Publications & Digital Media

Individual Projects
Award: Framed Certificate
Contest Period: Jan. 1, 2025 - Dec. 31, 2025
Cost: $25 members / $30 non-members

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This awards program is for the entry of individual publications and electronic media productions. Prizes are awarded according to type of publication or electronic media entry. The award for winning entries is the Award of Excellence. Each entry is judged against the criteria, not other entries.  Judges will select as many winners that meet contest criteria. Some print and electronic entries may be appropriate for each of the following categories.

Criteria

• Publications - Entries will be judged on excellence of graphic layout and design, writing, and content.
• Digital Media - Entries will be judged for professional quality and presentation of message.
   

Guidelines

• Please indicate the audience, intent of purpose and method of delivery for the entry.
• Entries compete only against award criteria and not against other entries. There is no limit to the number of entries per category.
• Please test all links and documents before submitting entries to ensure they are PUBLICALLY available to judges.

Submission of any entry shall constitute entrant’s representation that all material is original and/or free from unauthorized use of copy, design, art and/or photographs from other sources.

Annual Report – An Annual Report is a publication produced once a year to summarize activities. This category is for the entry of an individual publication and electronic media production. Each entry is judged against the criteria, not other entries. Judges will select as many winners as meet the contest criteria.

Blog – A Blog entry should include a general or special-focus blog posted regularly (at least monthly) that supports district or school communication efforts. This category is for the entry of an individual publication and electronic media production. Each entry is judged against the criteria, not other entries. Judges will select as many winners as meet the contest criteria.

Branding-Image Package – A Branding-Image Package includes items such as a logo, tagline, or marketing statement used to establish or refresh the brand of a district, school, agency, or organization. This category is for the entry of an individual publication and electronic media production. Each entry is judged against the criteria, not other entries. Judges will select as many winners as meet the contest criteria.

Calendar – A Calendar entry includes specially designed student or employee calendars created as communication tools (not exported digital calendar PDFs). This category is for the entry of an individual publication and electronic media production. Each entry is judged against the criteria, not other entries. Judges will select as many winners as meet the contest criteria.

Excellence in Writing – Entries include creative, persuasive, or informational writing such as speeches, op-eds, or standalone writing samples not part of a larger publication. This category is for the entry of an individual publication and electronic media production. Each entry is judged against the criteria, not other entries. Judges will select as many winners as meet the contest criteria.

Finance Publication – A Finance Publication communicates how schools are funded and how revenue is used, or explains taxes or financial processes to stakeholders. This category is for the entry of an individual publication and electronic media production. Each entry is judged against the criteria, not other entries. Judges will select as many winners as meet the contest criteria.

Handbook – A Handbook contains general information about policies and regulations issued for students, families, or staff. This category is for the entry of an individual publication and electronic media production. Each entry is judged against the criteria, not other entries. Judges will select as many winners as meet the contest criteria.

Infographic – An Infographic conveys important information visually in a quick, impactful format. This category is for the entry of an individual publication and electronic media production. Each entry is judged against the criteria, not other entries. Judges will select as many winners as meet the contest criteria.

Magazine – A Magazine may be a single issue or a series addressing special topics or showcasing educational programming. This category is for the entry of an individual publication and electronic media production. Each entry is judged against the criteria, not other entries. Judges will select as many winners as meet the contest criteria.

Marketing (Print and Electronic) – Marketing entries include materials—print or digital—that highlight a school or district’s unique qualities to attract prospective families or staff. This category is for the entry of an individual publication and electronic media production. Each entry is judged against the criteria, not other entries. Judges will select as many winners as meet the contest criteria.

Newsletter (Print and Electronic) – A Newsletter may be internal or external and must include at least two different issues to qualify. This category is for the entry of an individual publication and electronic media production. Each entry is judged against the criteria, not other entries. Judges will select as many winners as meet the contest criteria.

Photography – Entries consist of a single photograph or a set of photos from the same event. This category is for the entry of an individual publication and electronic media production. Each entry is judged against the criteria, not other entries. Judges will select as many winners as meet the contest criteria.

Podcasting/Audio – Entries include audio messages, promotional announcements, public service messages, or other audio content that demonstrates clarity of communication and professional production. This category is for the entry of an individual publication and electronic media production. Each entry is judged against the criteria, not other entries. Judges will select as many winners as meet the contest criteria.

Social Media – Social Media entries highlight campaigns or communication efforts using platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, etc. This category is for the entry of an individual publication and electronic media production. Each entry is judged against the criteria, not other entries. Judges will select as many winners as meet the contest criteria.

Special Purpose Publication – Entries may include brochures, booklets, posters, or presentation materials not represented in other categories. This category is for the entry of an individual publication and electronic media production. Each entry is judged against the criteria, not other entries. Judges will select as many winners as meet the contest criteria.

Video – Short-Form (Under 30 Seconds) – A Short-Form Video is a concise, high-impact piece under 30 seconds, ideal for social media reels, countdowns, or quick announcements. This category is for the entry of an individual publication and electronic media production. Each entry is judged against the criteria, not other entries. Judges will select as many winners as meet the contest criteria.

Video – Mid-Length (30 Seconds to 2 Minutes) – A Mid-Length Video is designed to promote or highlight events, programs, or initiatives in a succinct and engaging format. This category is for the entry of an individual publication and electronic media production. Each entry is judged against the criteria, not other entries. Judges will select as many winners as meet the contest criteria.

Video – Long-Form (2 to 5 Minutes) – A Long-Form Video is used to tell a more complete story—such as a program overview, testimonial, or feature segment—within a five-minute time frame. This category is for the entry of an individual publication and electronic media production. Each entry is judged against the criteria, not other entries. Judges will select as many winners as meet the contest criteria.

Video – Extended Length (Over 5 Minutes) – An Extended Length Video is best for in-depth presentations, event coverage, or documentary-style productions that exceed five minutes. This category is for the entry of an individual publication and electronic media production. Each entry is judged against the criteria, not other entries. Judges will select as many winners as meet the contest criteria.

Website – Website entries are evaluated based on clarity, content quality, ease of use, and visual design. Please include the full website URL. This category is for the entry of an individual publication and electronic media production. Each entry is judged against the criteria, not other entries. Judges will select as many winners as meet the contest criteria.