ESC Region 12 Receives Five Awards in School Communications

WACO—Education Service Center (ESC) Region 12 won state recognition at the annual Texas Schools Public Relations Association (TSPRA) Star Awards Banquet held in conjunction with the annual conference on Feb. 18 in San Antonio.

The Office of Communications won a Gold Star award for the 2007-2008 Programs & Services Catalog which is distributed to school superintendents and directors, the Master Teacher Certification Brochure, the center’s Identity Package (stationery pieces and promotional items) and its 40th annual celebration promotional activities. A Gold Star is awarded to an education publication or program that not only achieves its purpose with noticeable creativity, craft and skill, but, in the opinion of the judges, does so in an exceptional way.

A Silver Star award was given for the 2007 Annual Performance Report. A Silver Star is awarded for an education publication that achieves its purpose with noticeable creativity, craft, and skill.  These specific activities were coordinated and developed by Jennifer Marshall-Higgins who serves as communications officer II and Graphics Specialist Patrick Contreras. Leslie Bennett, Ed.D is the associate executive director over Communications and Tom Norris, Ed.D is the executive director for ESC Region 12.

“We are pleased to be recognized at the state level for our communications with area schools,” said Executive Director Tom Norris, Ph.D. Quality communications is one of our four strategic priorities.”

Each year TSPRA recognizes school communicators for outstanding work in both print and electronic media. This year, nearly 1,000 entries were submitted. Entries selected as best in the state were honored with Silver Star, Gold Star and Best of Category awards. Also, Crystal Commendations were presented for outstanding entries that featured special programs and events, and a Platinum Award was given for the best comprehensive communication program.

Entries are judged by Texas public relations, marketing, video production and graphics professionals using a standard set of evaluation criteria based on current professional industry standards. Only association members may enter and earn awards.

About TSPRA
TSPRA, based in Austin, is a professional organization, with more than 900 members who are dedicated to improving public education in Texas by promoting effective public relations practices, providing professional development for its members, and improving communications between Texans and their public schools.

About ESC Region 12
One of 20 centers throughout Texas, the Education Service Center (ESC) Region 12 provides professional training and technical assistance for the purpose of improving student performance for all students.  Based in Waco, with offices in Corsicana, Hamilton, Nolanville, and Teague, the ESC Region 12’s service area includes Bell, Bosque, Coryell, Falls, Freestone, Hamilton, Hill, Lampasas, Limestone, Mills, McLennan and Navarro counties.