Harris County Department of Education earned top honors for its work in communications and community engagement through the 2020 Texas School Public Relations Association Conference in Austin, TX.

The Communications and Client Engagement divisions received four awards for “Best of Category,” a “Platinum Merit,” two “Crystal Merits,” 18 Gold Awards, 11 Silver Awards and seven Bronze Awards. The awards were judged among 1,606 entries, the highest number ever received since the awards program was launched.

The Platinum Merit finalist award was garnered for the “See the Impact” campaign which promotes HCDE programs and services, including afterschool, school therapy services, adult education, Head Start and its special schools. The Platinum Award is the highest honor at the awards ceremony.

“HCDE continues to evolve to serve the community, and it’s important to share these stories that shape our students, school districts and our at-large education community,” said James Colbert Jr., HCDE superintendent. “Congratulations to these talented communicators.”

In addition to gaining the awards, communicators led several workshop sessions under the direction of Danielle Clark, chief communications officer. Stephanie De Los Santos was sworn in as TSPRA Executive Board incoming vice president at-large. The board makes decisions for the approximate 1,000 school PR professionals who are part of the organization.

The Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) is a nonprofit, professional organization

dedicated to promoting public schools through effective communications.

HCDE TSPRA Awards:

Platinum Merit:
“See the Impact” (public awareness campaign), Danielle Clark, HCDE Communications and Client Engagement

Crystal Merits:
“Photography Portfolio,” Dave Einsel
“HCDE Website Launch,” Stephanie De Los Santos, Janet Wachs, John Covanes, Sheridan Labbe, Danielle Clark, Dave Einsel, Carol Vaughn, Angela Hider, Juan Lopez, Jeri Martinez, Daniel Villarreal

Best of Category (and automatic Gold Awards):
Brochure, “College and Career Readiness,” Stephanie De Los Santos, Janet Wachs, John Covanes
Photo, Academic/Classroom Subjects, “Story Time,” Dave Einsel
Photo, Other Subjects, “Selfie Nation,” Dave Einsel
Education Good News Campaign, “Good News You Can Use,” Carol Vaughn, Jeri Martinez, Juan Lopez, Danielle Clark, Dave Einsel

Gold Awards:
External Newsletter, “HCDE and You! Better Together,” HCDE Communications and Client  Brochure, Engagement staff
“See the Impact Quadfold,” HCDE Communications
Flyer, “Deer Park Fire: What You Need to Know,” Stephanie De Los Santos, Janet Wachs, John Covanes
Holiday/Commemorative, “HCDE Holiday Card,” Angela Hider and Jeri Martinez
Holiday/Commemorative, “HCDE Division Christmas Cards,” Stephanie De Los Santos, Janet Wachs, John Covanes
Annual Report, “See the Impact: 2018-2019 Annual Report, HCDE Communications and Client Engagement
Writing, “HCDE Public Recovery High School Provides Wrap-Around Approach for Addiction,” Carol Vaughn
Website Template Driven Design, “HCDE Website,” Stephanie De Los Santos, Janet Wachs, John Covanes, Frederick Coppola, Sheridan Labbe, Teresa Juarez
Published News Feature, Edited, “New School Meets Increased Service Demands for Area Students Behavioral Disorders, Autism,” Carol Vaughn
Photo Academic/Classroom, “Hey,” Dave Einsel
Photo Academic/Classroom, “Super Roundtable,” Dave Einsel
Video Feature, “Celebrating Principals,” Daniel Villarreal, Dave Einsel, Carol Vaughn
E-newsletter Internal, “Safety Tips of the Week: Hurricane Preparation,” Stephanie De Los Santos, Janet Wachs, John Covanes
Social Media Campaign, “New Website is Coming,” Angela Hider, Jeri Martinez

Silver Awards:
Published News or Feature, “2 in 5,000: Pasadena ISD’s Sam Rayburn High School Artists Earn American Visions Award,” Jeri Martinez
Published News or Feature, “Academic and Behavior School Staff Know Importance of CPR Training,” Jeri Martinez
Published News/Feature, “HCDE, Lamar Consolidated ISD Partner to Grow Positivity,” Carol Vaughn
Photo Other Subjects, “Beaming,” Dave Einsel
Photo Other Subjects, “Shy Reindeer,” Dave Einsel
Video Promotional, “HCDE School-Based Therapy,” Daniel Villarreal, Dave Einsel, Carol Vaughn
Video Promotional, “New Website Promo Video,” Stephanie De Los Santos, Janet Wachs,
John Covanes
Video General Event, “Lights, Camera, Action, Nutrition,” Daniel Villarreal, Dave Einsel, Carol Vaughn
E-newsletter External, “Choice Partners Leaders Choice Newsletter,” Stephanie De Los Santos, Janet Wachs, John Covanes
Special Event, “The DO-NUT Campaign,” Angela Hider, Danielle Clark
Writing, “Personal Struggle for Deer Park Student Leads to Scholastic Regional Recognition and Nomination,” Jeri Martinez

Bronze Awards:
Program, “Rise Against Human Trafficking Summit,” Stephanie De Los Santos, Janet Wachs, John Covanes
Specialty/Novelty Writing, “12 Days to HCDE Head Start Christmas Cards,” Jeri Martinez
Computerized/Electronic Communication, “Choice Partners Christmas E-blast Video,” Stephanie De Los Santos, Janet Wachs, John Covanes
Non-English Speaking Audience, “Training for Career in Adult Education,” Stephanie De Los Santos, Janet Wachs, John Covanes
Annual Report, “Rise Up through Recovery,” Jeri Martinez, Angela Hider
Image/Identity Package, “Logo and Brand Redesign,” Stephanie De Los Santos, Janet Wachs, John Covanes
Advertisement Other, “HCDE Exhibit Display,” Stephanie De Los Santos, Janet Wachs, John Covanes