2024 Gold Medallion Winners

MSPRA’s Gold Medallion Award recognizes outstanding programs or projects that advance education through responsible communication. The entries are judged on the clarity of concept, good writing, and evidence of using the four-step Public Relations process known as RPIE: Research, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation. The following two programs exceeded the judge’s criteria for Gold Medallion recognition. We look forward to celebrating these efforts atMSPRA’s Annual Conference in March.

Berkley School District: What If Berkley Schools Facilities Matched Our Award-Winning Programming? 

In August 2023, Berkley Schools successfully passed an $88 million bond initiative, receiving 69% voter approval. This funding will allow for significant upgrades to facilities and instructional technology, building upon the vision set with the 2015 $59 million bond. Unlike traditional campaigns focused solely on repairs, this initiative highlighted a forward-thinking approach with the tagline, "What if Berkley Schools facilities matched our award-winning programming?" The campaign engaged the community in imagining enhanced learning spaces, including a multi-purpose athletic field house and upgraded classroom furniture. Despite challenges such as competing tax proposals and differing community opinions, the campaign successfully built trust and garnered buy-in from voters. Congratulations to Berkley School District for this remarkable achievement!

Securing Resources for Bright Futures – Rochester Community Schools

In February 2024, Rochester Community Schools (RCS) secured voter approval for its non-homestead operating millage proposal, safeguarding 10.7% of its annual budget—approximately $24.5 million—and ensuring the district received full state funding. Understanding the complexity of school funding mechanisms, the RCS community relations team launched a coordinated informational campaign to clarify the importance of the 18-mill levy. Despite a limited outreach timeframe between holidays and potential misinformation, the team employed strategic tactics to help voters make informed decisions. The overwhelming community support reinforced RCS’s commitment to maintaining high-quality educational programs for nearly 15,000 students. Congratulations, Rochester Community Schools!