The Longview Independent School District's Community Relations Department has been recognized with 13 Gold, Silver, and Bronze Star Awards presented by the Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA).
Recognizing work produced during the 2020-21 school year, this year’s Star Awards were announced at TSPRA’s 60th annual conference Feb. 23rd in Round Rock.
Longview ISD Community Relations earned eight Gold Star Awards, four Silver Star Awards, and one Bronze Award. The department earned top honors in the Live Video Event, Live Video Event (Spanish), Original Art, Published News, Video Promotion, and Writing categories.
In addition to these honors, Community Relations staffers presented six different professional sessions during the conference, the most of any single school district.
“Community Relations team members Mr. Chris Frazier, Mr. Dustin Taylor, Mrs. Elizabeth Ross, Mr. Francisco Rojas, Mrs. Kacy Swaim, and myself led topics as varied as connecting with Spanish-speaking families and creating engaging public events, to developing a departmental strategic plan and building your social media reach,” said Mr. Matthew Prosser, LISD Communications Director. “As a result, I feel like Longview ISD continues to lead the way in public school communication across the region and state.”
- Earning a Gold Award for Live Video Event was Mrs. Elizabeth Ross for the district’s “Draft Day” event in partnership with LISD Human Resources.
- Earning a Gold Award for Live Video Event (language other than English) was Mr. Francisco Rojas for his coverage of Lobo Soccer games.
- Earning a Gold Award for Original Art was Mrs. Ross for her design of Lobo Athletics graphics and another honor for the “Your Vote, Your Voice” graphic.
- Earning a Gold Award for Published News Article or Feature was Mr. Matthew Prosser for his editorial writing in The Longview Voice.
- Earning a Gold Award for Video Promotion was the Community Relations department for their Pathway To Success production.
- Earning a Gold Award for Writing was Mr. Dustin Taylor for his article “Developing A Future” and another honor for his article “Showing Commitment.”
- Earning a Silver Award for Photography was Mr. Chris Frazier for a photo of Hudson PEP’s “Operation Star” program, and another honor for Mrs. Ross for her photo of the LHS Pop Choir Performance.
- Earning a Silver Award for Printed Newsletter was Mr. Prosser and Mr. Taylor for their work on The Longview Voice district newspaper.
- Earning a Silver Award for Published News Article or Feature was Longview mayor Dr. Andy Mack for his Opinion column “Welcome To Strongview.”
- Earning a Bronze Award for Digital Magazine was Mr. Taylor for the online version of The Longview Voice district newspaper.
Community Relations presentations competed with all districts across the state of Texas with 15,000 or fewer students. That means we are competing with many schools that are almost twice as big as Longview ISD.
The TSPRA Star Awards provide recognition for the outstanding education communications and projects of submitting members each year. Submissions are judged by on set criteria and there are nearly 50 categories of competition covering various media such as newsletters, programs, posters, reports, writing, image/identity packages, photography, graphics, video, electronic presentations, campaigns, events, and websites.
Judges award Gold, Silver, or Bronze winners and schools are divided into three groups. There are separate competitions for districts with 15,000 students or less, 15,000-40,000 students and 40,000 or more students. The winners were selected from a record-setting 1,662 entries this year.
Dr. James Wilcox, LISD Superintendent of Schools, said he was pleased to hear of the honors, 'but not surprised.'
'Our district continues to be the best school district east of Interstate 45, and it's all because of our people: our students, our staff, our parents, and our many community partners,' he said. 'LISD Community Relations has been a vital part of our mission as a district.'
'Winning these honors shows the high quality of professionals we have at Longview ISD, the commitment and excellence they show on a daily basis shines forth in everything they do,' Dr. Wilcox added. 'Not only do we—here in Longview—recognize it, but communications professionals from across the state.'
'Our team’s mission is to serve with professionalism, a positive attitude, courtesy, and responsiveness, in facilitating open lines of communication and greater partnerships throughout the greater Longview area for our students, staff, and entire Lobo community,' said Mr. Prosser. 'These honors indicate that not only is our work appreciated within our community but by our peers as well.
'Telling Longview ISD's story in a way that engages and connects our students, employees, families, and community has been and always will be at the heart of what we do,' Mr. Prosser added. 'Having these efforts recognized as distinguished amongst our peers statewide is truly an honor for our team and the entire district.'
LISD Community Relations staff members will be recognized during the district's regular board meeting on March 21st.
For more information about Community Relations please visit the website: LISD.org/Communications or call 903-381-2200.