ALLENTOWN, PA (Tuesday, April 15, 2025) – Allentown School District is thrilled to announce that Melissa Reese, Communications Manager, has been honored with the prestigious School Communicator of the Year Award by the Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association (PenSPRA<https://penspra.com/>). The organization recognizes Melissa for her communication expertise and contributions to Allentown and the public relations field.
Melissa was presented with the award at the PenSPRA annual symposium in State College, Pennsylvania. This accolade celebrates public relations professionals who demonstrate outstanding expertise, ethical conduct, and a commitment to advancing the practice of public relations.
“We are incredibly proud of Melissa Reese for receiving this well-deserved recognition,” said Dr. Carol D. Birks, Superintendent/ Chief Executive Officer. “Melissa has demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and leadership in school communications. She is an integral part of our leadership team, shaping and enhancing the communication strategies that serve as the foundation of our connection with the community.”
Since joining the Allentown School District in 2017, Melissa has played a pivotal role in fostering strong connections with families, staff, and community members, and ensuring transparent and timely information dissemination to the entire learning community. Her innovative approaches and dedication have been instrumental in building bridges between the District and its broad community of families, educators, and local partners, and improving educational opportunities for all students. Her open and honest communication style has earned her the respect of media outlets, community organizations, and families.
“It is an honor to receive this recognition from PenSPRA,” said Melissa Reese, Communications Manager, Allentown School District. “I am deeply grateful to be part of a school district that values transparency, innovation, and authentic communication. We work so hard to build meaningful relationships with our staff, students, and families, and I share this award with my dedicated colleagues who inspire me every day. This recognition reflects our shared belief that strong communication builds stronger schools and communities.”
Melissa’s tenure with the Allentown School District has been marked by significant achievements, including her leadership in communicating the District’s Strategic Plan, “Lighting the Way: A Blueprint for Innovation and Excellence 2030,” and her spearheading of the complete overhaul of the District’s website. Her ability to develop clear, accurate, and timely messages has been pivotal in fostering a welcoming Learning Community.
Under Melissa’s guidance, the District has also earned numerous awards from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA<https://www.nspra.org/>) and PenSPRA, including multiple recognitions for video production, graphic design, crisis management, and social media campaigns. As part of this recognition, Melissa will represent PenSPRA at the NSPRA Seminar in July and is in the running for NSPRA’s 2025 Communicator of the Year.
“Melissa Reese represents the very best of school public relations—insightful, compassionate, and relentlessly committed to the communities she serves. Her work in Allentown and across the state embodies what it means to be a trusted communicator and a true leader,” said Christa Fazio, Executive Director, PenSPRA. “Whether she’s guiding families through complex changes, mentoring peers across the state, or sharing her expertise on a national stage, Melissa consistently raises the bar for all of us in the profession. The PenSPRA board was incredibly proud to name her the 2025 School Communicator of the Year, and we cannot wait to see her take the stage at NSPRA representing Pennsylvania with the excellence she brings to everything she does.”
About the Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association (PenSPRA):
The Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association (PenSPRA) was chartered in 1969 and is an organization of school public relations professionals whose goal is to improve educational communication and support student achievement through systematic, proactive, and responsible public relations programs. Members are highly respected regional, state, and national leaders committed to quality public relations for schools.
PenSPRA provides a forum for the professional development of its members and is a valuable network and support organization. Communication and school issue workshops, seminars, and special programs are conducted throughout the state and in conjunction with the National School Public Relations Association, Pennsylvania School Boards Association, and the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials.
Information provided to TVL by:
Ronald Simonson, M.Ed.
