PPHS Celebrates Big Wins at the 2025 Speddy Awards: Student, Staff & Leadership Shine
PPHS CEO, Chief of Exceptional Learners, educators, and student award-winner Edmund Reece strikes a celebratory pose at the 2025 Speddy Awards.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – May 21, 2025 — We're excited to celebrate an evening of excellence, inspiration, and recognition at the 5th Annual GSEA “Speddy” Awards — known as Indiana’s "Oscars of Education!" Held at Newfields: The Indiana State Museum of Art on Tuesday, May 20, this prestigious gala honored the students, educators, and leaders transforming the future of education across the state.
The Speddy Awards is Indiana’s largest celebration of students in special programs. Each year, this formal dinner and awards reception honors excellence in special education and language learning by recognizing educators, administrators, therapists, students, and advocates who go above and beyond to make a difference. This year’s theme honored those who 'shape minds and shape the future,' and PPHS proudly took center stage.
From students to school leaders, the PPHS community is full of bold change-makers actively reimagining what high school can be. Our award winners and nominees are making a real difference in students’ lives and the future of education, and their impact is seen, celebrated, and felt across Indiana. Powerful work happens across PPHS every day, and this night, we celebrated it with joy, pride, and purpose. We’re honored to see our students and staff recognized for their lasting impact on education and lives.
Student Spotlight: Edmund Reece – Dare to Dream Award Recipient
One of the most inspiring moments at the 2025 Speddy Awards came when PPHS Broad Ripple senior Edmund Reece received the Dare to Dream Award. Known for his courage, compassion, and perseverance, Edmund has made a lasting impact on both PPHS and his broader community. As he prepares to graduate on Tuesday, May 27, Edmund exemplifies the power of a nurturing environment, robust wrap-around services, and the dedicated leadership PPHS educators and support staff provide.
Celebrating Our Award-Winning Staff
Executive of the Year: Dr. Keeanna Warren
Dr. Keeanna Warren, CEO of Purdue Polytechnic High Schools, earns the title of Executive of the Year for her bold leadership and unwavering dedication to innovation and access in education. She leads PPHS with both vision and heart, creating real-world learning experiences, cultivating strong mentorship, and building meaningful pathways to success for every student.
Director of the Year: Laura Cope
Laura Cope, Chief of Exceptional Learners at PPHS, has won the Director of the Year award. Her leadership ensures that students with special needs and multilingual learners receive the personalized, high-quality support they deserve. Laura’s work reflects a deep commitment to honoring each learner’s unique strengths and goals.
We’re also thrilled to celebrate several PPHS staff members whose work continues to transform student lives:
Troy Reeder – Teacher of Record of the Year
Wesley Skiles – New Teacher of the Year
Karen Pepper – Making a Difference Award
These educators bring creativity, compassion, and relentless belief in student potential to every classroom. Their awards testify to the daily innovation, access, and purpose they bring to our schools.
Honoring Our Outstanding Nominees
We also proudly recognize these exceptional PPHS nominees:
Nolan Duffey – Administrator of the Year
Brian Williams & Maureen Meyer – General Education Teachers of the Year
Liz Retana – Teacher of Record of the Year
Being nominated among Indiana’s best speaks volumes about their passion, excellence, and impact on our campuses.
About the Speddy Awards
The GSEA “Speddy” Awards, now in their fifth year, are hosted by the Greater Schools Education Alliance to honor trailblazers in education. This annual gala celebrates educators and students across Indiana who embody innovation, equity, and impact in their work. From classroom teachers and new educators to administrators and student leaders, the Speddy Awards recognize those who are not only excelling in their roles but also daring to reimagine what's possible in education. With a red carpet, formal attire, and all the fanfare of a Hollywood event, the Speddys have become a premier celebration of excellence in schools.
