BCPS earns statewide recognition for outstanding communication

Morganton, NC – Monday, Feb. 12, 2024

The North Carolina School Public Relations Association (NCSPRA) has honored Burke County Public Schools for excellence in communications. BCPS earned a total of seven Blue Ribbon Awards for outstanding and effective communication. NCSPRA presented the awards during a special ceremony held in High Point, North Carolina on Feb. 9, 2024.
 
BCPS received one gold, two silver and four bronze level awards. The gold award was in the marketing category for “Pig Rig Joins the Cafeteria Lineup: BCPS Marketing Plan.” The silver awards were in the photography category for “Middle School First Responder Day” and “Mystery Reader.” The bronze awards were in electronic media for “Surprising Mrs. Ferrell with the Pink Heals Fire Truck;” Excellence in Writing “Peer-to-peer Mentorships Help Newcomers Ease in to High School Life;” and Digital Media Engagement “Postcards from Summer” and “BCPS Valentines.”

The BCPS communications team is made up of Public Relations Officer Cheryl Shuffler and Child Nutrition Marketing and Communications Specialists Bethany Duncan. 

Shuffler said, “It is an honor to be able to share the BCPS story to our community everyday. We work with talented, dedicated, caring professionals who love students and are all in to ensure they get the best education possible. The highlight of our day is being around the students, learning from them and capturing their educational journey.”

Burke County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mike Swan said, “Congratulations to our Burke County Public Schools public relations department on these seven awards and for getting the recognition they deserve. Communicating with our families, students, staff and stakeholders is vital to our district, and we are happy to share our stories and showcase our students.”

Valerie Newton, NCSPRA president and director of communication and family engagement for Sampson County Schools, said the work of the award winners exemplifies the high standards of the North Carolina School Public Relations Association and the outstanding work of its members. “We are extremely proud of the work being done by NCSPRA members across the state, and the Blue Ribbon Award winners have demonstrated excellence in all facets of communication. Their expertise and professionalism in the field of communications highlight the superior work being done by North Carolina public schools, and their accomplishments deserve recognition. I congratulate all of our winners for the outstanding work they do to support students and teachers and promote public education.”    
 
 NCSPRA recognizes outstanding communications through its Blue Ribbon Awards program each year.  BCPS was one of 35 school districts statewide to receive a Blue Ribbon Award. This year’s submission categories included: Marketing, Digital Media Engagement, Electronic Media, Excellence in Writing, Publications, Image/Graphic Design, Photography, and Special Projects and Events. The Georgia School Public Relations Association judged NCSPRA’s 2023 Blue Ribbon entries.
 
In addition to the Blue Ribbon Awards and Best of the Best Awards, NCSPRA presented its inaugural School Communicator of the Year award to Les Atkins of the Alamance-Burlington School System. 

The School Communicator of the Year award recognizes one NCSPRA member each year for excellence in the field of school communications. Candidates are nominated by NCSPRA members and are evaluated based on outstanding performance in the areas of Leadership, Communication, Professionalism, and Community Involvement. 

Les Atkins of the Alamance-Burlington School System was honored for the exemplary way he handled multiple crises during the 2022-2023 school year that put the Alamance-Burlington School System in a national spotlight. He also was recognized for his continuing emphasis on transparency and open communication to all stakeholders as well as his community involvement. 

NCSPRA is a statewide professional organization serving more than 175 members. Its mission is to build support for public education through well-planned and responsible public relations. For more information, please visit the NCSPRA Facebook page or www.ncspra.org.