Excellence Awards

The following categories are available for submissions in the MSPRA Excellence Awards program:

• Annual Report – A yearly document summarizing district or program goals, activities, and accomplishments.
• Audio / Podcast – A podcast, public service announcement, or other audio project. Provide a URL to one episode or presentation and include a brief summary of the audio's purpose, the target audience, how it is being used, and the outcomes achieved to date.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – Any communications project that is intentionally designed to positively impact, support, or promote DEI efforts in a program, school, or district. In addition to the submitted document, photos, or files, include a brief summary of the project, how it will impact, support, or promote DEI efforts, and how multiple perspectives were considered and consulted in the process.
• Financial Report – Information about bond or millage issues, district budgets, tax levies, or other financial topics.
• Marketing Materials – Brochures, flyers, advertisements, branding packages, or other promotional materials to market a program, school or district to key audiences.
• Newsletter – Print or digital newsletters published periodically and designed for an internal or external audience. Provide two different issues to qualify as one entry.
• Special Purpose – An internal or external booklet, brochure, document, or material not included in other categories.
• Social Media – A communication campaign using social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and/or TikTok. Provide at least three relevant postings and a URL to the relevant platforms and include a brief summary of the purpose of the campaign, the target audience, how it is being used, and the outcomes achieved to date.
• Video – An edited video, live broadcast, or other recording designed for a website, special event, or video channel. Provide a URL from a website, YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive, or other platform and include a brief summary of the video's purpose, the target audience, how it is being used, and the outcomes achieved to date.
• Website / Mobile App – An existing or redesigned website or mobile application, or a website for a special purpose or short-term project. Existing websites that have been previously entered are not eligible. Provide a URL and any login information needed for access.

Submissions are judged individually within their category. Submissions scoring 35-40 points receive the Excellence Award. Submissions scoring 30-34.99 points receive the Merit Award.

Overall Criteria

The following elements are considered by judges for entries in all categories:

• The purpose and target audience are well defined or implied;
• The writing is clear, concise, and positive;
• The text is free of grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors;
• The content is well-organized, visually appealing, and appropriate; and
• The program, school, and/or district brand is portrayed consistently.

Each category has three additional elements for consideration specific to that category.

Annual Report

• Font and graphic elements are easy to read and enhance the overall design;
• The format and length are appropriate for the content and the target audiences; and
• There is an effective balance of written and visual information.

Audio / Podcast 

• The editing is smooth, organized, and well-paced;
• The topics covered are engaging, innovative, and relevant;
• Narration, music, and other sounds are of good and consistent quality.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

• The project is intentionally designed to positively impact, support, or promote DEI efforts;
• The message/voice of the project is appropriate, approachable, and engaging; and
• There is evidence that multiple perspectives were considered and consulted in the creation or development process.

Financial Report

• Font and graphic elements are easy to read and enhance the overall design;
• Complicated topics are made relevant and easy to understand for the target audiences; and
• There is an effective balance of written and visual information.

Marketing Materials

• The program, school, or district is presented in a creative, persuasive, and positive way;
• Font and graphic elements are easy to read and enhance the overall design; and
• There is a compelling call to action.

Newsletter

• The topics covered are varied and engaging;
• Font and graphic elements are easy to read and enhance the overall design; and
• There is consistency shown across multiple issues.

Special Purpose

• Font and graphic elements are easy to read and enhance the overall design;
• The format and length are appropriate for the content and the target audiences; and
• There is an effective balance of written and visual information.

Social Media 

• Posts include a high-quality photo, graphic, or video;
• Audience engagement is apparent and encouraged; and
• Posts reflect platform best practices related to accessibility, frequency, style, and voice.

Video

• The editing is smooth, organized, and well-paced;
• The video includes closed captioning; and 
• Video, narration, still photos, music, and graphics are integrated effectively and consistently.

Website / Mobile App

• User navigation is intuitive and is responsive on a mobile device;
• Content appears current and regularly updated; and
• The content and design are accessible for all users (WCAG 2.1 Level AA).