Distinguished Service Celebration

Congratulations to our 2024 Award Winners! We recognize and honor all those who support and work together for public education and are grateful to those who attended this year's awards banquet to celebrate each winner in person. A gallery of photos from the event can be found here.

The Distinguished Communicator Award

Jill Browning APR with award

Our highest and most prestigious honor is the Distinguished Communicator Award. 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. 

The 2024 Distinguished Communicator award was presented to Jill Browning, APR. Jill was recognized for her thirteen year career as Chief Communications Officer at Community High School District 99 where she was credited with creating "a more connected, transparent, and engaged educational environment, ensuring that the stories of success and innovation within the district's walls are shared with all." Congratulations, Jill!

About the Distinguished Service Awards 

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.

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

Thank you to our 2024 event sponsor!