   Dr. William Woods
2007   No Award Given
2008   Nancy Delin & Paul Boranian
2009   Don Kramlinger & Doug Spray
2010    Chuck Klaassen
2011    Mike Looby
2012    Marcia Provencher & Tom McMullen
2013    Duane Gates
2014    Hannah Puczko
2015    Ted Peterson & Tom Holton
2016    Sally Latimer & Harry Weilage
2017    Mary Hughes & Steve Kerr
2018    Pat Thomas & Heidi Cunningham
2019    Katie Williams & Steve Brisendine
2020    No Award Given
2021    Charlie Blesener & Karen Willers
2022    Bob Meyer & Bob Greeley
2023    Jackie Johnston
2024    Karen Schaub
2025    Scott Wallner

Regional Community Educators of Excellence

MCEA recognizes, thanks and celebrates the outstanding contributions made by practitioners and supporters of community education from across Minnesota. Nominees represent the best of the best: persons committed to working together, creating opportunities, persisting through challenges and partnering with others.

  • Nominees must be a practicing Community Educator and a member of MCEA.
  • Nominees must have demonstrated professional and organizational leadership within their MCEA region.
  • Nominees must have provided service to MCEA through their active participation in an MCEA district, regional and state organizational and/or leadership functions and activities.
  • Nominees must have demonstrated active involvement in educational and community affairs.
  • Nominee must be regarded as a role model by MCEA colleagues.



Regional Community Educators of Excellence nominations should be completed by August 1st.

Click here for the online nomination form.

2023 Award Winners:

Region 1 Jennifer Lawhead - Austin Community Education
Community Education Director Austin Community Education

Region 2- Crystal Fleck - New Ulm Community Education
Program coordinator New Ulm Community Education.

Region 3 - Emily Watts - Osseo Area Community Education
Adult Basic Education Program Coordinator at Osseo Area Schools

Region 4 - Jenny Nagy - Prior Lake-Savage Area Community Education
Adult and Community Engagement Coordinator at Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools.

Region 5 - Laurie Thrush - Hastings Community Education
Hastings Senior Center & AWD Coordinator.

Region 6 - Stephen Keeler - Fridley Community Education
Community Education Director - Fridley Public Schools

Region 7 - Tricia Jessen - Bemidji Community Education
School Age Child Care Facilitator at Bemidji Area Schools Community Education.

Region 8 - Kristal Berg - Proctor/Hermantown
Director of Community Education for both Proctor Public Schools and Hermantown Community Schools.

Region 9 Sarah Funk - Pierz
Director of Community Education at Pierz Schools.

Project Award Recipients

Presented to outstanding projects that have exemplified the concept of Community Education.  A project is either a one-time event or an ongoing activity that is associated with a Community Education program. A member of the Board of Directors will present project Awards, at a local school board or advisory council meeting. This creates an opportunity for our members to receive local attention, while providing MCEA the ability to present itself as a statewide organization.

The Awards Committee will be judging your nomination using the following criteria:

  • Cooperation and Teamwork (among people, agencies, institutions and /or organizations)
  • Use of Resources (include people, facilities, funding)
  • Achievement (illustrate the principles of Community Education)
  • Community Impact (how is the community better because of this project?)
  •  

Project Award nominations should be to the MCEA Office no later than Aug. 1

Click here for the Project Award online nomination form.

MCEA Supportive Administrator of the Year Award

Presented to a current superintendent, principal or district-level administrator of schools who has provided invaluable support to community education in his/her own district. Nominees should have a track record of strong community education advocacy and leadership and be well respected amongst their peers.

The Awards Committee will be judging your nomination using the following criteria:

  • Cooperation and Teamwork among community education program and overall school district.
  • Use of Resources (include people, facilities, funding)
  • Examples of how the individual supports the local community education department.
  • District Impact (how is the community education program better because of the support of this individual)
  •  

Please complete the online application form to start the nomination process for the Administrative Partner of the Year Award. Nominations are due by August 1.

MCEA Community Education Partner of the Year Award

 Presented to a current custodian, secretary, school board member, community education instructor, outstanding youth, advisory council member, or civic member/organization supporting or working in any community education program area. 

The Awards Committee will be judging your nomination using the following criteria:

  • Cooperation and Teamwork among community education program and overall school district.
  • Use of Resources (include people, facilities, funding)
  • Examples of how the individual supports the local community education department.
  • District Impact (how is the community education program better because of the support of this individual)
  •  

Please complete the online nomination form to start the nomination process for the Community Education Partner of the Year Award. Nominations are due by August 1.

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