The Public Relations Department of the Fayette County Public School System has received four national awards from the National School Public Relations Association for its communication efforts during the 2017-2018 school year.

Public Information Specialist Nia Washington won three 2018 NSPRA Publications and Digital Media Awards in the Excellence in Writing category. Press releases titled “One Spring Hill Teacher Inspires Hundreds,” “Rising Starr Principal Shares Innovative Ideas with Chinese School Administrators,” and “ Sandy Creek Patriot Makes History at Allan Vigil Ford” all won merit awards, the second highest level of awards given. Washington was among 17 winners across the nation to receive a merit award, and one of 64 to win an award in the Excellence in Writing Category. The Publications and Digital Media Awards recognize outstanding education publications, e-newsletters, digital media programs, marketing materials, videos, social media, websites and more.

Public Information Officer Melinda Berry-Dreisbach was among 115 winners nationwide to receive a 2018 NSPRA Golden Achievement Award, which recognizes exemplary work in school public relations. She received the award for developing the marketing campaign for the 2017 ESPLOST Renewal. Marketing materials included press releases, a Fayette County ESPLOST logo, web graphics, brochure, signage and fact sheet. In order to receive a Golden Achievement Award, nominees must demonstrate outstanding achievement of the four steps of a public relations program: analysis of the need, planning to meet the need, execution and communication of the program, and formal evaluation.

The NSPRA awards program is open to school public relations professionals across the country. This year more than 1,000 entries were submitted for three separate competitions, including the two in which Washington and Berry-Dreisbach received awards, with nearly 650 persons earning national recognition for district and school communication efforts.