Featuring the 2026 Golden Gribble Honorable Mentions
Each year, #SocialSchool4EDU celebrates the very best in K-12 school storytelling through our annual Golden Gribble Awards.
While this year’s winners earned well-deserved recognition, choosing them was no easy task! Hundreds of creative entries poured in from schools across the country (and beyond!), each showcasing the incredible work happening every day in classrooms and hallways, on fields, and within communities.
The reality is that there were far more great ideas than awards to hand out.
That’s why we’re kicking off this two-part Honorable Mentions series. In this first installment, we’re highlighting 24 standout social media posts that caught our attention for their creativity, connection, engagement, and storytelling. These posts may not have taken home a Golden Gribble trophy, but they absolutely deserve a moment in the spotlight.
Whether you’re looking for fresh content ideas or creative ways to engage families, staff, and your broader audience, these examples are packed with inspiration you can adapt for your own district.
And don’t miss Part 2, where we’ll showcase outstanding school videos that prove authentic storytelling is more powerful than ever.
🏅 Instagram Idol Recognition – Tempe Elementary Schools, AZ – Laura Hallstrom
Tempe Elementary Schools has transformed Instagram into a vibrant storytelling platform where families celebrate students, recognize teachers, and share moments of school pride. The district’s authentic content and consistent school highlights have turned the account into a valuable hub for its community.
Laura shared, “Our Instagram account does more than communicate information—it celebrates the stories that make our schools special and strengthens the connection between our district and the community we serve.“
Why it stood out: Tempe pairs compelling school stories with beautiful photography, consistent branding, and polished Highlight covers to create an Instagram account that’s both engaging and visually cohesive.
Browse Tempe Elementary Schools’ Instagram page:
🏅 Instagram Idol Recognition – Walled Lake Consolidated Schools, MI – Jason Lewis
Walled Lake Consolidated Schools’ Instagram account reflects its “Every Child, Every Day” philosophy through a balanced mix of classroom learning, athletics, performing arts, and student life. Behind the scenes, the communications team tracks coverage across all 21 schools, monitors performance trends, and encourages staff submissions through its “Positive Gossip” campaign.
Why it stood out: Behind every successful Instagram account is a thoughtful system. Walled Lake’s intentional planning and commitment to representing every school create a social media presence that reflects the entire district.
Explore Walled Lake Consolidated Schools’ Instagram page:
🏅 Leadership Connection Recognition – Jordan School District, UT – Sandra Riesgraf
When a school board member noticed a fourth-grade student who looked remarkably like Superintendent Anthony Godfrey, Jordan School District turned the fun coincidence into a playful photo shoot and social media story. The lighthearted post quickly became a favorite with the community, showing a side of the superintendent that people don’t often get to see.
Why it stood out: School leaders don’t always have to be formal. Moments that reveal personality and spark joy make district leadership more relatable.
See this fun post in action:
🏅 Leveraging LinkedIn Recognition – Bishop Miege Catholic High School, KS – Sarah McCambridge
While many schools focus their efforts on Facebook and Instagram, Bishop Miege Catholic High School has found tremendous success by intentionally growing its LinkedIn presence. The school has discovered that alumni, parents, and community members are especially drawn to posts featuring alumni accomplishments, faculty and staff, and the school’s rich history.
The strategy has paid off. Over the past year, LinkedIn interactions have increased by 233%, and the platform has become a valuable way to reconnect with alumni, increase reunion engagement, and even support the school’s fundraising efforts.
Why it stood out: Rather than posting the same content across every platform, Bishop Miege understands its LinkedIn audience and tailors its content accordingly. Every platform attracts a different audience, and its strategy reflects that.
Take a look at a couple of LinkedIn posts that resonated with their audience:
🏅 Little Moments That Matter – Alliance City Schools, OH – Cheyanne Gonzales
On the 102nd day of school, a kindergarten teacher at Alliance City Schools invited her 102-year-old grandmother to speak with students about what life was like growing up a century ago. A few simple photos captured the special visit, and the Facebook post quickly took off, earning more than 38,000 views, 950 reactions, over 90 comments, and 28 shares.
