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Golden Achievement Awards
NSPRA’S GOLDEN ACHIEVEMENT AWARD recognizes exemplary work in all aspects of school public relations, communication,
marketing and engagement. Enter your best efforts in one or more areas and garner the recognition you deserve.
Eligibility and Awards
All public and private schools and education organizations are
eligible to enter. Each entry will be judged individually against the
contest criteria – not against other entries. Winners will receive
a certificate suitable for framing, a letter of commendation and
recognition on NSPRA’s website for each entry.
Entries and Criteria
Examples of activities, programs and projects to consider entering:
m Community outreach and public engagement initiatives
m Parent involvement campaigns/programs
m Video/podcasting projects
m Education TV programs/series
m Social media and other electronic communication initiatives
m Marketing/branding campaigns (i.e., to recruit students and
staff, promote schools of choice, etc.)
m Finance election campaigns
m Media relations activities
m Internal communication programs
m Staff and student recognition programs
m School safety/violence and bullying prevention programs
m Crisis communication efforts
m “Green” environmental campaigns/initiatives
m Anniversary/special event celebrations
m Business-school partnerships
m Education advocacy programs/coalitions
m Public Service Announcement campaigns (TV, radio,
outdoor, print, etc.)
Summarize each entry on one page and include clear evidence of
the following four essential steps of public relations programs:
m Research – careful analysis of the need for the program,
campaign or activity, stated goals and measurable objectives;
m Analysis/Planning – planning to address the need for the
program, campaign or activity;
m Communication/Implementation – timelines, strategies/
activities, communication components carried out as
planned, and quality of written and graphic materials;
m Evaluation – assessment component included and
implemented. The evaluation must include a measurement
of the success of the program, campaign or activity, and
recommended future improvements or next steps.
Award Rules
m Activities must have been underway or completed between
March 2012 and the entry deadline March 8, 2013.
m Fee: $69 for members; $90 for non-members. Send one
check or money order payable to NSPRA; purchase orders or
vouchers cannot be accepted.
m Complete the form at the back of this brochure and mail with
entry and payment to NSPRA, 2013 Awards Program, 15948
Derwood Road, Rockville, MD 20855.
m Each entry will be judged individually against the contest criteria
– not against other entries. Judges will select as many winners as
meet the criteria; previous winning entries may not be re-entered.
m Winners will be notified by mail.
m Please submit no more than 5 pages of supplemental
material, and do not include DVDs or CDs.
m Deadline: Entries must be postmarked by March 8, 2013.
Each Golden Achievement entry will be judged individually against the contest criteria—not against other entries.
For examples of winning Golden Achievement entries, go to www.nspra/awards/goldenachievement
Publications and Electronic Media Awards
NSPRA’S PUBLICATIONS AND ELECTRONIC MEDIA AWARDS recognize outstanding education publications (print and
electronic), video/TV/radio programs, CD/DVD information materials and websites.
Eligibility and Awards
All public and private schools and education organizations, as
well as private businesses serving as business partners,
are eligible to enter. Awards are given according to the type
of communication vehicle and the type and size of the district/
organization, which means that entries are judged only
against those from similar organizations. Each entry is
judged on the overall excellence of the entry, as well as its
quality compared to other entries in the category.
The top award in each category is the Award of Excellence.
Awards of Merit and Honorable Mentions are also given in each
category. Award of Excellence winners receive a display plaque.
Merit and Honorable Mention award recipients receive certificates
suitable for framing. All winners will receive a notification letter
in late June 2013. Award of Excellence winners will receive their
plaques in August 2013. Publications Award of Excellence winners
will be asked to provide copies of their publications for the 2013
Seminar Exchange Center in San Diego. A list of all winners will be
posted on the NSPRA website, www.nspra.org, in late summer.

Category – Publications
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Annual Report – published yearly to summarize goals,
activities and achievements.
Calendar – general information and specific dates for
school/district activities and events.
Print Newsletter/Newspaper – external or internal,
published periodically. Two different issues of a newsletter
(i.e., two different months, quarters, etc.) must be submitted
to qualify as one entry.
E-Newsletter – external or internal, published periodically.
Two different issues must be submitted to qualify as one
entry.
Handbook – general information about policies and
regulations, issued to students, parents and staff.
Finance Publication – information about tax levies, bond
issues, budgets and other financial topics. Single or series of
issues accepted.
Magazine – news and feature articles, issued periodically.
Submit one issue per entry.
Special Purpose Publication — external or internal
booklet, brochure, poster or material not included in other
categories. One item per entry.
