Killeen, TX/2022: The Killeen ISD Communications and Marketing department received 21 gold awards, up 12 from the previous year, at the annual Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) Conference’s Star Awards.

The department’s Back to School Guide, live virtual Teacher of the Year awards, Recruit, Retain and Retire flyer, Winter Storm Uri social media campaign, school logo design, and several featured news stories and photos were awarded gold stars from the 2020-2021 school year.

“The Killeen ISD Communications and Marketing team continues to produce a high-quality product that best serves the needs of our community. The TSPRA accolades received remain a demonstration of their tremendous work throughout the district,” said Superintendent John Craft.

The department’s innovative communication efforts go beyond the state recognition level, as the district was also awarded a $1,500 scholarship for a Killeen ISD graduate going into a communication-based field.

Out of the 58 categories that span a variety of media such as videos, programs, reports, writing, photography, graphics, videos, and campaigns, Killeen ISD entered in 14 categories to accumulate 34 awards for the district.

Of these 34 awards, 21 received a Gold status:

• Feature Story: Teacher Appreciation Week
• Social Media Campaign: Winter Storm Uri
• Training Instructional Video: Current Student Registration
• Training Instructional Video: PreK Orientation
• Live Event Non-Sports: Teacher of the Year 2021 Virtual Awards Production
• Published News Story: Three Hundred Wins Times Two
• Published News Story: Barber School Provides Free Cuts
• Published News Story: STEM lab brings registration to new schools
• Published News Story: High School Bands Are Marching On
• Flyer: Compensation Package - Recruit, Retain, Retire
• Booklet: Back to School Guide 2021
• Photo Academic: Fire Department Cadets
• Photo Academic: Graduation
• Photography: Knight Club
• Photography: Dot Day
• Photography: JROTC Skills Meet
• Photography: JROTC Skills Meet
• Photography: STEM Lab
• Photography: Marching Band
• Logo: Brookhaven Broncos
• Logo: Oveta Culp Hobby

Eight received Silver:

• Marketing Video: Military Student Makes Smooth Transition
• Promotional Video: JROTC Skills Meet
• Promotional Video: Revised academic calendar
• Promotional Video: KISD Spotlight: Restorative Practices
• Promotional Video: 21st Century Educational Programs
• Promotional Video: Power of PreK
• Promotional Video: Naviance
• Live Event Non-Sports: Science Olympiad Virtual Awards Ceremony

Five received Bronze:

• Feature Story: Winter Storm KISD Strong
• Photo: Reeces Creek Archery
• Photo: Football (Ellison vs. Belton)
• Photo: Football Summer Camp
• Photo: Drill Team

The Board of Trustees is set to recognize the Communications Services Department for their achievements during an upcoming Honors and Recognitions portion of the meeting in April.

The Star Awards “provide recognition for the outstanding education communications and projects of members. Judges evaluate each work based on set criteria and award Gold, Silver, and Bronze Star Awards,” according to TSPRA’s website.