Excellence Awards

All entries should include 3-5 sentences stating the project's purpose and key audiences. The following categories are available for submissions in the MSPRA Excellence Awards program:

• Annual Report – A yearly document summarizing district or program goals, activities, and accomplishments.
• Calendar (new) – A publication (digital or print) with general information and specific dates for school/district activities and events. Submit ONE calendar per entry.
• Inclusion & Belonging Project – Any communications project that is intentionally designed to positively impact, support, or promote DEI efforts in a program, school, or district. In addition to the submitted document, photos, or files, include a brief summary of the project, how it will impact, support, or promote DEI efforts, and how multiple perspectives were considered and consulted in the process.
• Infographic – A graphic image used to represent complex information or data in a quick, impactful way. Submit ONE infographic per entry.
• Marketing Materials – Brochures, flyers, advertisements, branding packages, or other promotional materials to market a program, school or district to key audiences.
• Newsletter – Print or digital newsletters published periodically and designed for an internal or external audience. Provide two different issues to qualify as one entry.
• Photo (new) – An image that effectively tells a story, captures significant moments or conveys the ethos of a school community. Submit ONE photo per entry.
• Podcast – An audio or video podcast episode. Provide a URL to ONE episode or presentation and include a brief summary of the audio's purpose, the target audience, how it is being used, and the outcomes achieved to date.
• Special Purpose – An internal or external booklet, brochure, document, or material not included in other categories.
• Social Media Campaign – A communication campaign using social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and/or TikTok. Provide at least three relevant postings and a URL to the relevant platforms and include a brief summary of the purpose of the campaign, the target audience, how it is being used, and the outcomes achieved to date.
• Video (singular) – An edited video, live broadcast, or other recording designed for a website, special event, or video channel. Provide a URL from a website, YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive, or other platform and include a brief summary of the video's purpose, the target audience, how it is being used, and the outcomes achieved to date.
• Video (series) – A video series designed for a website, social media, video channel, special event, etc. Provide URLs from a website, YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive, or other platform and include a brief summary of the video series' purpose, the target audience, how it is being used, and the outcomes achieved to date. Submit up to three videos per entry.
• Website – An existing or redesigned website, or a website for a special purpose or short-term project. Existing websites that have been previously entered are not eligible. Provide a URL and any login information needed for access.

Submissions are judged individually within their category. Submissions scoring 35-40 points receive the Excellence Award. Submissions scoring 30-34.99 points receive the Merit Award.

Annual Report

• The report effectively communicates impact, achievements, and key district data to stakeholders;
• The writing is clear, concise, and engaging, avoiding jargon and overly technical language;
• The text is free of grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors;
• Navigation is logical and intuitive, using structural elements like headers, sections, and dividers; 
• Branding elements are consistent throughout and appear to align with the school/district identity;
• Typography, color choices, and graphic design elements enhance readability, contributing to a clean, professional, and accessible layout; are easy to read and enhance the design quality;
• The format and length are appropriate for both the content and the key audiences; and
• Visual elements like images, infographics, and charts complement the text, reinforcing key messages without overwhelming the reader.

Calendar 

• The calendar effectively communicates key dates, events, and deadlines for families and staff;
• The text is free of grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors;
• Navigation is logical and intuitive, with clear divisions for months and event categories; 
• The language and writing style are appropriate for both the content and the key audiences;
• Branding elements are consistent throughout and appear to align with the school/district identity;
• Typography, color choices, and graphic design elements enhance readability, contributing to a clean, professional, and accessible layout;
• The format and length are appropriate for both the content and the key audiences; and
• Visual elements like images, infographics, and charts complement the text, reinforcing key messages without overwhelming the reader.

Inclusion & Belonging Project

• The writing is clear, concise, and engaging, avoiding jargon and overly technical language;
• The format and length are appropriate for both the content and the key audiences;
• The project uses culturally responsive and inclusive language that respects and affirms identities, backgrounds, and abilities;
• The project ensures diverse visual and narrative representation, authentically reflecting the school community’s demographics;
• The project is intentionally designed to positively impact, support, or promote the diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging efforts of the district;
• The project addresses equity gaps in communication, ensuring information reaches and resonates with historically underserved or marginalized communities;
• Accessibility is prioritized by providing translated materials, closed captions, high color contrast, or other relevant and applicable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or language barriers; and
• There is evidence that multiple perspectives, including underrepresented voices, were considered and consulted in the creation or development process.

Infographic

• The text is free of grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors;
• Branding elements are consistent throughout and appear to align with the school/district identity;
• Complex information is presented in a clear and easy-to-understand manner, effectively simplifying data or concepts;
• Typography, color choices, and graphic design elements enhance readability, contributing to a clean, professional, and accessible layout;
• Data and statistics are sourced and labeled to ensure credibility and transparency;
• The infographic is engaging and encourages further interaction or exploration, whether through a compelling main message, QR codes or links, or a clear call to action;
• The format and length are appropriate for both the content and the key audiences; and
• Visual elements like images, charts, and icons complement the text, reinforcing key messages without overwhelming the reader.

