Recognizing outstanding public relations work not represented by a category outlined in our annual Communications Contest, such as an extraordinary response to an emergency or crisis situation.

Award Deadline for 2026 Award

Nominations must be submitted on or before Friday, November 13, 2026. The award winner will be notified in the winter of 2026 and recognized at the 2027 NYSPRA Annual Conference in March. 

Criteria

The nominee:

• Is a current NYSPRA member in good standing.
• Demonstrates exceptional achievement in school communications that is not adequately recognized through existing Communications Contest categories.
• Developed and implemented a communications strategy or initiative that had a significant positive impact on students, staff, families, or the broader community.
• Demonstrates innovation, creativity, and strategic thinking in addressing a unique challenge, opportunity, or circumstance.
• Exhibited outstanding leadership, professionalism, and adaptability in the execution of the work.
• Demonstrates measurable outcomes or evidence of effectiveness.
• Represents the highest standards of excellence in school public relations and communications.

Nomination Process

Nominations may be made by anyone. An individual may submit more than one nomination; however, each nomination must include its own specific set of nomination materials and nomination form.

To nominate someone:

1. Submit an application using the Official Nomination Form.
2. Write a narrative outlining how the person or organization has met the award’s criteria.
3. The submission MUST include supporting documentation. That can include up to 10 pages including, but not limited to, data demonstrating the nominee’s effectiveness in meeting the award criteria, samples of the nominee’s communications work, measures of effectiveness, and letters of support.
4. Each nomination will be confirmed by a personal response via email. Please send an email if you do not receive a reply acknowledging receipt within 48 hours.