On September 18th, school communications professionals from throughout Illinois were honored during the Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association’s (INSPRA) Annual Communications Contest and Golden Achievement Awards luncheon at Maggiano’s Little Italy in Oakbrook.
More than 115 entries were submitted in the categories of annual reports, audio-video, calendars/handbooks, electronic publications, financial information, marketing materials, newsletters, website, writing and special purpose. Entries were judged against criteria of excellence and only those receiving top scores in a variety of areas received awards. National School Public Relations Association chapter members from Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin served as judges for those categories. Golden Achievements Awards also were given for projects that encompass all aspects of a public engagement program, from research to planning, implementation, and evaluation.
“The contest recognizes the amazing communications work done by our members,” said INSPRA President Danielle Brink, Director of Community Relations for DuPage High School District 88.
Kaneland School District’s unique Arts organization, the Kaneland Arts Initiative (KAI), created a brochure during the 2014 – 2015 school year to describe the work that the organization does for the school district and the community. Dr. Julie-Ann Fuchs, Associate Superintendent of Kaneland Schools, nominated the KAI Informational Brochure for the INSPRA Communication Contest in the category of Special Purpose. In August, the school district was notified that the Kaneland Arts Initiative was to be awarded this distinction at the September Awards luncheon.
Pictured from left: Bonnie Whildin, Laura McPhee, Diane McFarlin, Dr. Todd Leden (behind), Maria Dripps-Paulson, Heidi Gilkey, Emily VanDelinder-Birchfield, Dr. Julie-Ann Fuchs, and Deanna Cates
Dr. Todd Leden, Dr. Julie-Ann Fuchs, and members of the Kaneland Arts Initiative board of directors and staff attended the event. KAI Executive Director, Maria Dripps-Paulson, accepted the award on behalf of the organization. At the September 28th Kaneland School District board of education meeting, Dr. Fuchs saluted the Kaneland Arts Initiative for their great public relations work as well as their dedication to providing outstanding artistic programs for the school district. The award will be on display in the Kaneland District Office conference room next to the INSPRA Distinguished Service Award received by the Kaneland Arts Initiative in 2007.
The brochure was designed by Fairel Rank of Fairel Anne Designs, Ltd. Copies of the KAI Informational Brochure are available in all Kaneland school buildings and public libraries. An electronic copy may be viewed below:
Front Cover of the KAI Informational Brochure. Die Cut with fold
KAI Informational Brochure – Inside
KAI Informational Brochure Back Cover
