NASBE Honors Kentucky’s Preston Graham and Montana’s Gavin Mow with Distinguished Student Service Award

Alexandria, VA—The National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) is pleased to present the Distinguished Student Service Award to Preston Graham, student member on the Kentucky Board of Education, and Gavin Mow, former student representative on the Montana Board of Public Education. NASBE created this award in 2023 to recognize the dedication and education policy impact of student representatives on state boards of education.

Preston Graham, a high school senior at Woodford County High School, was appointed to the Kentucky state board in June 2024 and has been an active, informed, and articulate member of the board. He also serves on the Commissioner’s Student Advisory Council and the Kentucky United We Learn subcommittee.

Graham connects with students across Kentucky, bringing their voices and experiences to board meetings and even with the Kentucky General Assembly. During the 2025 legislative session, he gathered input from his peers on a bill limiting student cell phone use in schools and shared it with the board.

“Preston’s appointment to the Kentucky board is not simply ceremonial; it is a reflection of his deep commitment to equity, innovation, and student voice in education,” said Lu Young, vice chair of the Kentucky state board. “He brings to the boardroom the fresh, unfiltered perspective of Kentucky’s students—especially those in under-resourced areas.”

Graham is also a member of his high school’s swim team, and volunteers for Mentors & Meals, a nonprofit organization that supports and tutors middle school students, helping reignite their love for learning.

“Whether it’s exploring policy development, engineering coursework, or peer mentoring, [Graham] is intentional, reflective, and always oriented toward impact,” Young said. “He has a remarkable ability to listen deeply and speak thoughtfully—skills that are rare in someone so young, and yet so crucial for the future of education.”

Gavin Mow recently graduated Capital High School in Helena, Montana, and served as student representative on the Montana state board. Despite the typical one-year term limit for students, Gavin’s exceptional leadership earned him a second year of board service. He also serves on the Montana Association of Student Councils.

As student representative, Mow has collaborated with peers across the state to conduct an independent student survey, presented recommendations to the board, and hosted panels, presentations, and student-focused activities. Mow is a strong advocate for student mental health and, in February, spoke at the Montana Legislature in favor of a bill that would support student mental health in schools.

“I have been deeply impressed by his leadership, scholarship, and dedication to not only being the student voice on the Board, but in his dedicated efforts to seek out the student voice from all across the state,” said Timothy Tharp, chair of the Montana state board.

At Capital High School, Mow ranked among the top scholars and excelled as a student athlete, qualifying for the Junior Olympics in track and field in addition to numerous statewide competitions. He also served as student body president. Balancing academics, athletics, and leadership roles, he was accepted to the US Military Academy at West Point, where he is now completing his first year.

“I realize that my experiences with students on state boards of education are limited to working with just a few students in Montana, but I’m convinced that Gavin is someone special and is deserving of recognition on the national stage,” Tharp said.

Both Mow and Graham participated in NASBE’s Student Advisory Council for the High School Transformation State Network. Together with other student members, they helped identify key priorities for high school transformation, including the need for more robust student interviews and staff support, expanded opportunities for students to earn credit, personalized pathways to graduation, and stronger alignment to postsecondary needs.

“Gavin and Preston are extraordinary student leaders whose voices and actions remind us that students are not only stakeholders in education—they are powerful changemakers, shaping policies and programs that benefit peers across their states,” said Paolo DeMaria, NASBE president and CEO. “Their contributions demonstrate that students can lead, influence, and inspire at the highest levels.”

The 2025 awards will be presented at NASBE’s Annual Conference in Austin, Texas, October 27–29.

NASBE serves as the only membership organization for state boards of education. A nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, NASBE elevates state board members’ voices in national and state policymaking, facilitates the exchange of informed ideas, and supports members in advancing equity and excellence in public education for students of all races, genders, and circumstances.

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