Rural Advocacy Award
Recognizing individual educators, legislators, business/industry leaders, and community leaders.
The Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance (WiRSA) Board of Directors established this award to recognize an individual educator, legislator, business/industry leader, or community leader in Wisconsin who has devoted significant time and contributed substantial effort to strengthen and preserve rural schools in Wisconsin.
2025 WiRSA Advocacy
Person of the Year Award Winner!
Lexi Allen - Rural Advocacy Person of the Year!
Rhinelander School District
The Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance (WiRSA) proudly announces Lexi Allen, College and Career Counselor at the School District of Rhinelander, as the recipient of the 2025 WiRSA Advocacy Award. In just two years, Allen has transformed the district’s Academic and Career Planning program into a student-centered model that provides every student with a personalized roadmap for success beyond high school. Her leadership has also built lasting partnerships with employers, expanded career-connected learning opportunities, and inspired regional collaboration to strengthen rural college and career readiness. Allen’s work is reshaping education in Rhinelander and serving as a model across northern Wisconsin.
(Press Release)
2024 WiRSA Advocacy
Person of the Year Award Winner!
Joëlle Doye - Rural Advocacy Person of the Year!
Mineral Point School District
Presented by WiRSA board member Patti Vickman
2023 Rural Advocacy Award Winner
Heather Fish (WiRSA President) PRESENTED McFarlane Manufacturing, Inc.
(Sauk Prairie) The Rural School Advocacy Award
2022 Rural Advocacy Award Winner
Heather Fish (WiRSA President) PRESENTED Jeremy Biehl (CESA 5)
The Rural School Advocacy Award