Awards Submit Your Work Publications and Digital Media Excellence

• Branding/Image Materials: Multiple assets may be submitted to demonstrate the brand identity. 
• Newsletter: Two different issues must be submitted to qualify as one entry.
• Social Media: Upload a one-page explanation that includes the following:
  • Overview/purpose of the campaign/posts
  • Links to the social media content 
  • Relevant analytics that demonstrate the level of engagement with the social media content
  • Description of the outcomes achieved
• Video Series: Up to five videos may be submitted in the entry.

Entries are judged within an entry category for organizations of a similar type and size. Each entry is judged on the overall excellence of the entry as well as its quality compared to other entries in the category. The top award in each category is the Award of Excellence. Awards of Merit and Honorable Mentions are also given in each category.

Criteria for All Entries:

Following are elements that judges look for in all submissions:

• Target audience is defined or clearly implied.
• Key messages related to the district/school/organization are included.
• Content clearly expresses and executes the product's purpose.
• The presented information is clear and easy to understand, and overall, it evokes a positive response.
• The district/organization brand identity is portrayed clearly and reinforced consistently.

SOME categories include additional judging criteria. See below.

 

 

Annual Report Entries

Following are additional elements that judges look for in Annual Report entries:

• Language is free of grammatical, spelling, punctuation and usage errors.
• Language and writing style are appropriate for the context and audience.
• The content is well-organized.
• All type is easily readable, and the design is aesthetically appealing.
• Graphic elements enhance layout.
• Publication length/size is appropriate for purpose and target audience.

 

Branding/Image Materials Entries

Following are additional elements that judges look for in Branding/Image Materials entries:

• Language is free of grammatical, spelling, punctuation and usage errors.
• Brand appears consistently across submitted materials.

 

Calendar Entries

Following are additional elements that judges look for in Calendar entries:

• Language is free of grammatical, spelling, punctuation and usage errors.
• Language and writing style are appropriate for the context and audience.
• The content is well-organized.
• All type is easily readable, and the design is aesthetically appealing.
• Graphic elements enhance layout.
• Publication length/size is appropriate for purpose and target audience.

 

Excellence in Writing Entries

Following are additional elements that judges look for in Excellence in Writing entries:
 

• Language is free of grammatical, spelling, punctuation and usage errors.
• Language and writing style are appropriate for the context and audience.
• The content is well-organized.

 

Financial Publication Entries

Following are additional elements that judges look for in Financial Publication entries:

• Language is free of grammatical, spelling, punctuation and usage errors.
• Language and writing style are appropriate for the context and audience.
• The content is well-organized.
• All type is easily readable, and the design is aesthetically appealing.
• Graphic elements enhance layout.
• Publication length/size is appropriate for purpose and target audience.

 

Handbook/Guide Entries

Following are additional elements that judges look for in Handbook/Guide entries:

• Language is free of grammatical, spelling, punctuation and usage errors.
• Language and writing style are appropriate for the context and audience.
• The content is well-organized.
• All type is easily readable, and the design is aesthetically appealing.
• Graphic elements enhance layout.
• Publication length/size is appropriate for purpose and target audience.

 

Infographic Entries

Following are additional elements that judges look for in Infographic entries:

• Language is free of grammatical, spelling, punctuation and usage errors.
• Graphic elements (subheads, photos, art, pull-outs, etc.) enhance layout.

 

Magazine Entries

Following are additional elements that judges look for in Magazine entries:

• Language is free of grammatical, spelling, punctuation and usage errors.
• Language and writing style are appropriate for the context and audience.
• The content is well-organized.
• All type is easily readable, and the design is aesthetically appealing.
• Graphic elements enhance layout.
• Publication length/size is appropriate for purpose and target audience.
• Cover/front attracts the reader’s attention.

 

Marketing Material Entries

Following are additional elements that judges look for in Marketing Material entries:

• Language is free of grammatical, spelling, punctuation and usage errors.
• Language and writing style are appropriate for the context and audience.
• The content is well-organized.
• All type is easily readable, and the design is aesthetically appealing.
• Graphic elements enhance layout.
• Publication length/size is appropriate for purpose and target audience.
• The material contributes to the success of marketing objectives as outlined in the submission.

