The Communications Department at Friendswood ISD received 23 Texas School Public Relations Association awards including a Crystal Commendation, a Best of Category Gold Medal, 17 Gold Stars and 4 Silver Stars awards for excellence in school communications. The Friendswood ISD Education Foundation won two Gold Star awards. The awards were announced at the Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) Star Awards Celebration on February 23 during the association’s annual conference in Austin, Texas.

           Each year, TSPRA recognizes communicators in school districts, education foundations, education associations and organizations for their outstanding work in both print and electronic media. This year, 1032 entries were received.
           Entries selected as best in the state were honored with Silver Star, Gold Star and Best of Category Awards.  Crystal Commendation Awards were presented for outstanding entries that featured special programs and events.
           TSPRA, based in Austin, is a professional organization whose members are dedicated to improving public education in Texas by promoting effective public relations practices, providing professional development for its members, and improving communication between Texans and their public schools.
            The Crystal Commendation award for distinguished achievement in the category of School/Community Partnership was given to Jolly Ayrhart, Joe Perez and Karolyn Gephart.  Jolly Ayrhart also won a Best of Category medal and certificate for her Bus Drivers Needed Flyer. Gold Stars were given to Ayrhart, Gephart and Perez as teams and as individuals for the following:  Facts About Friendswood ISD in the Booklets category; The Dollar in the Brochure category; Super SciTech in the Poster category; Cyber Safety Night for Parents in the Poster category; CAN you come in the Invitations/Announcements category; Frame Shop Holiday in the Flyers category; Bus Drivers Needed in the Flyers category; Let’s Picnic (Service Pin, Retirement Luncheon in the Image Identity Package category; Women Who Wear Many Hats in the Image Identity Package category; Women Who Wear Many Hats Luncheon in the Programs category; the Outlook in the External Newsletter category; Friendswood High School Football Highlights in Live Video category; Friendswood Promo in Video Promotional/Marketing category; Knit One, Save One in Video News Release Packages category; and the Calendar in the Calendar category. The FISD calendar was designed and created by Shelly Lowry.
            The FISD Education Foundation won two Gold Stars in True Blue Evening program In the Programs category and Education Foundation/Alumni Association Football Program ad in the Published Printed Ad category.
           Silver Stars were given for Return to Win in the Video Special Interest Feature category; eLOOK in the Electronic Newsletter category; Helping Hands Garden Ad in the Published Print Ad category; and www.fisdk12.net in the Websites category.