VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NDHSAA) – Brenda Schell, a former Assistant Director at the North Dakota High School Activities Association, is among 13 individuals selected to receive National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Citations this school year.

An award designed to honor individuals who have made contributions to the NFHS, state high school associations, athletic director and coaching professions, the officiating avocation and fine arts/performing arts programs, the NFHS Citation is one of the most highly regarded achievements in high school athletics and performing arts. The 2026 NFHS Citation recipients will receive their awards June 28 at the 107th annual NFHS Summer Meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Schell began working at the NDHSAA office in 2007 and served as an Assistant Director for 14 years. In her time with the NDHSAA, Schell worked as a staff liaison in boys and girls tennis, technology coordinator, online testing coordinator, website administrator, rules clinic presenter and publications designer.

Schell served as a presenter during several NFHS Summer Meeting conferences and served on the NFHS Spirit of Sport & Heart of the Arts Committee. Schell was a charter member of the North Dakota Association of Technology Leaders (NDATL) and was named North Dakota Technology Leader of the Year in 2005. Schell served as NDATL President during the 2005-2006 school year.

Schell received the North Dakota High School Coaches Association (NDHSCA) Special Recognition Award in 2013 and the NDHSCA Award of Merit in 2021.

Schell and her husband Mike reside in Valley City and have three children and eight grandchildren.