​​​​​​​KCSD communications efforts recognized in 2024 state awards program

The Kershaw County School District’s communications efforts were recognized at the state level with school and district awards including Golden Achievement and “Best in Show” honors in a statewide educational communications contest.

The South Carolina Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (SC/NSPRA) celebrated the effectiveness of programs and projects from across the state at its annual Rewards for Excellence awards ceremony on April 26, 2024, in Columbia. This program recognizes outstanding communications and public relations efforts by South Carolina schools, school districts, and education agencies and associations. Award entries are evaluated by public relations veterans with extensive experience in educational and business communications.

The Rewards for Excellence Program features three awards programs: Medallion (for comprehensive public relations programs), Golden Achievement (for a single project or an aspect of a comprehensive program), and Publications and Electronic Media (for individual products designed to improve communication).

KCSD was awarded three Golden Achievement Awards for their communications efforts on the following projects: “Cognia Support Materials,” “District and School Website Redesign,” and “Teacher of the Year Program Support Materials.”

North Central Elementary School was awarded a Golden Achievement Award for their “North Central Elementary recognizes students and staff members” communications. 

KCSD was also recognized with four district photography awards, an audio/podcast award for “KCSD radio spots,” a special publication Best in Show award for “KCSD Principal Spotlights,” a special publication award for “Retirement Shout-outs,” and an excellence in writing award for “Superintendent News Columns.” 

The KCSD website and social media were also recognized as some of the best in the state.

Other school-level awards included:

• Camden Elementary: “Colt News” and “The Colt Chronicles” newsletters
• Camden Elementary: CES Website
• Camden Elementary: Camden Elementary Facebook page, Best in Show
• Lugoff Elgin High: “The Demon Digest” newsletter
• Lugoff-Elgin High: “Literacy Express: Fostering a Love of Reading through Community Connections” excellence in writing
• North Central Elementary: “NCE celebrates the 100th day of school” photograph
• Pine Tree Hill Elementary: “PTH Staff Newsletter” and “PTH Weekly Parent Notes” newsletters
• Pine Tree Hill Elementary: “PTH Veterans Day” photograph
• Pine Tree HIll Elementary: “PTH Recruitment Portfolio” special purpose publication
• Pine Tree Hill Elementary: “PTH Christmas Spirit Week” infographic

SC/NSPRA is an affiliate of the National School Public Relations Association. The state chapter is composed of over 140 school public relations practitioners, superintendents, and other educational professionals from across the state. The organization strives to foster development in the field of school public relations and to encourage meaningful community involvement in and understanding of the public school system. Visit www.scnspra.org.

L-R: Beth King, Heather Jackson, Markeita Barber, Dan Matthews, Matia Goodwin, Beth Jeffers, Valerie West, Corey Wright, Brit Gardner and Julie Putnam. Abby Spitzer and Kristen Galuppi were also in attendance.