ODE Establishes the Hòa Nguyễn Impact Awards to Celebrate Student Attendance​

NEWS RELEASE
Date: April 23, 2026
Media Contact:Liz Merah

(Salem, OR) - The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) is proud to announce the launch of the Hòa Nguyễn Impact Awards, established in honor of the extraordinary legacy of State Representative Hòa Nguyễn, who passed away last year. Representative Nguyễn's life's work centered on supporting Oregon students and strengthening the conditions that help them attend school regularly, feel connected, and thrive.

Her advocacy continues to guide statewide efforts to ensure every student is seen, supported, and present. "Representative Nguyễn's legacy reminds us that when we invest in belonging, connection, and opportunity, students show up and succeed," Governor Tina Kotek said. "These awards honor the educators and communities carrying that vision forward every day."

In tribute to her commitment to improving student attendance and well-being, ODE is opening the Hòa Nguyễn Impact Awards for self-nominations. Most categories are open to any eligible public education entity in Oregon, with one category determined directly by ODE.

"On behalf of our family, we're deeply honored to see an award created in Hòa's name," said Tommy Nguyễn, brother of the late Rep. Nguyễn. "She believed that every student deserves the chance to show up, feel supported, and succeed, and she understood that attendance is about so much more than being present. It's about whether a child has what they need to thrive. This award carries forward her life's work and her love for Oregon's students."

Eligible public education entities across Oregon may be recognized in the following categories:

Award Categories

Hòa Nguyễn Impact Awards

Most Improved Regular Attendance: This award will be determined and awarded by ODE. No nomination is required. It recognizes the percentage-point increase in overall regular attendance from the 2024-25 school year to the 2025-26 school year, based on ODE's May 1 data collection.

Self-Nomination Award Categories

• Most Innovative Attendance Practice: Celebrates creative strategies that remove attendance barriers, including transportation solutions, culturally relevant engagement, wellness supports, and community partnerships.
• Attendance Champion: Recognizes sustained, multi-year excellence in improving regular attendance. Eligible entities must demonstrate increased attendance annually for five consecutive years, beginning with the 2021-22 school year.
• Student and Family Partnership Award: Honors collaborative models that center students, families, caregivers, and community partners as co-designers of attendance solutions.
• Equity Impact Award: Recognizes meaningful progress toward closing gaps particularly for focal student groups in K-12 regular attendance.

Why These Awards Matter

Improving regular attendance is deeply relational work that requires partnership, creativity, and a belief in every student's potential. The Hòa Nguyễn Impact Awards highlight the innovation, resilience, and collaboration happening across the state; efforts that are helping build a more equitable education system where every student belongs.

"Across Oregon, educators and communities are demonstrating what's possible when we center students and families in our work," said Dr. Charlene Williams, Director of ODE. "We look forward to celebrating the impact these efforts are yielding statewide."

ODE encourages all eligible entities to share their stories and apply by May 22, 2026. These awards celebrate the dedication, effort, and excellence of our school communities in improving attendance. Although they carry no monetary prize, their value lies in the recognition they provide and the lasting impact they represent. Award recipients will be announced in fall 2026 and recognized for their contributions to advancing student attendance, connection, and success across Oregon.

Full information about the Hòa Nguyễn Impact Awards and eligibility requirements are available online.

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