Golden Achievement Awards The Golden Achievement Awards program recognizes exemplary public relations activities, programs and projects. All public and private schools and institutions are eligible. Each entry is judged against criteria, not other entries. To view the list of 2008 winners, click here.

The 2009 Golden Achievement Award is designed as a major recognition program for great activities, regardless of the number of entries. Each entry will be judged individually against the contest criteria - not against other entries.

Examples of activities, programs, and projects that should be considered for this award include:

• Back-to-school orientation programs
• Series of publications designed to accomplish a specific purpose
• Community outreach for programs to build understanding of schools
• Finance election campaigns
• Series of media relations activities
• Staff and student recognition
• Internal communication programs
• School activities, programs, or projects in the community
• Marketing campaigns (i.e. enrollment, recruitment, special/alternate school programs, schools of choice, community education, or other special efforts)
• Series of radio or television public service announcements
• Community involvement efforts for volunteers/advisory councils, coalitions, non-parents, etc.
• Anniversary celebrations
• Business-school partnerships
• Public engagement initiatives
• Podcasting or other new media initiatives
• Activities, programs, or projects that promote "Going Green" (environmental campaigns)

Criteria

Each entry must be summarized on one page and be based on the four essential steps of all public relations programs. There must be clear evidence of each of these four steps:

• Research - Evidence of careful analysis of the need for the program, campaign, or activity and stated goals of the program or activity
• Analysis/Planning - Evidence of thoughtful planning to address the need for the program, campaign, or activity
• Communication/Implementation - Evidence that activities, including communication, were carried out as planned
• Evaluation - Evidence that an evaluation component was included in the development of the plan and carried out. The evaluation must include a way to measure success of the program, campaign, or activity and evidence of objective evaluation of communication techniques used.

The deadline is March 6, 2009.

Entry forms will be available in early January.