The National School Public Relations Association's Gold Medallion Awards program is the field's top competition recognizing superior school public relations programs and campaigns grounded in strategic communication best practices. This year, eight Gold Medallion winners were selected from among 87 entries submitted by communication professionals from school districts and education organizations across the United States and Canada. The winning school districts and their communicators will be celebrated during the NSPRA 2024 National Seminar in Bellevue, Wash., next month.

Entries were submitted in six categories, but only four of those categories had a winner. Congratulations to the following school districts/education organizations and their communications staff on earning a 2024 NSPRA Gold Medallion!

Bond/Finance Campaign 

Battle Ground Public Schools Capital Levy
Battle Ground Public Schools
Battle Ground, Wash.
Submitted by: Amanda Richter, APR, Director of Communications and Community Engagement; Jenna Buescher-Hill, Communications Specialist; and Chris Brown, Communications Specialist

Every Vote Matters
Papillion La Vista Community Schools
Papillion, Neb.
Submitted by: Annette Eyman, APR, Director of Communications (retired); Chantelle Green, Communications Specialist; Tyler Cronin, Communications Specialist; and Stephanie Scheller, Administrative Assistant

Using Research & Strategy for 17 Funding Campaigns to Achieve a 94% Success Rate
Educational Service District 112
Vancouver, Wash.
Submitted by: Monique Dugaw Greenwell, Executive Director of Communications and Public Engagement; Melissa Burt, Senior Graphic Designer and Content Strategist; Justine Hanrahan, Communications Manager; Mika Yoshida, Assistant Director; Heidi Barnes, Director of Creative and Web Development; Fred Gunnerson, Junior Graphic and WordPress Designer; and Xander Hayes, TV ETC Coordinator and Video Services

Comprehensive, Strategic, Year-Round Communication Program

Empowering and Inspiring Excellence: The Path Forward Strategic Plan
Shelby County School District
Columbiana, Ala.
Submitted by: Cindy Warner, APR, Public Relations and Community Education Supervisor and Dr. Lewis Brooks, Superintendent

Marketing Communication Campaign

Transporting Students to Success
Peoria Unified School District
Glendale, Ariz.
Submitted by: Danielle Airey, APR, Chief Communications Officer; Erin Dunsey, APR, Communications Manager; Sara Meredith, Communications Coordinator; Angela Toale, Communications Coordinator; Natalie Zinovyev, Graphic Designer; and David Collie, Media Production Specialist

Discovering #ThePowerOfChoice
Dublin City Schools
Dublin, Ga.
Submitted by: Ashley-Michelle Thublin, APR, Director of Strategic and Crisis Communications

Special Communication Project / Campaign 

UNITE for Education
Tuscaloosa County School System and Tuscaloosa City Schools
Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Submitted by: Terri Brewer, Director of Public Relations at Tuscaloosa County School System and Lydia Avant, Director of Public Relations at Tuscaloosa City Schools

"Belonging Begins Here" Attendance Campaign
Beaverton School District
Beaverton, Ore.
Submitted by: Shellie Bailey-Shah, Public Communications Officer; Tim Hurtt, District Videographer; Melissa Larson, Communication Specialist; Gabby Urenda, Communication Specialist; Sean Van, District Graphic Designer; and Kara Yunck, Communication Coordinator

"The winning submissions this year showcase the best-of-the-best school communication plans," stated Barbara M. Hunter, APR, Executive Director of NSPRA. "Each one exemplifies a deep understanding of strategic communication best practices and has made a genuine, positive impact on their communities."

Gold Medallion winners will be honored during the NSPRA President Installation and Gold Medallion Awards Ceremony Luncheon at the NSPRA 2024 National Seminar on Wednesday, July 17, from 12 - 2 p.m. PT at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, Wash. Luncheon tickets are $55/ticket and must be purchased in advance by Monday, July 8. Tickets can be purchased when registering for the Seminar or by updating an existing registration in the Attendee Service Center or Speaker Service Center.

At the Seminar, Gold Medallion winners also will present on their campaigns during the Gold Mine Roundtables sessions sponsored by Apptegy on Wednesday, July 17, from 8 - 10:30 a.m. PT. View the Seminar schedule. 

Winning entries are featured on the NSPRA website and will be spotlighted in association member e-newsletters in the coming school year.