Branding/Image Package – logos, banners, stationery and
other graphic treatments for a package of materials; judged
for creativity, consistency, unity, graphic design, clarity and
overall image. Submissions must include three or more
separate pieces. Send only printed pieces or photos of
other collateral material.
Marketing Publication – brochures, flyers, newsletters,
promotional packages, etc., designed to market an
individual school or the district to potential families or
recruit staff and business partners. Submit no more than
three items.
Excellence in Writing – One article from a newsletter,
newspaper op-ed piece, editorial or speech; 500 to 5,000
words; judged for clear, concise and vibrant writing. Submit
only the relevant article, not an entire publication.
Category – Electronic Media
Communication
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Blog – general or special focus blog posted regularly (at
least monthly) that supports district/school communication
efforts. Submit print copies of three consecutive postings
and include url for website access.
Social Media – communication efforts or campaigns using
Facebook, Twitter or other social media outlets. Submit a
one-page explanation of how the social media is being used
and the outcomes achieved. Include print copies of three
consecutive postings and include url for website access.
Videocasting/Videostreaming – programs designed
for websites, video newscasts, smart phone applications;
judged for professional quality, sound, color, motion and
content. Limit each entry to a single program, presentation
or episode.
Podcasting/Audio – message board information, news
releases/bulletins, promotional announcements, public
service announcements; judged for professional quality,
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sound, content. Limit each entry to a single presentation or
project.
Internet/Intranet Website – Please include your website’s
Internet address on your entry form. Entries are judged on
clarity of writing, appropriateness and freshness of content,
graphic presentation, ease of use and download time.
Special purpose or short-term project websites also are
accepted. Intranet entries must include password or other
log-in information so judges can access the site. Limit to one
website per entry.
Marketing Materials – videos, CD/DVDs, movie/TV/radio
ads, mobile apps, etc., designed to market an individual
school or the district to potential families or recruit staff and
business partners. Submit no more than three examples on
a single CD/DVD and/or provide url to access on website.
Criteria
Publications category entries will be judged on excellence
of graphic layout and design, writing and content. Electronic
Media Communication category entries will be judged on
professional quality, content, ease of access and usability.
Award Rules
m Enter only materials produced since March 2012. Previous
entries may not be re-entered.
m Entries compete only against others in the same category
and district/organization classification.
m A specific publication or electronic media item may be
entered in only one category (exception: Excellence in
Writing entries).
m Submit as many different entries in as many categories as
you wish. Video productions must be on DVD and audio
entries on CD. Only one CD or DVD may be submitted per
entry fee paid.
m Student written and/or produced newsletters or other
publications and audio/visual media are not eligible.
m All material submitted becomes the property of NSPRA and
may be reproduced, displayed, referenced or summarized in
an NSPRA publication or other resource. Entries cannot be
returned.
m Submission of any entry shall constitute the entrant’s
representation that all material is original and/or free from
unauthorized use of copy, design, art and/or photographs
from other sources.
m Fee: $69 per entry for NSPRA members, and $90 per
entry for non-members. Payment must accompany all
entries. Send one check or money order payable to NSPRA;
purchase orders or vouchers cannot be accepted. Due to the
large number of contest participants, NSPRA cannot provide
a receipt for entry payment. Please make copies of all entry
forms for your records and use your canceled check or credit
card statement as your receipt.
m Attach an entry form (included in this brochure) to each
separate entry. Mail it with entry and payment to NSPRA,
2013 Awards Program, 15948 Derwood Road, Rockville, MD
20855.
m Deadline: Entries must be postmarked by March 22, 2013.

Gold Medallion Awards
NSPRA’S GOLD MEDALLION AWARD is the top national competition recognizing superior education public
relations programs and is highly competitive.
Eligibility and Awards
Entries may be submitted by: public school systems; private/
charter schools; education agencies/organizations; community or
vocational/technical colleges; state/national education groups; and
any agency, consultant or business in partnership with any of the
above education entities. Each entry is judged on the overall excellence
of the entry as well as its quality compared to other entries in
the category. A Gold Medallion will be given for each winning entry.
Winners will be recognized nationally and presented with their
Gold Medallions at the 2013 NSPRA National Seminar.
Please Note: Entries that are not awarded the Gold Medallion will
automatically be considered for a Golden Achievement Award.
