Overview of KASA's Leadership Awards

Please accept our invitation to nominate individuals from your school district for one of KASA's distinctive awards. By doing so, you help us recognize Kentucky's outstanding school administrators and support staff for the commitment and passion they exude. We seek to honor the very best leaders in education for the visionary and exemplary manner in which they perform their daily tasks. They have devoted their lives to educating Kentucky's children, and they deserve our earnest thanks.

Learn more about an award and submit nominations below

Presented to an individual who is retired (or will retire with the close of the current school year), and has exhibited exemplary education leadership ability and brought honor to his or her colleagues, the profession, and KASA.

Administrator of the Year Award | Past Recipients
Recognizes one building level and one district level school administrator who has made outstanding educational contributions in Kentucky’s public schools through exceptional leadership and service to the association

Office Professional Award | Past Recipients
This award is presented to an office professional who has contributed significantly to the efforts of a school or district administrative team. The award recipient will be recognized during Office Professionals Week and receive a $500 gift.

Fred Award | Past Recipients  
Inspired by well-known author Mark Sanborn, the award is named in honor of Fred Shea, the subject of Sanborn’s national bestseller, The Fred Factor. The award seeks to honor an individual who exudes a Fred-like spirit of service, innovation, and commitment to others, positively influencing and impacting the lives of those in the school community.

Superintendent of the Year Award | Past Recipients
The Superintendent of the Year Award allows KASA to recognize and honor Kentucky’s superintendents for the contributions they make every day advocating for public education, our children, and our future.

William T. Nallia Award
Presented annually to an education leader who reflects a spirit of innovation and cutting-edge leadership while bringing higher levels of success and learning to all children.


Telescopic Award
The Telescopic Award is given to those who are visionary in their dedication to improving education.


Friend of Education Award
Presented periodically to individuals who have gone the extra mile during their careers to foster and promote public education in Kentucky. 


Benny Dunning Pay It Forward Student Scholarship
The Benny Dunning Pay It Forward Scholarship is awarding $2,500 to two seniors from Kentucky public high school. The scholarship is designed to help students in need who plan to attend college in the fall. The award must be applied toward student’s tuition expenses for attending a Kentucky college/university, technical school, or other institution of higher learning.