The North Carolina School Public Relations Association (NCSPRA) has honored Surry County Schools for excellence in communications. Surry County Schools earned a total of 7 Blue Ribbon Awards for outstanding and effective communication. NCSPRA presented the awards during a special ceremony held in High Point, NC on February 9, 2024.
Surry County Schools received 2 Gold level awards for outstanding Publications (Print & Electronic) for the Career & College Ready Catalog and Special Events & Programs for the Pastoral Partnership Dinner. The judges praised the catalog, stating, “What a wonderful way for students (and parents) to start to think about life after high school. This is an excellent way to focus on what paths interest students.” For the Pastoral Partnership Dinner, the judges remarked, “What an out-of-the box concept! Definitely a great way to involve clergy. Very detailed content.”
Additionally, Surry County Schools received 3 Silver and 2 Bronze level awards for outstanding Image/Graphic Design, Digital Media Engagement, and Electronic Media.
“As the Communications Coordinator for Surry County Schools, I am incredibly proud and humbled by this recognition from the North Carolina School Public Relations Association. At Surry County Schools, we believe in sharing the good news of what is happening in our public schools. From academic achievements to community events, we strive to keep our families and the communities we serve informed and engaged. This achievement is not just about the accolades; it's a reflection of the trust and faith our community has placed in Surry County Schools,” shared Hollie Lyons, Communications Coordinator for Surry County Schools.
Valerie Newton, NCSPRA President and Director of Communication and Family Engagement for Sampson County Schools, said the work of the award winners exemplifies the high standards of the North Carolina School Public Relations Association and the outstanding work of its members. “We are extremely proud of the work being done by NCSPRA members across the state, and the Blue Ribbon Award winners have demonstrated excellence in all facets of communication. Their expertise and professionalism in the field of communications highlight the superior work being done by North Carolina public schools, and their accomplishments deserve recognition. I congratulate all of our winners for the outstanding work they do to support students and teachers and promote public education.”
NCSPRA recognizes outstanding communications through its Blue Ribbon Awards program each year. Surry County Schools was one of 35 school districts statewide to receive a Blue Ribbon Award. This year’s submission categories included: Marketing, Digital Media Engagement, Electronic Media, Excellence in Writing, Publications, Image/Graphic Design, Photography, and Special Projects and Events. The Georgia School Public Relations Association judged NCSPRA’s 2023 Blue Ribbon entries.
In addition to the Blue Ribbon Awards and Best of the Best Awards, NCSPRA presented its inaugural School Communicator of the Year award to Les Atkins of the Alamance-Burlington School System.
The School Communicator of the Year award recognizes one NCSPRA member each year for excellence in the field of school communications. Candidates are nominated by NCSPRA members and are evaluated based on outstanding performance in the areas of Leadership, Communication, Professionalism, and Community Involvement.
Les Atkins of the Alamance-Burlington School System was honored for the exemplary way he handled multiple crises during the 2022-2023 school year that put the Alamance-Burlington School System in a national spotlight. He also was recognized for his continuing emphasis on transparency and open communication to all stakeholders as well as his community involvement. “Les Atkins has distinguished himself as an exemplary communicator under immense pressure, said James Shuler of the Alamance-Burlington School System. “Come crisis or celebration, Les is always transparent, responsive, and compassionate. He represents the best of the four pillars defining successful school communicators, and he deserves to be NCSPRA’s School Communicator of the Year.”
Les Atkins will now be considered for the National School Communicator of the Year Award, which will be presented by the National School Public Relations Association during its national seminar in Seattle in July.
NCSPRA is a statewide professional organization serving more than 175 members. Its mission is to build support for public education through well-planned and responsible public relations. For more information, please visit the NCSPRA Facebook page or www.ncspra.org.