NAGC Announces the 2026 Association Award Recipients

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

NAGC Announces the 2026 Association Award Recipients 

Washington, DC (8/5/2026) – The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2026 Association Awards, recognizing outstanding educators, researchers, administrators, advocates, and leaders who have advanced gifted and talented education and enriched the lives of gifted learners nationwide. 

The recipients will be honored during the Celebration of Excellence at the NAGC Annual Convention (NAGC26) on Saturday, November 7, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

"Every year, the NAGC Association Awards remind us that meaningful change for gifted learners begins with dedicated individuals who are willing to lead, innovate, and advocate," said John Segota, Executive Director of NAGC. "This year's recipients represent the very best of our profession. Their scholarship, leadership, and service have expanded opportunities for gifted students, strengthened schools and communities, and inspired others to advance excellence and equity in gifted education. We are proud to celebrate their extraordinary contributions." 

The 2026 Association Award recipients are: 

Carolyn Callahan Doctoral Student Award: 

• Alia Pineda Medina, Purdue University 

• Brenda Matos, Purdue University 

• Danielle Moore, University of North Texas 

David W. Belin Advocacy Award: 

• Norma Hafenstein, University of Denver 

Distinguished Service Award: 

• Wendy Behrens, Minnesota Department of Education 

Distinguished Scholar Award: 

• Jack Naglieri, George Mason University 

Early Leader Award: 

• Celeste Sodergren, University of Connecticut 

Gifted Coordinator Award: 

• German Diaz, Milwaukee Public Schools 

• Stacey Plumlee, Springdale School District 

• Tamara Fisher-Ally, Polson School District 

Master's and Specialist Award: 

• Charlotte Bomar, University of Arkansas at Little Rock 

The recipients were selected through a rigorous peer-review process led by NAGC's Awards Committee. The committee's evaluations help ensure that the Association Awards recognize exemplary achievement and lasting contributions to the field of gifted education. 

NAGC congratulates the 2026 Association Award recipients and extends its sincere appreciation to the Awards Committee members and volunteer reviewers for their dedication to recognizing excellence within the gifted education community.