Excellence in Education Communications Contest
Each year, PenSPRA provides an opportunity for school district communication professionals to be recognized in the annual Excellence in Education Communications Contest. Entries are accepted in a number of categories to reflect the scope of work undertaken by communications professionals. 2023-24 Contest has closed. Click to view winners! The 2024-25 contest categories are:
| For questions regarding your submission or the contest, please contact: penspra@cciu.org SUBMISSION LINK |
Gold Medallion entries must be submitted as a single PDF file. The total award entry, including entry form and all application materials, is limited to no more than 26 pages (packaged in a single PDF). An entry must include:
An entry may include:
Example format for entry:
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Eligibility The contest is open to all school public relations professionals in Pennsylvania. Materials must have been produced between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024. |
Judging
Judging is conducted by a panel of independent professionals, who will provide all contestants with feedback after the contest has concluded.
How to Enter
Contestants upload their content files or links through a submission form. If your printed publication is not available as a digital file, you may still enter by mailing two copies to: PenSPRA Communications Contest, c/o Chester County Intermediate Unit, 455 Boot Road, Downingtown, PA 19335. Entries must be uploaded and/or postmarked by Friday, January 10, 2024.
Entry Fees and Payment
- PenSPRA Member Fee: Initial entry fee is $50; each additional entry fee is $20
- Non-Member Entry Fee: Initial entry fee is $50; each additional entry fee is $50
Awards
- Award of Excellence will be given to the top entries in each category.
- Award of Honor will be given to those entries that deserve special recognition in each category.
- Award of Merit will be given to those entries that deserve special recognition in each category.
Contest winners will be notified by an email notification.
PenSPRA Communicator of the Year Award
About the Award:
The PenSPRA Communicator of the Year Award recognizes the exemplary leadership of school public relations professionals in Pennsylvania. These professionals demonstrate commitment to the enhancement of communication and relationships between schools and the students, families and communities they serve. The award honors those who acknowledge that communication is a critical component of leadership. The submission deadline is Friday, February 14, 2025.
The winner will receive a $500 stipend to use for the 2024-25 Symposium.
The nominee:
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Demonstrates the use of effective public relations strategies to support education.
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Is recognized as an advocate for education and has earned a reputation as being highly credible with a variety of audiences.
Demonstrates exceptional leadership and communication skills.
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Demonstrates experience and involvement in communicating with diverse audiences.
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Implements communication strategies that demonstrate strategic thinking, which contributes to the betterment of education.
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Demonstrates effective personal communication with a wide variety of audiences.
Demonstrates ethics and professionalism in communication.
Has been recognized as a role model for communicators and non-communicators alike, and is someone whose communication skills and messages have impacted the lives of others.
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Has served in a school communications role for at least five (5) years.
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Is a current PenSPRA member.
To nominate someone:
1. Include a narrative, no longer than 500 words, outlining how the person has met the award’s criteria.
2. The submission may also include up to five (5) pages of supporting documentation including, but not limited to, data demonstrating the nominee’s effectiveness in meeting the award criteria, samples of the nominee’s communications work, measures of effectiveness and letters of support.
There is no fee to nominate someone for the PenSPRA Communicator of the Year Award.
PenSPRA Key Communicator Award
About the Award:
The PenSPRA Key Communicator Award honors an education professional who has successfully contributed to the field of school communications. The recipient may be a legislator, superintendent or professional in any field who has improved school communications or a member of PenSPRA who has contributed outstanding service to the profession of school communications. The recipient does not need to be a PenSPRA member. The submission deadline is Friday, February 14, 2025.
The winner will receive a FREE PenSPRA membership for one (1) year.
To nominate someone, you must include:
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A one-page PDF document detailing why you think this individual is worthy of the Key Communicator Award
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A one-page bio of the nominee
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Three (3) letters of support for the nominee
There is no fee to nominate someone for the PenSPRA Key Communicator Award.
c/o Chester County Intermediate Unit Downingtown, PA 19335 Phone: 484-237-5171 | 2020 PenSPRA All Rights Reserved. |
