INSPRA recognizes public education ambassadors during Distinguished Service Awards

BOLINGBROOK – A variety of public education stakeholders were honored yesterday for their support of education during the Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association’s (INSPRA) annual Distinguished Service Awards luncheon at Bolingbrook Golf Club.

Thirty-three individuals and teams, including four from Meridian CUSD 223, were recognized in the categories of Administrator, Board of Education Member, Community Member, Faculty/Certified Staff, Parent, Support Staff and Team. This year, INSPRA also recognized one of its own as a Distinguished Communicator. Entries were judged against criteria of excellence, and only those receiving top scores in a variety of areas received awards. NSPRA chapter members from Alabama, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New York, Ohio and Wisconsin served as judges for the program. To see the list of award recipients, go to http://www.inspra.org/DistinguishedServiceAwards.aspx.

“We are thrilled to recognize so many people who support education in their communities, and do so much to enhance our work as school communications professionals,” said INSPRA President Cathy Kedjidjian Coordinator of Communications and Community Relations for Deerfield Public Schools District 109. “The Distinguished Service Awards gives us an opportunity to thank those ambassadors for education as we reflect on our work together during the past school year.”

The mission of INSPRA is to provide a source of connection, collaboration and professional development for school communicators in order to strengthen support for Illinois public schools, which leads to greater student success. Workshops and programs take place throughout the year, providing opportunities for members to learn and grow in their craft. The Distinguished Service Awards luncheon is a highlight of the year and is attended by communications professionals, superintendents, board of education members and other school leaders.

Meridian Superintendent PJ Caposey, who was also an INSPRA award winner, stated, “I am very proud of the work our faculty, staff, and students have done to become better, more transparent communicators. I am extremely pleased that this honor has validated their efforts. They have certainly earned the recognition.”

(L to R) PJ Caposey, Perky Ruggeberg, Joe Mullikin, Dariusz Warzocha, Jen Hagemann.