APS Honored Citizens

Since 1975, the Board has recognized special volunteers who have made extraordinary contributions to Arlington Public Schools. The Honored Citizen Award recognizes the countless hours – over many years – that community members spend dedicating their time to a wide variety of school activities and supporting our students and staff.

Each year, the School Board recognizes a select group of individuals who have made outstanding contributions to our schools on a voluntary basis. This honor recognizes individuals who have committed significant time and energy to a broad range of volunteer activities throughout the Arlington school community. They embrace the mission of APS to ensure all students learn and thrive in safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments. They exemplify the core values of the APS Strategic Plan.

Selection Criteria

To be considered, nominees must meet the following criteria:

• Demonstrate a sustained commitment of at least 5 years to Arlington Public Schools
• Demonstrate significant time and energy spent on a broad range of volunteer activities in one or more APS school communities, and that go above and beyond what might reasonably be expected as part of a formal role they may hold (e.g., a PTA president; an afterschool enrichment instructor).
• Foster cooperative relationships
• Contribute to the APS mission and exemplify APS values
• Current APS staff, candidates for public office, and previous recipients will not be considered

The Board will base its decision for this award solely on the submission of a nomination form (when nominations are being taken). Any other information will not be considered. The Board encourages nominators to include a wide variety of supporting documentation to help the School Board better understand the nominee’s outstanding contributions.

Application Information

• A person cannot nominate himself/herself
• A person may nominate more than one candidate
• A person may only submit one application per candidate
• Include a robust narrative describing the nominee’s volunteer activities at APS
• Provide supporting statements and letters of support
• Please fill out the nomination form completely
• The School Board will notify recipients of the Honored Citizens Award directly and will notify nominators if their candidate(s) were selected

**Nominations for the 2026 Honored Citizens will start in January or February of 2026**