The Houston Independent School District’s Communications department earned top honors for its work in communications and community engagement during the 2020 Texas School Public Relations Association Annual Conference in Austin.
The accolades covered nearly all facets of communications, including writing, videography, graphic design, marketing, branding, and special events.
“As the storytellers of HISD, we are passionate about sharing the inspiring stories of our resilient students, hard-working teachers, and empowering leaders,” said Chief Communications Officer Rebecca Suarez. “I am extremely proud of our Communications Team for their creative lens and clear focus on promoting the district’s strategic priorities to help student succeed.”
HISD Communications took home a Crystal Commendation Special Events Award for the Barbara Jordan Career Center Grand Opening Ceremony, as well as two Crystal Certificates of Merit for the HISD Empowers Marketing Campaign and the 2019 Public Education Matters Benefit Dinner. All projects featured a variety of media, including graphic design, production, video, livestreaming, and social media. Additionally, the team was also honored with 23 Star Award medals in various categories, including 13 gold, nine silver, and one bronze.
The annual awards competition — hosted by TSPRA and judged by an independent panel — is designed to recognize outstanding education communications and projects.
HISD Communications TSPRA Awards
Crystal Commendation Award
Crystal Certificate of Merit
- HISD Empowers Marketing Campaign
- 2019 Public Educations Matters Benefit Dinner
Gold Star Awards
- Writing: ‘Culture of trust, accountability’ at the center of North Forest turnaround
- Published News or Feature: Sharpstown HS coach fosters lessons beyond the pitch
- Printed External Newsletter: HISD Back to School 2019-2020
- E-Newsletter External: HISD Weekly Wrap – Our Story
- Website Design: HISD Fix School Finance Website
- Website Design: Business Operations website
- Published News or Feature: Worthing HS students start the new year in new building
- Annual Report: 2018 Business Operations Annual Report: We Solve. We Serve
- Communications Plan: HISD Transportation Magnet Hubs Communications Plan
- Poster: Business Operations’ Departments’ Posters
- Booklet: Business Operations’ Special Event Planning Guide
- Flyer: Lettuce Enjoy Good Food Flyer
- Flyer: Nutrition Services Flyer
Silver Star Awards
- Social Media Campaign: National Police Week Social Media Campaign
- Writing: YWCPA celebrates grand opening of new building addition, renovations
- Writing: Transportation announces new, more comprehensive route planning process
- Writing: New Energy Institute HS helps students, staff embrace project-based learning
- Writing: Milby High School Culinary Arts student headed toward bright future
- Writing: HISD Police Department active shooter training prepares officers, schools
- Writing: Family-style lunch a success at Garden Oaks Montessori
- Invitation/Announcement/Postcard: Transportation Services Recruitment Postcard
- Program: Wharton Dual Language Academy Grand Opening Ceremony
Bronze Star Award
- E-Newsletter External: HISD Bond Building Excellence Newsletter