Why it stood out: The best-performing posts aren’t always the ones you plan for. Unexpected moments like this show the meaningful stories happening in our classrooms. And these stories don’t always have to be videos. The simplicity of the photos was great!
Check out the heartwarming post here:
🏅 Little Moments That Matter – Tippecanoe School Corporation, IN – Sue Scott
After noticing a construction worker safely escorting a third-grade student through a road construction zone to her bus stop each morning, Tippecanoe School Corporation partnered with the student’s family, the City of Lafayette, and Bowen Engineering to share the moment. The post struck a chord with the community, generating nearly 78,000 views, 23,000 engagements, and 240 shares.
Why it stood out: Some of the best school stories happen beyond school walls. By shining a light on a simple act of kindness, the district celebrated the people who help care for students each day.
Explore how Tippecanoe School Corporation shared this special moment:
🏅 Little Moments That Matter – Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School, MA – Deb Santos
During a Homecoming football game, Whittier Tech honored longtime coach Kevin Bradley as he battled cancer. Students, staff, alumni, and families came together to show their support, and Deb captured the heartfelt tribute in a social media post that reached far beyond the school community. The story was later featured by NBC News, and messages of encouragement poured in from across the country.
Why it stood out: Social media can do far more than share announcements. It can bring people together around a powerful shared moment. Deb also shared the comments and messages with Coach Bradley throughout his treatment, reminding him that so many people were standing beside him.
See how Whittier Tech honored Coach Bradley:
🏅 Little Moments That Matter Recognition – Bellefontaine City Schools, OH – Krista Adelsberger
Sometimes the simplest posts are the ones that resonate the most. After a teacher snapped a photo of students excitedly watching construction trucks during recess, Krista shared it on social media with a lighthearted caption. Posted on a Sunday evening with no expectations, it unexpectedly became the district’s top-performing post for reach during the first quarter.
Why it stood out: You don’t always need a major event to create strong engagement! Small moments that make people smile often become the stories your community connects with most.
View Bellefontaine City Schools’ post here:
🏅 Little Moments That Matter Recognition – Ysleta Independent School District, TX – Patricia Luna
Students in Hanks High School’s fashion design classes spent the semester crocheting more than 200 pink beanies for local breast cancer patients and survivors. Ysleta ISD celebrated the class’s creativity and compassion with a photo post that generated thousands of views and strong engagement across Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Why it stood out: This story beautifully showcases service learning in action, highlighting how students are using their talents to make a difference beyond the classroom.
See how Ysleta ISD shared this inspiring project:
🏅 Outstanding Photography Recognition – The Montessori School of San Antonio, TX – Chris Noel
Each Friday, Chris shares a “Week in Pictures” post featuring moments from across campus. The beautiful collection of photos has become one of the school’s most anticipated and highest-reaching social media posts, helping families feel seen and connected to school life.
Why it stood out: Strong photography allows every family to see their child and feel that their child belongs.
Browse a week’s collection of photos:
🏅 Outstanding Photography Recognition – Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools, Alberta – Patrick Teskey
While photographing a dress rehearsal for Sister Act: The Musical, Patrick captured the energy and excitement that made the performance so special. The stunning images not only promoted the production but also preserved memories that the entire school community will cherish for years to come.
Why it stood out: Powerful photography communicates emotion. It pulls people into the moment long before they read the caption. These images draw viewers into the story of the performance and invite the community to experience the moment alongside the students.
Take a look at Patrick’s photos from Sister Act here:
🏅 Outstanding Photography Recognition – Moreland School District, CA – Maureen Naylor
Maureen intentionally uses photography to put a face to the district, showing everything from the excitement of the 100th Day of School to the quiet joy of school concerts. Rather than photographing events from afar, she immerses herself in the moment to document genuine expressions that help families feel connected to their children’s school experience.