Categories
Gold Medallion entries will be considered based on the specific
categories listed below. Be sure to designate your entry’s category
in your summary. Judges may select more than one winner or no
winners in a category.
m Comprehensive, Strategic, Year-Round Communication
Programs
m Public Engagement/Parental and Community Involvement Programs/Initiatives
m Bond/Finance Campaigns (Note: When election results will not
be available until after the Gold Medallion Award deadline, the
campaign is eligible for the next year’s award program.)
m Crisis Communication
m Special Communication Projects/Campaigns (i.e., attendance,
boundary changes, health initiatives, marketing, cultural diversity,
environmental, etc.)
Criteria
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A detailed submission is necessary, including a thorough
explanation of the program/project and links to supporting
materials, websites and examples that outline the program/
project process from start to finish. Information should be
organized using the four-step public relations process –
Research, Analysis, Communication and Evaluation.
Read the rules carefully. If you fail to follow the rules, points
will be subtracted during judging.
Entries will be judged on clarity of concept, planned goals,
objectives and strategies, successful implementation, demonstrated
results, and evidence of objective evaluation of the
project/program. Entries are judged by experienced public
relations professionals.
Award Rules
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All Gold Medallion Award entries must be submitted electronically.
Compile all application materials into a single document,
with the exception of the entry form. Send file with subject
tag “2013 Gold Medallion Award” to awards@nspra.org.
Please mail the entry form along with payment
as noted below.
m Programs/projects must have been underway or completed
between April 2012 and the contest deadline of April 19, 2013.
(Note: For submitted Bond/Finance Campaign entries, all results
need to be completed by April 19, 2013 to be eligible for
an award this calendar year.)
m Entries must include a synopsis of the program/project that provides
a clear, concise overview (between 225 and 275 words).
m Entries must include a two-page “Program/Project Summary.”
These two pages are the most critical portion of the
entry. Organize your summary carefully around the four-step
PR process that the judges will evaluate on a point scale:
m Research – careful analysis of the need for the program, campaign
or activity, stated goals and measurable objectives;
m Analysis/Planning – planning to address the need for the
program, campaign or activity;
m Communication/Implementation – timelines, strategies/activities,
communication components carried out as
planned, quality of written and graphic materials;
m Evaluation – assessment component included and implemented.
The evaluation must include a measurement of the
success of the program, campaign or activity and recommended
future improvements or next steps.
m All entries become part of the NSPRA resource files. All materials
submitted may be reproduced, displayed, referenced or summarized
in an NSPRA publication or other resource.
m Fee: $150 per entry for NSPRA members; $205 per entry
for non-members. Send a check or money order payable to
NSPRA; purchase orders or vouchers cannot be accepted. Payment
must accompany all entries.
m Complete the form included in this brochure and mail it with
payment, to NSPRA, 2013 Awards Program, 15948 Derwood
Road, Rockville, MD 20855.
m Deadline: Entries must be postmarked by April 19, 2013.
HOW ENTRIES ARE JUDGED
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NSPRA uses independent outside judges to evaluate
entries in the Golden Achievement Awards, Publications
and Electronic Media Awards, and Gold Medallion Awards.
Judges have no pre-set limit on the number or types of
award that may be given in each category. They may
also opt to issue no awards in a category if no entries are
deemed worthy of recognition.
Individual judging assessments are confidential and will
not be released.
Due to the volume of entries received, NSPRA cannot
confirm receipt of your entry. If you wish confirmation that
your entry was received, please include a self-addressed,
postage-paid postcard for each entry submitted.

Entry Forms
You may submit more than one entry in each award program. Attach a form to each entry. Duplicate forms as necessary.
Mail all entries to NSPRA, 2013 Awards Program, 15948 Derwood Road, Rockville, MD 20855.
Golden Achievement Award Entry Form
Name (only one please) __________________________________________________
Title _______________________________________________________________
District/agency/organization ______________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________________
Phone number ________________________________________________________
Email ______________________________________________________________
Title of Entry _________________________________________________________
DEADLINE: Mail entries with payment, postmarked by March 8, 2013.
PAYMENT
The fee is $69 per entry for NSPRA members; $90 for non-members. SEND ONLY ONE
CHECK OR MONEY ORDER, payable to NSPRA, for all entries, or complete the information
below to pay by credit card. PURCHASE ORDERS OR VOUCHERS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED.
Credit card: q VISA q MasterCard q American Express q Discover Card
Name on the card _________________________________________________
Number___________________________ Exp. date _______ Security code______
Signature ________________________________________________________
Publications and Electronic Media Awards Entry Form
Name (only one please) _________________________________________________
Title _______________________________________________________________
District/school/organization_______________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________________
Phone number ________________________________________________________
Email ______________________________________________________________
Title of entry _________________________________________________________
Category/Purpose _____________________________________________________
Credit card: q VISA q MasterCard q American Express q Discover Card
Name on the card _________________________________________________
Number___________________________ Exp. date _______ Security code_____
Signature _______________________________________________________
Please complete each line. Send ONLY payment and entry with form. ATTACH NO
OTHER DOCUMENTATION.
