May 2025 A-GAME Gala: Award Winners and Gala Photo

The 2025 A-GAME Award Gala was an unforgettable evening of inspiration, connection, and celebration. Held during the A-GAME Convening in Atlanta, the event brought together visionary authorizers and partner organizations who are leading the way in redefining charter school accountability.

With a red carpet welcome, elegant atmosphere, and a powerful spirit of gratitude, the gala honored outstanding contributors from across the A-GAME community. From data-driven innovation to implementation excellence, each finalist exemplified what it means to set meaningful goals and support schools in ways that truly matter.

We are deeply grateful to all of our nominees for their incredible work and dedication—and we extend our warmest congratulations to this year’s award winners!

Award Winners:

Category	Winner
Visionary Leadership Award	Jody Ernst Momentum Strategy & Research
Outstanding School Leader	Monica White Elevate Charter Schools
Champion of Student Success	Edward Emmett Positive Outcomes
Innovator in School Improvement	Sara Khan & Steven Bartholomew New Legacy
Best Practice in A-GAME	Corina Chavez, Patricia Gipson & Rebekka Burt New Mexico PED
Implementation Excellence Award	Lindsay Omlor Education One at Trine University
Responsive Goals	Cheli Nye, Darryl Brown & Indra Ciccarelli LACOE
Indicators of Distress	Tomeika Bowden, Kirsten James, Michele Gray & Melodi Sampson DC PCSB
Data Driven Excellence	Diana Diaz & Claire Piper Arizona Autism Schools
A-GAME Pioneer Award	Johanna Medina Arizona Charter Schools
Trailblazer Award	Ryan Marks & Terry Croy-Lewis Colorado Charter Schools Institute
Dissemination Champion	Jamie Garwood Ball State University