Greenville ISD was honored last week at the Texas School Public Relations Association Annual Conference with the Platinum Certificate of Merit for distinguished PR achievement. Of the 1,062 entries this year, the judges only awarded two Platinum Certificates of Merit. The Platinum Award honors a year-long project that exhibits the highest standards of excellence in all facets according to research, analysis, communication and evaluation.

GISD received the award for their advertising initiative. The initiative fundraiser, launched in May 2012, was designed to offset funding shortages from the state. GISD designed this mutually beneficial initiative to help maintain financial stability, alleviate program reductions and continue to place dollars directly into the fund balance while offering visual positioning and branding opportunities to local businesses.

The Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) is a nonprofit, professional organization dedicated to promoting public schools through effective communications. TSPRA, an award winning chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA), was chartered in 1962 and incorporated in 1977.

With more than 850 members, TSPRA is comprised primarily of public information and communications professionals who serve the public school districts and education organizations of Texas. The membership also includes superintendents, administrators, principals, web/technology/electronic media and graphic professionals, education foundation executive directors and their boards, association executive directors, school consultants, vendors and others who support public education in the state.

TSPRA provides professional development, resources and networking opportunities for members and others in the education community.