2025-26 OSPRA Awards 

Prepare for launch and aim for communication excellence! The Oregon School Public Relations Association (OSPRA) is ready to recognize the standout work of school communicators who keep Oregon schools informed, engaged, and moving forward.

⏰ The 2025-26 OSPRA Communication Awards deadline is approaching at warp speed: Friday, February 27, 2026. This is the moment to chart a course for the winner’s circle and showcase work that truly shines across the galaxy of school communications.

 The best part? An award could be in your orbit. Updated award categories now better align with NSPRA’s categories, based on member feedback. That means more pathways, more possibilities, and more chances to be recognized for exceptional work.

The OSPRA Communication Awards celebrate the most creative and effective efforts in school PR. Entries also receive thoughtful feedback from fellow communications pros, because even the best missions benefit from expert navigation.

Entries are welcome from public and private schools, districts, special schools, regional education service districts, and education partners. Submissions are accepted from OSPRA professional and superintendent members only. Each entry must include a project link and a two-page write-up.

✨ Don’t just admire the stars. Claim one. Submit an entry and let great work take flight.

BRANDING & VISUAL IDENTITY CAMPAIGNS

This category recognizes cohesive branding and visual identity efforts that establish or strengthen an organization’s brand through consistent design and visual storytelling. The primary focus is on visual systems and brand application, rather than campaign messaging or audience engagement outcomes.

This category includes:

• Visual Identity Systems: Logo systems, rebrands, or refreshed brand identities.

• Brand Rollouts: Coordinated launches of new or updated branding across multiple platforms.

• Branded Materials: Consistent use of visual elements across print and digital assets such as stationery, signage, banners, templates, or graphic standards.

• Design Focused Campaigns: Marketing efforts where visual identity and branding consistency are the central components.

Entries must include three or more distinct visual pieces within a single entry and summarize the branding effort within two pages, adhering to the RPIE framework:

• Research: Analysis of brand needs, audiences, or environmental factors that informed visual and design decisions.

• Planning: Explanation of design strategy, brand standards, intended applications, and coordination across materials.

• Implementation: Demonstration of consistent and effective execution of the visual identity across all submitted pieces.

• Evaluation: Assessment of how well the branding met its intended purpose, including insights, feedback, or recommendations for future use.
  
  

Include URLs or brief descriptions of supporting materials such as websites, videos, or digital assets that demonstrate the branding in use. Supporting materials should enhance the entry and not exceed 2 pages.

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION CAMPAIGNS

This category recognizes comprehensive strategic communication efforts designed to inform, engage, persuade, or respond to specific organizational needs. The emphasis is on communication strategy, execution, and measurable outcomes, regardless of whether the campaign includes original branding or design elements.

This category includes:

• Year-Round Communication Programs: Ongoing initiatives designed to engage and inform audiences over time.

• Public Engagement Initiatives: Efforts focused on building relationships, fostering interaction, or strengthening community trust.

• Finance Campaigns: Communication strategies related to tax levies, bond measures, budgets, or financial transparency.

• Crisis or Emergency Communication: Communication efforts during challenging, time-sensitive, or high-impact situations.

• Special Projects: Targeted initiatives such as education advocacy, outreach campaigns, or awareness efforts.

Entries must summarize the campaign within two pages, adhering to the RPIE framework:

• Research: Analysis of the campaign’s purpose, audience needs, and communication challenges, with clearly defined goals and measurable objectives.

• Planning: Description of strategies, target audiences, resources, timelines, and staff roles.

• Implementation: Explanation of how communication tactics such as messaging, media, events, digital platforms, or outreach efforts were executed.

• Evaluation: Summary of outcomes, measurable results, lessons learned, and recommendations for improvement.

Include URLs or brief descriptions of supporting materials such as websites, videos, social media content, or PDFs that support the campaign. Supporting materials should enhance the entry and not exceed 2 pages.

PUBLICATIONS & DIGITAL MEDIA

This category recognizes outstanding education publications, newsletters, websites, and other digital media. Entries may include:

• Annual Report: A yearly publication summarizing goals, activities, and achievements.

• Magazine: Periodic publications with news articles, features, photos, and more (print or digital).

• Newsletter: Internal or external newsletters published periodically (print or digital).

• Podcast: A single school or district podcast episode.

• Website: Website redesigns or special-purpose/short-term project websites.

Entries should adhere to the RPIE framework:

• Research: Analyze audience needs, goals, and the product's purpose. Define key messages.

• Planning: Outline objectives, strategies, and design elements that reinforce the organization’s brand.

• Implementation: Deliver engaging, error-free content with organized layouts and visuals that enhance readability.

• Evaluation: Highlight measurable outcomes, such as audience feedback or improved engagement.

Judges assess how effectively entries communicate their purpose, with emphasis on clarity, creativity, and strategic alignment.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION & BELONGING CAMPAIGNS/PROGRAMS

This category recognizes outstanding communication efforts that prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Submissions should showcase intentional strategies to engage diverse audiences, promote equity, and foster belonging. Campaigns may focus on community outreach, partnerships, or systemic change, including policy-level initiatives.

