Mission, Texas- The Public Relations and Marketing Department of Mission Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) has received honors from the Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) for outstanding work in education communications. The awards were announced at TSPRA’s annual Star Awards Celebration held on February 23, at the Kalahari Resort and Conference Center in Round Rock, Texas as a part of the association’s 60th annual conference.
The Mission CISD Public Relations Department members received four Gold Star Awards and one Bronze Star Award for items entered into the annual contest. Gold Star Awards were given for district entries in: Video Promotional, Video Marketing, Video Feature Story, and Image/Identity Package. A Bronze Star Award was earned for Video News Package. The department received a Star Award for each entry submitted for the contest.
This year, a record setting 1,660 entries were received for the Star Awards contest that recognizes communicators in school districts, education foundations, education associations and organizations for their work in print and electronic media categories. There are 47 main categories covering various media such as newsletters, programs, posters, reports, writing, image/identity packages, photography, graphics, video, electronic presentations, campaigns, events, and web sites. For the first 47 categories, the entries are divided into three divisions based on the number of students in the district, foundation, or organizations serves - under 15,000 students; 15,000 to 40,000 students; and over 40,000 students. Independent judges evaluate and score each entry based on its own merit. Bronze, Silver, and Gold Stars are awarded based upon set criteria.
The members of the Mission CISD Public Relations and Marketing Department are: Craig Verley, director; Cynthia Ybarra-Leal, public relations specialist; Rolando Garza, graphics and media arts specialist; Melinda Garza, multimedia journalist; Gerardo Sanchez, videographer; Irene Garza, secretary.
Of the entries for this year, 993 Gold Stars were awarded, 449 Silver Stars awarded, and 102 Bronze Stars awarded. Since TSPRA members enter only their best work, it is not uncommon for there to be very few entries that do not earn any type of award.
TSPRA is a nonprofit, professional organization dedicated to promoting public schools through effective communications. TSPRA, an award-winning chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA), was chartered in 1962 and incorporated in 1977. With more than 1,000 members, TSPRA is composed primarily of public information and communications professionals who serve the public school districts and education organizations of Texas. The membership also includes superintendents, administrators, principals, web/technology/electronic media and graphic professionals, education foundation executive directors and their boards, association executive directors, school consultants, vendors, and others who support public education in the state. TSPRA provides professional development, resources, and networking opportunities for members and others in the education community.
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