Area School Systems Earn State Awards for Marketing, Videography, Communication

EDINBURG, TX – Region One area school systems were recognized for their outstanding work in education communications earning multiple level of awards from the Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA), an organization that provides school communication training and services. The awards were announced at TSPRA’s Annual Star Awards Celebration held February 19, 2025 at the Grand Hyatt River Walk Hotel in San Antonio during the association’s 63rd annual conference.

Each year, TSPRA recognizes communicators in school districts, education foundations, education associations and organizations for their work in print and electronic media categories. There are 47 main categories covering various media such as newsletters, programs, posters, reports, writing, image/identity packages, photography, graphics, video, electronic presentations, campaigns, events and websites.

Larger, more comprehensive projects and special programs are entered in one of nine Crystal Commendation categories or in the Platinum Award category. The Platinum Award honors a yearlong project that exhibits the highest standards of excellence in all facets according to research, analysis, communication and evaluation.

This year, a record-setting 1,940 entries were received. For the first 47 categories, the entries are divided into three divisions based on the number of students the district, foundation or organization serves – under 15,000 students; 15,000 to 40,000 students; and over 40,000 students. Independent judges evaluate and score each entry based on its own merit. Bronze, Silver and Gold Stars are awarded based on set criteria. Finally, the judges review their highest scoring Gold Star winners and select a Best of Category for each division.

Crystal and Platinum entries are not split into divisions and there is only one Crystal winner in each of the nine categories. Judges are permitted to award Certificates of Merit to other Crystal entries that deserve recognition, although they did not receive the main award.

Region One school systems earned 153 awards, including one Crystal Commendation and two Crystal Certificates of Merit.

Weslaco ISD earned the Crystal Commendation for the video portfolio category for their Championship Coverage of a State Championship Team. Region One ESC received a Certificate of Merit. Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD earned a Certificate of Merit for Staff/Student Recognition.

Best of Category Awards were awarded to La Joya ISD, McAllen ISD, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD, Region One ESC, Roma ISD, Sharyland ISD, United ISD and Weslaco ISD.

Multiple Gold Awards were earned by:

• Edinburg CISD
• Donna ISD
• La Joya ISD
• Laredo ISD
• Mission CISD
• McAllen ISD
• Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD
• Region One ESC
• San Benito CISD
• Sharyland ISD
• Roma ISD
• United ISD
• Weslaco ISD

A full list of winners is available online.

About Region One Education Service Center:

Region One Education Service Center (www.esc1.net) serves over 422,000 students and educators in eight South Texas counties. Region One assists school systems with enhancing student performance, operating efficiently and implementing initiatives assigned by the legislature or Commissioner of Education.