Entries should follow the RPIE framework:

• Research: Analyze audience needs and opportunities through a DEIB lens. Define clear, equity-focused goals and objectives.

• Planning: Outline strategies, resources, and tactics that promote inclusion and create pathways for belonging.

• Implementation: Execute inclusive messaging, culturally relevant content, and creative formats tailored to diverse audiences.

• Evaluation: Highlight measurable outcomes such as increased engagement, community partnerships, or policy changes.

Judges assess alignment with DEIB principles, creativity, and the campaign’s impact in fostering equity and belonging.

SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN

This category recognizes campaigns on platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, or others. Submissions should include three social media posts that demonstrate a well-crafted campaign with clear objectives and target audiences. Campaigns should integrate data, showcase creativity, and actively encourage engagement.

Entries should follow the RPIE framework:

• Research: Analyze audience behaviors, preferences, and platform trends. Based on data or feedback, define clear goals.

• Planning: Outline strategies, tactics, and timelines tailored to each platform and audience.

• Implementation: Deliver engaging, high-quality posts with creative visuals and platform-specific strategies.

• Evaluation: Highlight outcomes, such as engagement metrics, audience reach, or feedback.

Judges evaluate creativity, strategic alignment, and the effectiveness of social media in connecting with audiences and achieving goals.

VIDEO: STORYTELLING

This category recognizes short- and long-form videos that effectively narrate the stories of students, staff, schools, or programs for internal or external audiences. Each entry is limited to a single program, presentation, or episode, with judges reviewing only the first five minutes. Videos should have a clear purpose, a defined audience, and high-quality production that integrates audio, visuals, and creative elements like titles, animations, and graphics. 

Entries should follow the RPIE framework:

• Research: Define the story’s purpose, audience, and context. Identify compelling, impactful narratives.

• Planning: Use strategic pre-production processes, including storyboarding, scripting, and resource planning.

• Implementation: Deliver high-quality production with engaging visuals, audio, and editing techniques.

• Evaluation: Highlight outcomes such as audience feedback, engagement metrics, or demonstrated impact.

Judges assess creativity, technical excellence, and the video’s ability to connect with its audience and achieve its goals.

🏆 SCHOOL COMMUNICATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD 

NSPRA's National School Communicator of the Year Award honors one outstanding individual in the school public relations profession each year.

This program recognizes the outstanding leadership and contributions of active, front-line school communicators who work full-time in school districts or education service agencies. It is not designed to recognize service at retirement. Current members of the NSPRA executive board are ineligible to receive this award. 

To be eligible for the National School Communicator of the Year Award, candidates must first be selected by their chapter as its Communicator of the Year based on their chapter’s selection criteria. 

JUDGING AREAS:

Each candidate for the Oregon School Communicator of the Year Award will be evaluated on the following four judging areas:

• Leadership: Demonstrated leadership in successfully meeting the communication needs of their school system or educational service agency. Examples may include leading successful communication campaigns, overcoming an internal communication challenge, or creating a robust strategic communication plan.

• Communication: Demonstrated strength in both personal and organizational communication. Examples may include evidence of persuasion, the power of engagement, or influence in decision-making.

• Professionalism: Constant improvement of knowledge and skills, while providing professional development opportunities and mentoring to others. Examples may include achieving accreditation in public relations (APR), participating in NSPRA’s Mentor Match program, or serving as a speaker at the chapter or national level.

• Community Involvement: Active participation in their local community activities and an understanding of regional, national, and international issues. Examples may include volunteering in their local community, organizing a fund-raising event for their community, or writing an article that demonstrates a broad knowledge of the complexities of public education.

All activities or accomplishments must have taken place within the previous five years. Additionally, the nominee must have the ability and skills necessary to represent school communications in a professional manner, including but not limited to high-quality written communication and public speaking skills. The nominee should maintain the highest standards of personal conduct and recognize that their personal conduct is held up to public scrutiny. 

You can nominate yourself, a co-worker, or just someone in OSPRA that you admire.

RULES FOR ALL OSPRA AWARDS

Divisions

The communication awards program is broken into two divisions. 

• Division A: Communication Teams with 1-2 members

• Division B: Communication Teams with 3+ members
  

Limit

• One entry per district/ESD per category

• Please submit projects completed between March 2025 and February 2026
  

Judging Criteria 

Certain categories may have specific requirements listed in the category descriptions. Overall, judges will consider factors such as:

• Writing style and clarity

• How design supports the message

• Effectiveness of the communications tool for the intended audience

Honors 

Each entry will be evaluated and assigned to an award category based on the points it receives. 

• 1st Place = Oregon’s Best

• 2nd Place = Award of Excellence

Selection and Awards

The selection committee will include current Board members from other states/spras.