AWARDS OF DISTINCTION

Nominations ideally will come from multiple people from diverse backgrounds (communications colleague, superintendent or other administrator, building principal, board member, parent and/or community member)

Nomination letters will include specific attributes of the nominee and examples that illustrate the attributes.  (Sample attributes are noted in each category.)

Please, no more than five nomination letters for a nominee.

One- to two-page letters of nomination are submitted with specific examples of why the person is worthy of the award in the following categories:

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

The recipient must be a member of MOSPRA and have been a professional in school public relations for more than 12 months at the time of the nomination deadline. The person should have made a valuable contribution to either an education institution or MOSPRA in promoting school PR or have made a difference in the life of students.   Sample attributes include professionalism; strategic skills; organization; ability to develop and implement high-quality communication practices; commitment to helping MOSPRA as an association, etc.

NEW PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

The recipient shall be employed at least half-time in the field of public relations for no more than 24 months and be a member of MOSPRA.  The recipient shall have exhibited a creative, dedicated and professional approach to school public relations. Sample attributes include professionalism; commitment to obtain professional development; strategic skills; ability to develop and implement high-quality communication practices, etc.

ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR

The recipient should not be in an official PR position, but be employed by an institution that has a member of MOSPRA. The recipient should have made a significant contribution to school PR and supported and/or advocated for MOSPRA in some way.  Sample attributes include outward support of quality communications throughout school district/organization and a personal commitment to transparent, quality communications with staff, parents and community. Please provide specific examples.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD (Non-MOSPRA Member or Emeritus)

The recipient should have made a significant contribution to school public relations efforts or the enhancement of the image of education. The recipient may be a legislator, business person, community member, teacher or individual who is not a school PR professional.  Sample attributes include outward support of quality communications throughout school district/organization; a personal commitment to -- or support of -- quality communications that heighten perceptions of public education.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD (MOSPRA Member)

The recipient should have made a significant contribution to school public relations efforts or the enhancement of the image of education.  The recipient should be a practicing communications professional and a member of MOSPRA. Sample attributes include a personal commitment to quality communications that heighten perceptions of public education; a record of sustained excellence in communications and public relations; a record of support of the work of MOSPRA (examples include service to MOSPRA Board, MOSPRA committee service, mentoring of colleagues, etc.).  The recipient must have a minimum of ten years in the field of school communications.

MOSPRA SPIRIT AWARD

The recipient shall be a MOSPRA member in good standing who exhibits an ongoing desire to help colleagues find their own personal success and be a positive voice for public education.  

The award is in honor of former MOSPRA leader, Tina Zubeck. Tina was a vibrant leader who never hesitated to lend a hand, however, she would go beyond just sharing or helping - she was a true mentor to many of her school PR colleagues.  She was known for her contagious smile, her positive outlook, and her fun-loving energy. She was a true professional dedicated to serving the children of her school district as well as students across the state and nation through her work in school communications and in her role as a leader in the Missouri PTA.  The MOSPRA Spirit Award seeks to honor a MOSPRA member who demonstrates these qualities in his or her work and attitude.

Nomination dateline for 2024 awards:  January 19, 2024