The South Carolina chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (SC/NSPRA) recently recognized Rock Hill Schools, Lesslie Elementary School, Northwestern High School, and South Pointe High School at its annual Rewards for Excellence ceremony held April 28 in Columbia at the South Carolina Museum.
SC/NSPRA celebrated the effectiveness of 155 programs and projects from across the state as part of its annual program to evaluate and strengthen public relations programs. This program recognizes outstanding communications and public relations efforts by South Carolina schools, school districts, and education agencies and associations. Public relations veterans with extensive experience in educational and business communications evaluated 250 entries, an all-time high.
“We value and support strong public relations programs in communities across South Carolina and through our Rewards for Excellence program we enjoy celebrating and recognizing the hard work of individuals who produce content that allows us all to collectively share stories and highlight the many great things students and teachers in our state are doing on a daily basis,” said Mychal Frost, SC/NSPRA president and director of communications in Rock Hill.
This year, the district and three schools earned a combined nine awards:
- Rock Hill Schools director of communications Mychal Frost’s “marketing school choice” entry received a Golden Achievement award and communications specialist Dustin Wilson collected an electronic media award for his behind-the-scenes video feature of the 2016 football state championship game in which South Pointe claimed its third straight title. Together, Frost and Wilson were recognized for the district’s website which was completely rebuilt at the start of the school year.
- Seberina Myles, principal of Lesslie Elementary, earned a publication award for her e-newsletter that is sent weekly to nearly 400 parents in addition to her faculty and staff.
- Northwestern High School guidance counselor Bridget Elmore was recognized for her senior newsletter, a publication designed to inform Trojan seniors and their families about college and career opportunities as well as scholarships and pertinent information for seniors.
- South Pointe High School principal Al Leonard accepted two marketing awards for the Stallions in the publications category. The winning advertisements were a full-page in The Herald that highlighted accomplishments and achievements by students at the school and the other was a full-page in the South Carolina High School League weekend of champions football program.