Rob Thompson, the director of communications and development at the Performing Institute of Minnesota Arts High School (PiM Arts), received the Outstanding Individual in Communication & Theater Award from the Communication & Theater Association of Minnesota (CTAM) on Friday.

The honor is given to an “individual in Minnesota each year who has made truly significant contributions to communication and/or theatre education in the state,” according to a PiM Arts press release. 

PiM Arts is an Eden Prairie-based public charter school specializing in arts education for students in grades 9 through 12.

Thompson taught theater at PiM Arts beginning in 2006 before moving into administration in 2014, when he became the school’s outreach and communications director. He has also directed PiM’s theater productions for many years.

“PiM would not be anywhere near the amazing community it is now without Rob’s hard work and dedication over the past 20 years,” said PiM Arts Executive Director Matt McFarlane in a statement. “Rob’s artistic creativity and drive to create meaningful art has been paramount to building PiM’s industry leading theatre/musical theatre program. Rob’s tireless work in outreach and communication have helped connect with so many high school students who find their home at PiM.”