 

News Release Entries

Following are additional elements that judges look for in News Release entries:

• Language is free of grammatical, spelling, punctuation and usage errors.
• The purpose of the release is clear, and that purpose is achieved. 
• The release captures the reader's attention.

 

Newsletter Entries

Following are additional elements that judges look for in Newsletter entries:

• Language is free of grammatical, spelling, punctuation and usage errors.
• Language and writing style are appropriate for the context and audience.
• The content is well-organized.
• All type is easily readable, and the design is aesthetically appealing.
• Graphic elements enhance layout.
• Publication length/size is appropriate for purpose and target audience.

 

Photo Entries

Following are additional elements that judges look for in Photo entries:

• The photo is able to convey an idea, message or thought in an original and imaginative way through the lens.
• The photo showcases originality and technique to influence how the image is presented and interpreted.
• The subject matter displayed is appropriate to the story being told in the photo submitted and fully represents public education objectives.
• All of the visual elements harmoniously express the purpose or intent of the image. The photo draws the viewer in to look where the creator intended.
• The overall impact of the photo is effective. The photo stands on its own, as complete and outstanding. The photo has the “wow” factor.

 

Podcast Entries

Following are additional elements that judges look for in Podcast entries:

• The purpose of the podcast episode is clear, and that purpose is achieved.
• The podcast episode tells a story that engages the listener.
• The audio is clear and at a consistent volume.

 

Social Media Criteria

Following are additional elements that judges look for in social media entries:

• Overview/purpose of the campaign/posts is well explained.
• Post content is accessible to all audiences (e.g., videos have closed captioning, alt description tags are used for images, graphics avoid the use of embedded text that is not explained in the post or alt tag, etc.).
• Voice and tone of the content/posts are appropriate for the platform.
• Posts promote target audience engagement/participation.
• Description of the outcomes achieved is well explained. 

 

Special Purpose Publication Entries

Following are additional elements that judges look for in Special Purpose Publication entries:

• Language is free of grammatical, spelling, punctuation and usage errors.
• Language and writing style are appropriate for the context and audience.
• The content is well-organized.
• All type is easily readable, and the design is aesthetically appealing.
• Graphic elements enhance layout.
• Publication length/size is appropriate for purpose and target audience.

 

Video (Singular) Entries

Following are additional elements that judges look for in video entries:

• The purpose of the video is clear, and that purpose is achieved.
• The video tells a story that engages the viewer.
• Video transitions are smooth, and editing complements the flow of the content.
• The video in its entirety was in focus.
• The audio used in the video is clear and at a consistent volume. Music doesn’t overshadow when people are talking in the video.
• Lighting applied in the video (manmade or natural) is used to enhance the visuals.
• Graphic elements enhance the story told in the video.
• The video includes closed captioning.

 

Video Series Entries

Following are additional elements that judges look for in Video Series entries:

• The purpose of the video series is clear, and that purpose is achieved.
• The video series tells a story that engages the viewer.
• Transitions in the videos are smooth, and editing complements the flow of the content.
• The videos in their entirety were in focus.
• The audio used in the videos is clear and at a consistent volume. Music doesn’t overshadow when people are talking in the videos.
• Lighting applied in the videos (manmade or natural) is used to enhance the visuals.
• Graphic elements enhance the story told in the videos.
• The videos include closed captioning.

 

Website Entries

Following are additional elements that judges look for in website entries:

• Language is free of grammatical, spelling, punctuation and usage errors.
• The overall website design is aesthetically appealing and enhances readability.
• Navigation throughout the site is easy and intuitive.
• The website uses effective, appropriate and welcoming images that reflect a variety of grade levels and the district’s diverse demographics.
• The website is mobile responsive.
• The website is accessible. It uses alt tags for photos and graphics, screen tips for hyperlinks and closed captioning for embedded videos. It doesn't use inaccessible documents.
• Content is engaging for readers and an appropriate length to reduce excessive scrolling.
• Content is up to date and seems to be updated on a regular basis.