NSPRA Award Programs

2013 Awards CoverNSPRA's annual Award Programs offer the opportunity to earn national recognition for your communication achievements. Three different award programs allow you to showcase your successes and build credibility for your communication program. For details about each program go to the specific award program links listed below.

Download the 2013 NSPRA Award Programs official entry form (right-click and save to your computer to fill it out electronically), or read the brochure for more information.

In Their Own Words: Value of NSPRA Awards


Gold Medallion Awards

Golden Achievement Awards

Recognition Awards

Publications & Electronic Media Awards


Here are some brief descriptions of NSPRA's recognition awards.  Please visit each award menu by clicking the links above to learn more about all our awards.

NSPRA Presidents Award

The NSPRA Presidents Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Association.It was established in 1979 to recognize a living individual NSPRA member for outstanding professionalism and integrity throughut a career as a school public relations practitioner and for contributions to the advancement of educational public relations. In addition, it recognizes the member's active involvement and leadership at a national level as well as substantive professional contributions to NSPRA. 

Nominations for the Presidents Award may be submitted by current chapter presidents, all past NSPRA Executive Board members (not serving on the currentl selection committee) and past recipients of the award. Nominations are due April 1 annually.

For past recipients, click here.

The Barry Gaskins Mentor Legacy Award

This award recognizes a practicing school public relations professional for outstanding efforts in mentoring colleagues new to school PR, providing counsel and advice on job success, and assisting colleagues in their professional development by creating or offering programs and activities designed to improve PR skills and knowledge. This award is given in memory of Barry Gaskins, APR, an NSPRA past president who was known for his deep commitment to supporting and mentoring colleagues as well as for his passion for public education.

In the spirit of this award, the recipient is allowed to designate a mentee of their choice to receive a scholarship to the NSPRA National Seminar. The funding for this award is provided by the NSPRA Foundation for the Advancement of Education through memorial donations from NSPRA chapters and colleagues.

For past recipients, click here.

The Bob Grossman Leadership in School Communications Award

The Bob Grossman Leadership in School Communications Award is given annually to a practicing superintendent or CEO of a school district, education agency or service center in recognition of outstanding leadership in school public relations and communications. The funding for this award is provided by the NSPRA Foundation for the Advancement of Education through memorial donations from NSPRA chapters and colleagues. The recipient receives a registration to the NSPRA National Seminar and two nights lodging.This award is given in memory of Robert L. Grossman, ASPR, an NSPRA past president who believed that the support and commitment of our top education leaders is vital to successful school communication.

NSPRA Lifetime Professional Achievement Awards

These awards are given periodically during the year to recognize veteran NSPRA members who have:

* Led distinguished careers as school public relations professionals* Earned the respect of their colleagues at the state and national level* Remained active NSPRA members at either the chapter or national level for the majority of their careers* Shared their knowledge and experience at chapter workshops and conferences and at the NSPRA Seminar* Contributed to the work of NSPRA committees and task forces* Mentored new members and supported NSPRA colleagues* Demonstrated the practice of good public relations on a daily basis* Constantly advocated the need for good communication between schools and the public 

Any current NSPRA Chapter Officer or past NSPRA Executive Board member may submit a nomination, using the official form.