2011 Distinguished Service Awards

Are there noteworthy people who spread the good word about your schools or through other actions enhance the image of public education and the reputation of your school district?  The Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (INSPRA) annually sponsors the Distinguished Service Awards (DSA) to honor deserving education staff and supporters of local school districts. This statewide program brings recognition to the award recipient and the nominating school district.  

Whether it’s the school superintendent, a teacher, a custodian, a parent, a school board member or community member, public relations and communications are at the foundation of any role or responsibility in our schools. This is your district’s chance to recognize stakeholders who fulfill their roles as public relations ambassadors for education.

Established in 2007, the Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (INSPRA) Distinguished Communicator Award (DCA), formerly known as the INSPRA Public Relations Professional of the Year, is one of the highest and most prestigious honors presented by INSPRA.  Its purpose is to recognize an INSPRA member for a career that exemplifies the professional practices of school public relations and an outstanding body of work sustained over time. Past award recipients include:

2007
Stacy Holland
2008
Mindy Ward
2009
Peg Mannion
2010
Melea Smith, APR

2011

Terri McHugh, APR

On Friday, May 6, 2011, DSA recipients were honored at a luncheon at the Park Ridge Country Club in Park Ridge, IL.  The highlight of the event was the announcement of one of the Distinguished Service Award of Excellence winners as the Public Relations Ambassador of the Year and the awarding of the Distinguished Communicator Award to an INSPRA member.

A post event release template is attached for your convenience.