PAPSA Distinguished Service Award

Throughout our careers, we have come into contact with people who have gone above and beyond what would normally be expected; thus making outstanding contributions to the field of pupil services. Therefore, in order to recognize and promote excellence in human endeavors in the area of student services in Pennsylvania, nationally, or globally, the Pennsylvania Association of Pupil Services Administrators (PAPSA) has created the PAPSA Distinguished Service Award to recognize pupil services professionals for their exceptional contributions to our field. Please see the criteria below to determine whether someone you have in mind may qualify for this award. If so, please take a moment to fill out the PAPSA Distinguished Service Award Nomination Form, which will be made available December 2025.

Dr. Ted Foor, charter PAPSA member, PAPSA Executive Board member, former PAPSA Treasurer, collaborator with PDE and UCLA, pioneer in our field, and former Penn State Assistant Professor, is the 2026 PAPSA Distinguished Service Award  Recipient.

Recipients of the PAPSA Student Services Distinguished Service Award must be either: (1) A pupil services professional in the state of Pennsylvania who has distinguished himself/herself in the field; (2) A contributor to the field of pupil services whose contributions have made a highly significant positive impact on the delivery of pupil services in the Commonwealth; (3) Someone whose service to the field of pupil services has been considered extraordinary and well beyond that of most others; (4) Recipients need not be a member of PAPSA; and/or (5) Can be either living or deceased.

Each honoree or, if deceased, the appropriate next of kin or designated relative/friend, will be invited to attend the PAPSA Annual Conference; will receive a plaque during the luncheon; and will be provided the opportunity to respond to the recognition. The nominator will also be invited to attend the conference and luncheon. In addition, the honoree’s name and pertinent biographical information will be permanently and prominently displayed in an appropriate area on the PAPSA website.

Nomination Forms for the 2027 PAPSA Distinguished Service Award will Be Open as of December 1, 2026

Click Here on December 1, 2026 to Access the Form

PAPSA Distinguished Service Award Recipients
2026 Dr. Ted Foor
2025 Dr. Michelle Reichard-Huff, Carrie McKernan
2024 Tom Burnheimer, Dr. Adam Oldham
2023 Dr. Frank M. Bruno, Sherry Zubeck
2022 Pamela Vlasaty, Mike Lewis
2020 Brenda Derenzo
2019 Wayne Fausnaught, Brooke Jacobs