District 62 Recognized for Outstanding School PR Publications and Projects

Dr. Jane Westerhold, Superintendent of Schools, and Mindy Ward, Director of Community Relations, joined school communications professionals, superintendents, school boards, and other school leaders from across the state last Friday, September 26 at the Illinois School Public Relations Association's (INSPRA) Annual Communications Contest and Golden Achievement Awards luncheon. District 62 was the recipient of three awards.

An Award of Excellence in the Special Purpose Category was won by Mindy Ward and Julie Nykiel for Volunteers are Essential Pieces of the Puzzle volunteer recognition program and invitation.

An Award of Excellence in the Annual Report Category for the Annual Report to the Community was won by Mindy Ward and Julie Nykiel.

An Award of Merit was won for the 2013-2014 Student & Parent Handbook by Dr. Ellen Teelucksingh, Mindy Ward, and Julie Nykiel.

More than 150 entries were submitted in ten categories. Entries were judged against criteria of excellence, and only those receiving top scores in a variety of areas received awards. National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) chapter members from Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Indiana, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Nebraska served as judges for these categories.

The mission of INSPRA is to strengthen support for Illinois public schools and improve education for students through responsible public relations. Workshops and programs are held throughout the year providing opportunities for members to learn and grow in their craft. The awards ceremony is the highlight of the year.