Gold Medallion Awards
MSPRA's Gold Medallion Award recognizes outstanding programs or projects that advance education through responsible communication using the four-step public relations process known as RPIE: Research, Planning, Implementation and Evaluation.
This award is open to any project fitting the submission criteria completed during the previous year (July 1 - June 30). Entries must be submitted by a current, good-standing member of MSPRA or NSPRA. The fee is $100, limit of one. 2024 submissions will be accepted between April 1 and June 30, 2024.
Recommended Projects
Any project using the RPIE process may be eligible, but the following recommended categories often best fit the rigorous standards set for scoring this award:
- Bond/Finance Campaign
- Comprehensive Strategic Communication Program
- Crisis Communications
- Marketing Campaign
- Public Engagement Campaign
- Special Communications Project
Submission Requirements
All submissions must be structured using the following requirements:
- Page 1 - cover page with entry information
- Page 2 - A synopsis of the project/program/campaign (maximum 350 words)
- Pages 3-8 - A summary following the RPIE process including links to key support materials (websites, videos, social media posts, PDFs, etc) (maximum of 6 pages)
- Pages 9-26 - Additional support material as needed (samples, brief synopses or links to support materials are sufficient)
- Total entry should not exceed 26 pages
Scoring Rubric
Submissions are judged individually. Submissions scoring a weighted average of 90% or higher receive the Gold Medallion award.
Overall Criteria
- The project is based in strategic communication best practices;
- The concept is clear & the writing is free of errors;
- The content is well-organized, visually appealing, & appropriate;
- The program, school, and/or district brand is portrayed consistently; and
- The project fulfills the states objectives/goals.
Research (15% of total score)
- Is the reason for the project explained?
- Is there evidence of quality & varied methods of research performed?
- Were the findings used to guide the planning?
- Are project goals & measurable objectives stated?
Planning (45% of total score)
- Were target audiences identified?
- Were strategies determined for accomplishing objectives?
- What stakeholders were involved in the planning process?
- Were a variety of communication tactics proposed to reach target audiences?
- What, if any, relevant training was provided for key staff?
- Was a communications budget developed?
- Were team roles & responsibilities identified?
Implementation (25% of total score)
- Did the team create a timeline & meet key dates?
- Were planned strategies & tactics implemented?
- What key messages were used to support the goals & objectives?
- Was audience response monitored in any way?
- Was the design of materials visually appealing?
- Was appropriate & clear language used in communications?
Evaluation (15% of total score)
- Was the project successful based on the goals & objectives?
- What indicators were used to measure success?
- Was specific data collected related to the effectiveness of specific strategies & tactics?
- Were opportunities for improvement explored for future projects?
- What next steps were identified?
