MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) will honor three staff members later this month as the inaugural recipients of its new “People. Purpose. Pride. — Building for the Future Leadership Awards,” recognizing individuals whose leadership and service reflect the district’s core values and long-term vision for the future.

The awards are designed to celebrate staff and community leaders who strengthen school communities, advance student success and help strengthen MMSD as a destination school district.

This year’s recipients are:

• Sonia Spencer, senior coordinator of strategic partnerships, recipient of the “People” award
• Kirsten Fruit, fifth grade dual-language immersion teacher at Lincoln Elementary School, recipient of the “Purpose” award
• Nkaujnou Vang-Vue, principal of Lake View Elementary School, recipient of the “Pride” award

“These awards recognize the people who bring our values to life every day through their leadership, compassion and commitment to students,” said Superintendent Joe Gothard. “They each represent a different aspect of what makes MMSD strong, but all three share a deep belief in the potential of our students and the importance of public education.”

The “People” award recognizes individuals who build meaningful relationships and strengthen community connections. The “Purpose” award honors those who demonstrate exceptional commitment to student learning and growth, while the “Pride” award celebrates leadership that inspires school communities and reflects the district’s vision for the future.

The awards were created not only to celebrate excellence, but also to elevate the people helping shape the future of MMSD through collaboration, innovation and service.

“Our staff members do extraordinary work every day, often without recognition,” Gothard said. “This celebration is an opportunity to pause and honor individuals whose impact reaches far beyond their classrooms, schools and departments. They help define who we are as a district and where we are headed together.”

Recipients will be recognized during the “People, Purpose, Pride — Building for the Future Leadership Celebration” on Thursday, May 28, at TruStage in Madison. The event will bring together staff, community members and district partners to celebrate leadership and service across MMSD.

The awards are expected to become an annual tradition aligned with the district’s strategic vision, MMSD: Excellence Together, and its ongoing Building for the Future initiative.

For more information about Building for the Future, including a list of upcoming community engagement sessions, please visit the MMSD website.

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 7,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.