Why it stood out: Moreland’s photography reminds us that the real magic lies in preserving the feeling behind the moment, not just the moment itself
Here’s a beautiful collection from their 100th Day of School:
🏅 Outstanding Photography Recognition – Rappahannock County Public Schools, VA – Hollyann Jenkins
Hollyann’s photography philosophy is simple: document authentic moments, not posed ones. Using a zoom lens allows her to photograph students from a distance, preserving expressions and emotions without interrupting the experience. Families appreciate the authentic glimpse into school life, and even the local newspaper regularly features her images.
Why it stood out: Sometimes the most meaningful photographs come from quietly observing the moment instead of directing it. Hollyann’s photos capture the joy and curiosity that unfold naturally throughout the school day.
See Hollyann’s stunning photography:
🏅 Outstanding Photography Recognition – The Bear Creek School, WA – Janeen Sorenson
When The Bear Creek School’s boys basketball team made an unexpected run to the state tournament, Janeen was there to document every exciting moment. Her action-packed photos helped fans back home feel like they were part of the experience and became one of the school’s most-viewed carousel posts of the year.
Why it stood out: Exceptional sports photography freezes moments that students and families will remember forever. These images showcase the excitement and determination that make school athletics so special.
Check out these scroll-stopping game-day photos:
🏅 Outstanding Photography Recognition – South Jefferson Central School District, NY – Jessica Sorell
Jessica has made classroom photography a regular part of South Jefferson’s communications, sharing photos from classrooms and school events. Families embraced the images, filling the comments with appreciation and enthusiasm about seeing their children’s everyday experiences highlighted on social media.
Jessica shares, “Photography has always been my favorite tool to tell a story, and now I get to share that with my districts and their communities.”
Why it stood out: Never underestimate the power of showing what happens inside your schools. Consistent classroom photography gives families a window into the learning happening every day.
Browse more moments from South Jefferson:
🏅 Staff Highlight Recognition – Creswell School District, OR – Bethany Scovil
Bethany noticed Ethan, a custodian who wore bright, colorful outfits each day, and discovered a heartwarming reason behind it. Ethan had created a color wheel for elementary students to spin each morning, letting them choose the color he’d wear the next day. His story quickly became a favorite across the district and beyond.
Why it stood out: Every school has unsung heroes with memorable stories waiting to be shared. Taking time to spotlight staff members like Ethan reminds your community that every role makes a difference in students’ lives. Plus, even Ethan commented on the post!
Meet Ethan and his colorful tradition:
🏅 Staff Highlight Recognition – Whitehall School District, WI – Megan Densmore
For Teacher Appreciation Week, Whitehall School District invited students, families, and community members to submit messages of gratitude for their teachers. The district then turned those heartfelt notes into a social media series celebrating educators throughout the week, creating excitement and encouraging even more submissions.
Megan shared, “More than just a recognition effort, it became a moment that brought Whitehall together. It was a chance to celebrate the people who pour so much into our students and help shape the future of our community.”
Why it stood out: This simple idea transformed Teacher Appreciation Week into a district-wide celebration. By inviting followers to participate, the district created memorable content while making staff feel truly seen and appreciated.
Explore how Whitehall celebrated its teachers:
🏅 Storytelling Recognition – Bolivar-Richburg Central School, NY – Jeff Babbitt
After receiving an unexpected email from a former student thanking two staff members for saving his life through their kindness and support, Bolivar-Richburg Central School shared his powerful story with the community. The post reached nearly five times as many people as a typical district post and prompted an outpouring of appreciation for educators.
Why it stood out: Some of the most meaningful messages come from former students. This moving reminder of a teacher’s lasting influence shows that small acts of kindness can change a life forever.
