Communicator of the Year

• 2025: Andy Pruitt – Charleston County School District

• 2024: Johnathan Graves – Greenwood 50 School District

• 2023: MacKenzie Taylor – Lexington County School District 3

• 2019: Libby Roof – Richland Two School District

• 2018: Mary Anne Byrd – Kershaw County School District

The SC/NSPRA Communicator of the Year Award recognizes the exemplary leadership of South Carolina’s school communications professionals. These professionals demonstrate commitment to the enhancement of communication and relationships between public schools and the students, families and communities they serve.

The award honors those who recognize that communication is a critical component of leadership.

Award deadline

Nominations must be submitted on or before March 1, 2026. The award winner will be notified and recognized at the SC/NSPRA Rewards for Excellence Awards Luncheon. The winner will receive a $500 stipend to be used for registration for the NSPRA Annual Conference or other professional development approved by the SC/NSPRA board.

Criteria

The nominee:

• Demonstrates the use of effective public relations strategies aimed at supporting public education.
• Is recognized as an advocate for public education and has earned a reputation as being highly credible with a variety of audiences.
• Demonstrates exceptional leadership and communication skills.
• Demonstrates experience and involvement in communicating with diverse audiences.
• Implements communication strategies that demonstrate strategic thinking, which contributes to the betterment of public education.
• Demonstrates effective personal communication with a wide variety of audiences.
• Demonstrates ethics and professionalism in communication.
• Has been recognized as a role model for communicators and non-communicators alike, and is someone whose communication skills and messages have impacted the lives of others.
• Has served in a school communications role for at least five years.
• Is a current member of SC/NSPRA.

Nomination Process

Nominations for the Communicator of the Year Award may be made by any SC/NSPRA member, the nominee’s supervisor, or a colleague from the nominee’s school district/agency/organization. The award selection committee will be made up of the awards program coordinator (designated by the SC/NSPRA president) and at least two community representatives working in public relations appointed by the program coordinator.

Application Requirements:
There is no fee to nominate someone for the SC/NSPRA Communicator of the Year Award.  The application has been updated this year to reflect the requirements for the NSPRA Communicator of the Year application.

1. Four essays (maximum 300 words each) addressing the judging areas:
    
   • Leadership - Describe how the nominee demonstrates leadership in successfully meeting the communication needs of their district or agency. Examples may include leading strategic communication campaigns, overcoming challenges, or creating robust communication plans. Include evidence of research, planning, implementation, and measurable results. (maximum 300 words each)
      
   • Communication - Describe how the nominee demonstrates strength in both personal and organizational communication. Examples may include public speaking, media relations, persuasion, engagement, or influence in decision-making. Explain how these communication strengths have positively impacted their district or agency.(maximum 300 words each)
      
   • Professionalism - Describe how the nominee demonstrates a consistent effort toward professional growth, ethical practice, and mentorship. Examples may include achieving APR accreditation, serving as a mentor, speaker, or leader at the chapter/national level. (maximum 300 words each)
      
   • Community Involvement - Describe how the nominee demonstrates active participation in the local community and contributes to broader understanding of public education. Examples may include volunteerism, outreach initiatives, partnerships, or advocacy. (maximum 300 words each)
      
2. Supporting Documentation: Up to three supplemental items per judging area (maximum 12 items total).
    
3. Two Letters of Recommendation:
   • One from the nominee’s supervisor, superintendent, or school board member.
   • One from a chapter leader or colleague (e.g., SCNSPRA president, board member).
      
4. Résumé (maximum two pages).
    
5. Professional Headshot (high-resolution JPEG or PNG).