Vance County Schools Director of Communication Aarika Sandlin accepted 10 Blue Ribbon Awards during a virtual ceremony last week, and Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett called Sandlin’s creativity and commitment to sharing the accomplishments of students and staff is to be commended.
During the awards ceremony on Feb. 11, 2022, the North Carolina School Public Relations Association (NCSPRA) recognized VCS for outstanding and effective communication across several categories, from graphic design to digital and electronic media.
VCS received three Gold level awards for outstanding work in Image and Graphic Design (2) and Special Events, three Silver level awards for work in Digital Media and Special Events (2) and four Bronze level awards given in Electronic Media, Excellence in Writing and Publications (2).
The judges praised the work, sharing it was “superb work from start to finish!” This is another strong finish for Vance County Schools, having earned nine Blue Ribbon awards in 2020.
In a written statement to WIZS News, Bennett said Sandlin “works diligently to ensure that publications, social media posts and presentations tell the story of the innovative spirit of students and staff.”
Ken Derksen, NCSPRA president and executive director for community engagement & student and family support for Wayne County Public Schools, said the work of the award winners exemplifies the high standards and qualities members demonstrate in their daily school communications programs. “Blue Ribbon Awards are among the highest and most prestigious honors that a member of our organization can attain. I congratulate all of this year’s winners for achieving statewide recognition as a Blue Ribbon Award winner. These awards highlight the superior work being accomplished in the area of school communications and all that our members are doing to support and promote public schools across North Carolina,” Derksen said.
NCSPRA recognizes outstanding communications through its Blue Ribbon Awards program each year. Vance County Schools was one of 37 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 2021 Blue Ribbon entries.
During the virtual event, Nicole Kirby, president of the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) paid tribute to award winners and thanked all North Carolina school districts for their efforts to effectively communicate during difficult times. Kirby praised the districts and their communications teams for the powerful way they have responded to help parents, students, and staff during the COVID crisis. “At a time when we are all under extraordinary pressure, you have continued to produce award-winning work,” Kirby said.
NCSPRA is a statewide professional organization serving more than 150 members. Its mission is to build support for public education through well-planned and responsible public relations. For more information, visit the NCSPRA Facebook page or www.ncspra.org.
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