Trent Barnhart, principal of Harborside Academy in Kenosha, received a national leadership award on Wednesday, Oct. 28, in San Francisco.
Barnhart was named the 2026 recipient of the Silverberg Leadership Award during the opening session of EL Education's national conference, according to a Kenosha Unified School District announcement. The award is presented annually in memory of longtime EL Education Board member Irwin Silverberg.
The Silverberg Leadership Award recognizes a school leader who brings their school community together around what EL Education calls the Three Dimensions of Student Achievement, according to the district.
KUSD said Barnhart earned the recognition for his commitment to bringing EL Education practices to life at Harborside. The district credited him with inspiring teachers, staff and students to embrace a culture of learning focused on academic achievement, character development and civic responsibility.
Harborside Academy is a charter school at 913 57th St. in Kenosha. It serves students in grades 6 through 12.
The school enrolls 572 students and has a 13-to-1 student-teacher ratio, according to U.S. News & World Report. During the 2023-2024 school year, 52% of Harborside students scored at or above the proficient level in reading and 46% reached that mark in math. Both figures topped the district averages of 39% in reading and 37% in math.
