2025 Professional Awards Winners

Crossing over from a marketing agency, Bruce Stone has been in school communication for 18 years and has been an all-star employee and mentor. Diagnosed with ALS in August of 2022, Bruce fought the disease all the while continuing to work and give it his all. For his dedication to the profession, Bruce Stone earned the TSPRA Professional Achievement Award. Bruce later shared with his colleague Art De Barrio, “This award was truly my proudest achievement.”

Last year he walked away with two gold medals for his designs and has collected many over the years. He was an instrumental part of the Platinum Award Pasadena ISD received in 2020. For 13 years he has designed the program, cover and t-shirt design for Pasadena ISD’s prestigious Texas Invitational Basketball Tournament.

He designed materials for the 2011, 2014, 2017 and 2022 Bond elections and a TRE. All passed.

This year he migrated over 10,000 web pages from one platform to another meeting with each department individually communicating with them with a tablet since he is no longer able to speak.

Bruce passed away on March 15, 2025. He will leave a lasting legacy as the Professional Achievement Award recipient.

Danielle Clark has been a source of support for members of the Houston-Beaumont area and beyond. Her experience as a leader, innovator, and mover and shaker in the school PR world over the past decade has made a difference in the lives of many.

Danielle epitomizes the attributes of a leader, all with a servant’s heart. She wants the best for others, and through her role in HCDE, she has cultivated a team that benefits many. She has led the charge of increasing the number of APRs in TSPRA and a professional development track for the organization, which is a part of the strategic plan for the next few years. The success of this track during the TSPRA 2024 conference indicates how much of a forward-thinker she is. 

Kayla Brocato represents the highest standard of creativity, dedication, and professionalism in school communications. In just two years with Willis ISD, she has revolutionized the district’s engagement strategies. Kayla developed and maintains a monthly district newsletter that garners thousands of views, ensuring stakeholders are informed and connected. Her writing skills and innovative social media strategies have increased the district’s Facebook reach by 54%, amplifying Willis ISD’s visibility and impact.

Her accomplishments include creating the “Paws of Pride” staff appreciation program, modeled after Walt Disney World’s renowned appreciation initiative, which fosters morale and recognizes excellence among staff. She has also introduced groundbreaking tools such as an automated bus form, which eases first-week transportation logistics, and thank-you note systems, which foster stronger teacher-student relationships. 

Kayla’s analytical expertise shines in her development of surveys and scoring systems, identifying areas for improvement and driving actionable insights. Her bond research on districts across Texas provided Willis ISD with a roadmap for successful bond campaigns. 

Kayla’s ability to blend innovation, precision, and heartfelt communication has elevated Willis ISD’s outreach and effectiveness, making her an invaluable asset to Willis ISD and a worthy recipient of the TSPRA Rookie of the Year Award.

Graysen Reid, Forney ISD Communications Coordinator, was honored as the TSPRA 2025 Bright Idea Award winner in recognition of her innovative work on the district’s annual community nomination and positivity campaign in 2023-2024 “One. Team. Family. Goal.”

The campaign embodies the district’s “people first” core value and has been incredibly successful, generating thousands of positive stories each year and boosting not only staff morale, but parent, volunteer, partner, and community leaders.

Jessica Rajkumar has provided in-depth coverage of the accountability ratings legal battle, the battle in the legislature over vouchers and tackled other controversial issues including public school funding, school safety, bond elections, cell phone bans, vaping, and more. She has made a positive impact in informing the public on education issues through her work. We are grateful for her diligence and honor her work and dedication with the 2025 TSPRA Media Award.

Constable Chris Jones is at the heart of the Magnolia community. Growing up in Magnolia and graduating from Magnolia High, he has made significant contributions and has dedicated himself to serving and helping others. His partnership with the school district has helped shape the culture, and his impact on education is felt inside and outside of the classroom, where he gives his time and talent (cooking) to support students, teachers, and families.

This year, Constable Jones was recognized as the Constable of the Year by the National Constables & Marshals Association. The prestigious award is presented annually to one Constable or Marshal nominated by their peers. 

Chris Jones is committed to building and establishing relationships and believes in doing what is best for students, parents and the community. We celebrate Constable Chris Jones for his commitment to his public schools and community, honoring him with the 2025 TSPRA Partner in Education Award.