Distinguished Service Celebration

What better way to celebrate National School Communicators Day than by recognizing individuals and groups throughout the state who partner with the school communications office and serve as ambassadors for public education and champions of students and staff? INSPRA’s annual Distinguished Service Celebration honors the impactful work of these school community members.

Nominating an individual or a team for distinguished service recognition is a great way to acknowledge those in your district who exemplify the characteristics of a valued public relations team member.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CATEGORIES

Your district may submit one nomination in each of the eight categories listed below:

  • Administrator: superintendents, associate/assistant superintendents, principals, assistant principals, directors, coordinators, and other licensed or non-licensed staff members who function in an administrative role
  • Board of Education Member
  • Community Member
  • Faculty/Certified/Licensed Staff: teachers, counselors, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and other licensed school service personnel
  • Parent
  • Student (one individual)
  • Support Staff: aides, bus drivers, crossing guards, maintenance/custodial personnel, food-service staff, paraprofessionals, administrative assistants, or other support staff
  • Team: two or more individuals (including a group of students), who worked together to complete a single project or activity

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CRITERIA

Distinguished service recognition places an emphasis on celebrating and honoring communication excellence, rather than a tiered system of awards. All entries will be reviewed based on the following criteria:

  • Actions of the nominee strengthen overall support for public education by stakeholders.
  • Actions of the nominee support the efforts, work, and mission of the school district’s communications/community relations department.
  • Actions of the nominee have made a positive and lasting impact on public education, amplify student voice, and benefit families.

Nominations should include a 600-word (or less) write-up and a 250-word (or less) summary.

DISTINGUISHED COMMUNICATOR AWARD

Nominations for the Distinguished Communicator Award, one of the highest and most prestigious honors presented by INSPRA, also are encouraged. This award recognizes an INSPRA member for a career that has consistently exemplified the professional practices of school public relations. Nominees must have at least five years of experience in school public relations and have not previously received the award. Please nominate one of our own for this incredible honor!

SUBMITTING NOMINATIONS

The deadline for nominations is Friday, March 15, 2024. All nominations must be submitted online through the link below. Costs associated with submitting nominations are as follows:

  • Member districts may submit up to two nominations at no cost. The fee for each subsequent nomination is $25.
  • Non-member districts may submit awards for $25 each.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A NOMINATION 

SAVE THE DATE

This year’s annual Distinguished Service Celebration will take place on Friday, May 10, 2024, at Bolingbrook Golf Club. Watch for more details coming soon!

For questions or more information regarding the Distinguished Service Celebration, contact INSPRA Administrator Alicia Lingane at [email protected].

Sincerely,

Amy Melinder
INSPRA President-Elect
DSC Co-Chair

Dani Brink
DSC Co-Chair