TYPE OF AGENCY SUBMITTING ENTRY (CHECK ONE)
q School district: Under 3,000 students q Individual school
q School district: 3,001-10,000 students q State/Intermediate agency
q School district: 10,001-25,000 students q Education association
q School district: Over 25,000 students q Business partner
Entry’s targeted audience ________________________________________________
DEADLINE: Mail entries with payment, postmarked by March 22, 2013.
PAYMENT
The fee is $69 per entry for NSPRA members; $90 for
non-members. SEND ONLY ONE CHECK OR MONEY
ORDER, payable to NSPRA, to cover all entries or
complete the information at right to pay by credit card.
PURCHASE ORDERS OR VOUCHERS CANNOT BE
ACCEPTED.
FOR NSPRA USE ONLY
Check # _______________
Amount ______________
Date paid ______________
TYPE OF ENTRY (CHECK ONE)
q Annual Report
q Calendar
q Finance Publication
q Handbook
q Print Newsletter
q Internal Audience
q External Audience
q Magazine
q Videocasting/Videostreaming
q Podcasting/Audio
q Marketing Materials (electronic)
q Special Purpose Publication
q Branding/Image Package
q Marketing Publication
q Excellence in Writing
q E-Newsletter
q Internal Audience
q External Audience
q Internet/Intranet Website
q Blogs
q Social Media
Gold Medallion Award Entry Form
Name (only one please) _________________________________________________
Title _______________________________________________________________
District/school/organization_______________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________________
Phone number ________________________________________________________
Email ______________________________________________________________
Title of entry _________________________________________________________
Category/Purpose _____________________________________________________
Size of PR staff _______________________________________________________
DEADLINE: Mail entries with payment, postmarked by April 19, 2013
PAYMENT: The fee is $150 per entry for members; $205 for non-members. SEND ONLY ONE
CHECK OR MONEY ORDER, payable to NSPRA, or complete the information at right to pay by
credit card. PURCHASE ORDERS OR VOUCHERS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED.
Credit card: q VISA q MasterCard q American Express q Discover Card
Name on the card ________________________________________________
Number___________________________ Exp. date _______ Security code ____
Signature _______________________________________________________
TYPE OF SCHOOL/AGENCY SUBMITTING ENTRY
q Public and nonpublic schools, school systems, and regional education agencies
serving grades K-12 or any segment of those grades
q State and national education groups (including NSPRA chapters) and state
departments of education
q Community or vocational/technical colleges
q Agency, consultant, or business in partnership with any of the above education
agencies
ENTRY CATEGORY
q Comprehensive, Strategic, Year-Round Communication Programs
q Public Engagement/Parental Involvement
q Bond/Finance Campaign
q Crisis Communication
q Special Communication Projects/Campaigns
Specify topic __________________________________________________
NOTE: Submissions that are not awarded the Gold Medallion will automatically be
considered for Golden Achievement Awards.

...The leader in school communications
National School Public Relations Association
15948 Derwood Road, Rockville, MD 20855
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Hagerstown MD
Permit No. 93
Earn National Recognition for Your Outstanding Communication Programs
The National School Public Relations Association
(NSPRA), recognized as the Leader in School
Communications, has honored the best
work in school communication for more than
50 years. Add your name to the list of educators
and public relations professionals who have
earned recognition for their districts and schools
by entering the 2013 NSPRA National School
Communication Awards programs.
Consider entering your best work for any or all of the three award programs:
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Golden Achievement Award – for exemplary public relations activities,
programs or projects;
Publications and Electronic Media Awards – for outstanding work in all
types and forms of education communication, including print, electronic,
video, audio, websites, social media and more;
Gold Medallion Award – the top award honoring superior school public
relations/communications programs.
Want More Proof? Just consider what previous entrants say about NSPRA’s award programs:
“Great work in communications deserves to be
noticed. We were thrilled to win an NSPRA Golden
Achievement Award. Being recognized by your
peers is a great morale booster, and helps school
communicators share some of the best work in
the industry.”
—Sue Phillips
Corporate Communications Coordinator
Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board,
Hamilton, Ont.
“Receiving national recognition is an honor and lets
others know that the work you do is highly regarded.
NSPRA’s awards programs become a measuring stick
for the work we do.”
—Judy Leitz
Communications Coordinator
Stanislaus County Office of Education,
Modesto, Cal.