August 14, 2025
This is Principal Amy Griffin popping on our website to post a well-deserved accomplishment for our District that highlights the work Troy Banning, Director of Community Engagement, does. The positive impact Troy has had since starting with Gilbert Schools just three short years ago has been exemplary! Troy is an amazing story teller through his writing, photography, and video productions. The Gilbert School Community is incredibly fortunate to get to see our kids in action, inspiring greatness in everyone around them.
This past spring, Gilbert Schools received many awards thanks to the great work of our teachers, students, coaches, and student-athletes.
The Iowa School of Public Relations Association (ISPRA) announced the award winners from schools all across the state, and we are proud to share that Gilbert Schools came away with NINE awards total. The awards include:
TWO Blue & Gold Awards (The top award)
- Video Series: Gilbert News in 90
- KPrep Science Fun Photo (pictured above)
Award of Excellence
- Photo – Game On Cover Photo of Will Hawthorne
- Writing – Powerful Pedro
- Video – Mizerak Twins Musical Talent
- Video – Go be Great Award (Video of Cheer)
- Best New Website
- Game On: Fall 2024 – its complete content
- Photo: Preschoolers and Pancakes
Troy would not want this credit, and in fact, many times he tells Gilbert staff, “I’m just the storyteller. It’s their accomplishments and their amazing stories that have the impact. I am just so lucky to be surrounded by so many great people here that have these stories to tell.”
In the three years Troy has held this position at Gilbert Schools, he has been able to increase our social media presence and truly ‘tell the story’ of Every Student, Every Day. When asked about these awards, Troy said, “Anybody in my profession would dream of getting to work for a School District like Gilbert. This is a special place, and I get to capture it every day. Being around such enthusiasm and positive energy is something I truly appreciate and means more than any awards ever could.”
Troy also wants to thank Dr. Trujillo and the Gilbert School Board for their unwavering support of his work.
