SDR’s Allen honored with advocacy award

The Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance (WiRSA) has recognized Lexi Allen, college and career counselor with the School District of Rhinelander, with the 2025 WiRSA Advocacy Award.
“In just her second year with the district, Allen has become a driving force in rural education, creating innovative systems that connect students, educators, and community partners in meaningful ways,” school district officials said in a press release announcing the honor. “She has completely transformed the district’s Academic and Career Planning (ACP) program for grades 6–12, shifting it from a compliance-based checklist to a dynamic, student-centered process where every student develops a personalized roadmap for their future. Her redesigned ACP framework includes reflection, job shadowing, work-based learning, and professional development for staff, ensuring that career readiness is embedded throughout the district. Every student in grades 6 through 12 now meets with Allen individually to design a personalized plan—whether their path leads to college, technical training, military service, or entering the workforce directly.”
Allen’s advocacy extends into the Rhinelander community and beyond, the release states. She has built strong partnerships with Northwoods employers, crafting a sustainable business engagement model that expands opportunities for job shadowing, youth apprenticeships, and career exploration. She also introduced Senior Signing Day, a district-wide celebration that honors every graduate’s next step and instills pride in all postsecondary pathways.
Her leadership doesn’t stop at Rhinelander.
Allen is working with Nicolet College, UW-Stevens Point and regional partners to expand dual credit opportunities and career readiness initiatives across northern Wisconsin—efforts that set a model for rural schools throughout the state.

“Lexi’s leadership in Academic and Career Planning has had a transformative impact on our students, our community, our employers, and our two- and four-year college partners,” said Superintendent Eric Burke. “This award is a reflection of her dedication and also the commitment of all staff in the School District of Rhinelander—not only through the courses you teach, but in the guidance and experiences you provide that help students shape their futures. We are proud to celebrate Lexi and the collective efforts of our staff in supporting every student’s pathway to success.”
“Lexi Allen embodies everything this award stands for: advocacy, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to students,” said WiRSA in its announcement. “She is ensuring that rural youth are not only seen and supported, but also empowered to discover their passions and pursue their dreams.”