Following the passing of Allen Lindblad in November 2023, the FIS community has taken time to grieve and reflect on the profound impact he had on our school. As we navigated this loss together, especially alongside his wife and son, it became clear that Allen’s contribution deserved a lasting and meaningful tribute.
The Allen Lindblad Digital Citizenship Award was established to honor Allen’s legacy in a way that reflects both his work and his values. As the FIS’s Director of Educational Technology, Allen was a pioneer in the thoughtful integration of technology in education and our school’s first true champion of digital citizenship. In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, this award places responsible technology use at the center of student life, exactly where Allen believed it belonged.
Purpose and Criteria
The award is a single, prestigious annual honor presented to one student who consistently demonstrates exemplary digital citizenship. Nominated students are evaluated across five core competencies:
- Responsible Technology Use: Safe, appropriate, and ethical use of devices and digital tools
- Respectful Digital Communication: Kindness, respect, and proactive prevention of cyberbullying
- Critical Thinking: Careful evaluation of sources and strong academic integrity
- Digital Collaboration & Peer Support: Positive online collaboration and support of others
- Digital Wellness & Leadership: Balanced screen use and leadership in conversations about technology
Nomination and Selection
Recognizing that digital behavior is not always visible, the nomination process is intentionally multi-faceted. Nominations may be submitted through:
- Student recommendations collected by homeroom advisors and counselors
- Parent nominations through dedicated meetings
- Staff observations from across the school
Nominations will open in May (details will be announced each year). Section Heads oversee the shortlisting process and convene a committee to select the recipient. To preserve the integrity and prestige of the award, the committee reserves the right not to present it in a given year if no candidate fully meets the standard.
Recognition
The award recipient will be honored at the end-of-year assembly, receive a specially designed plaque or trophy, and have their name permanently inscribed on the Allen Lindblad Digital Citizenship Award Board, located outside Allen’s former classroom (Room 1.022).
We are proud to share this award with the FIS community as a lasting reminder of Allen Lindblad’s vision. Through it, his commitment to responsible, ethical, and human-centered use of technology will continue to shape our school for years to come.
