School communications professionals from throughout Illinois were honored during the Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association’s (INSPRA) Annual Communications Contest and Golden Achievement Awards luncheon in Oakbrook, Ill.
Among the award recipients were three Consolidated High School District 230 publications and a video series.
The monthly school newsletters, Sandburg Pride, Charger Pride and Andrew Pride, each earned Awards of Excellence. These are created by Principal's Secretaries Karin Yahl, Laurel DeGonia and Marcia Gustavson along with District 230 Director of Communications Carla Erdey. The newsletters can be found on the school's websites at www.d230.org
Also earning an Award of Excellence was the Technology Innovator video series that is created by Director of Technology John Connolly and Erdey. The videos can be viewed on the District's Youtube Channel at www.youtube.com/d230communication
More than 150 entries were submitted in the categories of annual reports, audio-video, calendars/handbooks, electronic publications, financial information, marketing materials, newsletters, website, writing and special purpose. Entries were judged against criteria of excellence, and only those receiving top scores in a variety of areas received awards.
National NSPRA chapter members from Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Indiana, Wisconsin, Ohio and Nebraska served as judges. Golden Achievement Awards also were given for projects that encompass all aspects of a public engagement program, from research to planning, implementation and evaluation. School communications professionals who have received their Accreditation in Public Relations judged the Golden Achievement category.
District 230 earned the organization's top honor, the Golden Achievement Award, for its Successful Schools - Successful Students Summit in 2010.
“The contest recognizes the amazing communications work done by our members. It also is yet another form of professional development offered to INSPRA members, as each person who enters receives valuable feedback from the contest judges,” said INSPRA President Mary Todoric, Director of Communications for Community High School District 128.
The mission of INSPRA is to strengthen support for Illinois public schools and improve education for students through responsible public relations. Workshops and programs take place throughout the year, providing opportunities for members to learn and grow in their craft. The awards ceremony is a highlight of the year and is attended by communications professionals, superintendents, board of education members and other school leaders.
To learn more about INSPRA, visit www.inspra.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
