ISPRA Communication Awards 2023
The Iowa School Public Relations Association (ISPRA) held its annual spring conference on April 13 and 14, 2023. As a local chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA), ISPRA is the organization of “school public relations professionals, superintendents, and leaders interested in fostering understanding and support for education in Iowa.”
In conjunction with the conference, a communication awards ceremony was also held. The Ames Community School District submitted 13 projects in eight of the 22 competition categories that included advertising, excellence in writing, photography, In total, 135 submissions were received from 19 districts across the state and all submissions were scored by state chapters in Arizona, Wisconsin, California, and Wisconsin.
The rubric for each submission looks at design, clarity and focus, writing quality, how the pieces are evaluated, and overall effect. When averaged together, if a submission scores between 1-2, they earn an Award of Merit. Scores between 3-4.9 earned an Award of Excellence. Top scores of 5 out of 5 earned the top honor: the Blue & Gold Award as the best in the state.
The Ames Community School District won one Blue & Gold Award this year as best in the state in the category of Photography for a photo of the Big Fish rehearsal at Ames High. Since 2018, the Ames CSD has earned nine Blue & Gold awards in a variety of communication categories.
Below is a recap of how Ames performed this year.
Blue & Gold Award:
Photography – Big Fish Rehearsal
Awards of Excellence:
Advertising – Why Choose Northwood
Excellence in Writing – 50th Anniversary Boys Basketball Title
Excellence in Writing – Cowbell
Excellence in Writing – Madrigal Dinner
Newsletter/Magazine – Amazing Magazine
Photography – Hello From Northwood
Photography – Thumbs Up Performance
Photography – First Day of School
Podcasting – Amazing Education Podcast episode #041
Social Media – Why Northwood
Special Purpose – Communications Handbook
Website – New Ames CSD Website