Read this unforgettable story:
🏅 Storytelling Recognition – Beavercreek City Schools, OH – Anaka Rettig
Inspired by a couple celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary after meeting in high school, Beavercreek City Schools invited alumni to share their own school sweetheart stories for Valentine’s Day. The comments quickly filled with photos, memories, and decades of love stories that began in the district’s classrooms and hallways.
Why it stood out: The best content can come from asking a simple question. By inviting the community to share their memories, Beavercreek City Schools created a post filled with meaningful, user-generated content.
See the overwhelming response from alumni and families in this post:
🏅 Storytelling Recognition – Wauwatosa School District, WI – Jessie Tuttle
Jessie attended a small celebration recognizing students in the district’s GED Option #2 program, capturing genuine moments of pride as students celebrated milestones many had worked hard to achieve. The post highlighted their resilience while ensuring a group of students who had often gone unseen finally felt represented in the district’s story.
Why it stood out: Every student should see themselves represented in your district’s communications. This post gives well-deserved visibility to students and programs that might go unnoticed.
See how Wauwatosa celebrated these students:
🏅 Student Highlight Recognition – Ulster BOCES/Kingston City School District, NY – Brendan Bartow
When a student used the Heimlich maneuver to save another student’s life, the district coordinated with multiple departments to surprise him with a special recognition ceremony. The heartfelt post celebrating his quick thinking and courage generated more than 1,000 reactions and widespread community support.
Why it stood out: Extraordinary student achievements deserve to be celebrated. Highlighting stories like this reminds your community of the courage and leadership your students demonstrate every day.
🏅 Student Highlight Recognition – Richfield Public Schools, MN – Laura Hrad
During a section playoff basketball game, a Richfield High School player shattered the backboard with an alley-oop dunk. Even more remarkable? Senior student photographer Isaac perfectly captured the split-second moment when the glass exploded! The district’s post celebrated both the unforgettable play and the talented student behind the camera.
Why it stood out: Sometimes the best posts celebrate more than one person. By recognizing both the athlete and the student photographer, Richfield showcased excellence from multiple perspectives!
Check out these unforgettable photos:
🏅 Successful Social Media Campaign Recognition – Caledonia Community Schools, MI – Kelly Clark
To educate voters ahead of a Non-Homestead Operating Millage renewal, Caledonia Community Schools launched a 59-day communication campaign built around clear, consistent messaging. Branded graphics, superintendent videos, FAQs, Reels, and community conversations made a complex funding topic easier to understand, leading to 64.61% voter approval.
Why it stood out: Complex topics don’t have to be confusing. Caledonia’s campaign demonstrates how consistent branding, transparent communication, and a variety of content formats can build understanding and trust within your community.
Take a look at this comprehensive campaign:
🏅 Successful Social Media Campaign Recognition – Pickens County School District, GA – Jennifer Wilson
To educate voters ahead of its Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (E-SPLOST) renewal, Pickens County School District launched a five-week communication campaign centered around the slogan “One Cent Renewal, Endless Possibilities.”
Through informational graphics, myth-versus-fact posts, educational videos, and community Q&A sessions, the district proactively addressed common misconceptions and kept voters informed. The result? The E-SPLOST VII renewal passed with 69% voter approval!
Why it stood out: By anticipating voters’ questions before they arose, the district addressed them with clear, easy-to-understand messaging.
Explore a few highlights from the campaign:
What These Posts Teach Us
If there’s one takeaway from these 24 examples, it’s that meaningful school communication isn’t about having the fanciest camera, the biggest communications team, or the largest budget. It’s about noticing the moments that matter and giving your community a genuine window into the incredible things happening in your schools.
Congratulations to all of our 2026 Golden Gribble Honorable Mentions! Thank you for inspiring school communicators everywhere to keep highlighting the people and moments that make every school unique.
And don’t forget to come back for Part 2, where we’ll share inspiring school videos that will have you reaching for your phone and hitting record. Join the thousands of subscribers on our email newsletter list so you can be among the first to read it!
