2024 ISPRA Communication Awards
The Iowa School Public Relations Association (ISPRA) held its annual spring conference on April 11 and 12, 2024. 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 11 projects in eight of the 21 competition categories that included advertising, excellence in writing, video, and photography. In total, 178 submissions were received from 20 districts across the state.
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 1-2.9, they earn an Award of Merit. Scores between 3-4.9 earn an Award of Excellence. Top scores of 5 out of 5 earn the top honor, the Blue & Gold Award as the best in the state.
The Ames Community School District won six Blue & Gold Awards this year as best in the state. Those are:
Blue & Gold Awards:
- Photography – Aidan Nigh Baseball Photo
- Photography – Marian and the Merry Men
- Excellence in Writing – Celebrating Rare Disease Day
- Excellence in Writing – Building Connections at Edwards
- Advertising – P3 Campus
- Video (Long) – Be Part of Something Amazing
The Ames CSD also took home five Awards of Excellence:
- Excellence in Writing – Ames Baseball One Win Away From State
- Excellence in Writing – Ames Softball Falls in Regional Final
- Video (Long) – Wayne “Hank” Hansen Performing Arts Center Naming
- Video (Long) – 2023 Ames High Baseball Recap
- Podcast – Episode #048 with Boston Freilinger
The Ames Communications Department includes Amy DeLashmutt, Director of Communications, and Jared Larson, Communications Specialist. More information about ISPRA can be found on their website.