Marketing Materials

• The purpose and key audiences are well defined or implied;
• The writing is clear, concise, and engaging, avoiding jargon and overly technical language;
• The text is free of grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors;
• Typography, color choices, and graphic design elements enhance readability, contributing to a clean, professional, and accessible layout;
• Branding elements are consistent throughout and appear to align with the school/district identity;
• The format and length are appropriate for the content and the key audiences;
• Visual elements like images, charts, and icons complement the text, reinforcing key messages without overwhelming the reader; and
• There is a clear, compelling call to action.

Newsletter

• The newsletter addresses topics that are timely, informative, and valuable to its intended audiences;
• Navigation is logical and intuitive, using structural elements like headers, sections, and dividers;
• Branding elements are consistent throughout and appear to align with the school/district identity;
• Typography, color choices, and graphic design elements enhance readability, contributing to a clean, professional, and accessible layout; are easy to read and enhance the design quality;
• Visual elements like images, infographics, and charts complement the text, reinforcing key messages without overwhelming the reader;
• The writing is clear, concise, and engaging, avoiding jargon and overly technical language;
• The text is free of grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors; and
• There is consistency shown across multiple issues.

Photo

• The photo effectively tells a compelling story that captures a significant moment, emotion, or message;
• The photo evokes an emotional response and engages viewers by drawing them into the moment;
• The subject matter is meaningful and relevant to education, showcasing connection, engagement, or achievement;
• The photo is well-composed with strong framing, balance, and use of leading lines or focal points;
• Color, contrast, and exposure are well-balanced to create a visually appealing and professional-quality image; 
• The depth of field is used effectively to emphasize the subject while maintaining visual context;
• Lighting enhances the image by ensuring clarity, depth, and appropriate mood; and
• Creativity is evident in the composition, angle, vantage point, or storytelling approach.

Podcast

• The podcast addresses topics that are timely, informative, and valuable to its intended audiences;
• The audio quality is clear and professional, with minimal background noise;
• Background music and sound effects enhance the experience without overwhelming the speakers;
• The podcast length is appropriate for the content and key audiences;
• The episode is well-structured with a clear beginning, middle, and end;
• The podcast effectively uses storytelling, interviews, or real-life examples to create a compelling and memorable experience for listeners;
• There is evidence of audience engagement, such as feedback, interactions, or analytics; and
• The podcast is distributed effectively through appropriate channels (website, streaming services, social media).

Social Media Campaign

• The submission includes a well-defined overview of the campaign and key audiences;
• The writing is clear, concise, and engaging, avoiding jargon and overly technical language;
• The text is free of grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors;
• The program, school, or district is presented in a creative, persuasive, and positive way;
• Posts include a high-quality photo, graphic, or video;
• Posts reflect platform best practices related to accessibility, frequency, style, and voice; 
• Branding elements are consistent throughout and appear to align with the school/district identity; and
• The submission includes evidence of audience engagement, such as comments, views, shares, or other metrics.

Special Purpose

• The purpose and key audiences are well defined or implied;
• The writing is clear, concise, and engaging, avoiding jargon and overly technical language;
• The text is free of grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors;
• Typography, color choices, and graphic design elements enhance readability, contributing to a clean, professional, and accessible layout;
• Branding elements are consistent throughout and appear to align with the school/district identity;
• The format and length are appropriate for the content and the key audiences;
• The language and writing style are appropriate for both the content and the key audiences; and
• Visual elements like images, charts, and icons complement the text, reinforcing key messages without overwhelming the reader.

Video (singular)

• The editing and transitions are smooth, organized, and well-paced;
• The video includes closed captioning; 
• The video uses a minimum resolution of 1080p HD;
• The length is appropriate for the intended message and key audiences;
• Background music and sound effects enhance the experience without overwhelming the speakers;
• The audio quality is clear and professional, with minimal background noise;
• The storytelling is compelling, authentic, and engaging; and
• The submission includes evidence of audience engagement, such as comments, views, shares, or other metrics.

Video (series)

• The editing and transitions are smooth, organized, and well-paced;
• The videos includes closed captioning; 
• The videos use a minimum resolution of 1080p HD;
• The length is appropriate for the intended message and key audiences;
• Background music and sound effects enhance the experience without overwhelming the speakers;
• The audio quality is clear and professional, with minimal background noise;
• The storytelling is compelling, authentic, and engaging; and
• The submission includes evidence of audience engagement, such as comments, views, shares, or other metrics.

Website / Mobile App

• The overall website design is aesthetically appealing, including effective, appropriate, and welcoming images that reflect the district’s diverse demographics;
• The text is free of grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors;
• The website integrates interactive features to enhance engagement, such as calendars, newsletters, contact forms, videos, and social media links or feeds.
• Branding elements are consistent throughout and appear to align with the school/district identity;
• Navigation is logical, intuitive, and user-friendly, prioritizing a well-organized menu while minimizing excessive scrolling and clicks to access key content;
• The website is responsive, adapting seamlessly for desktop and mobile experiences;
• Content appears current, regularly updated, and valuable to its intended audiences; and
• The website appears to follow accessibility best practices, such as adequate color contrast, alt text, video captions, descriptive hyperlinks, translation capabilities, and appropriate heading structure.