The Newton County Schools Communications Team has earned 18 national awards from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA), recognizing excellence in school communications, video storytelling, stakeholder engagement, and strategic outreach.
The awards were announced as part of NSPRA’s annual Publications and Digital Media Excellence Awards program, which honors outstanding work produced by school communication professionals from across the United States.
The Newton County Schools Communications Team, comprised of Executive Director of Communications Sherri Partee and Communications and Visual Media Coordinator Derrick Barnes, received national recognition for a wide range of communication efforts, including videos, newsletters, video series, and a districtwide social media campaign. The 18 national awards highlight the impact of a communications team of just two professionals dedicated to sharing the stories, accomplishments, and opportunities that define Newton County Schools.
Among the honors were multiple Awards of Excellence and three Awards of Merit recognizing work that highlighted student achievement, employee recognition, workforce development, school safety, district initiatives, and community engagement.
Award-winning projects included:
Awards of Excellence
• Superintendent Bradley’s "Our People" Newsletter
• Newton County Schools Black History Month Social Media Campaign
• Video: Celebrating Teachers
• Video: The Importance of Teachers
• Video: Lady Rams Look for Repeat
• Superintendent Bradley Video: Framework for Advancing Workforce Development
• Video: Eastside Lady Softball Eagles Headed to Columbus
• Video: ESPLOST Update
• Video: 2025 Graduation Highlights
• Video: Custodian Appreciation Day
• Video: Teacher of the Year Surprise Visits
• Video: We’re Ready
• Superintendent Bradley Video: Superintendent Check-In
• Video: 2025-2026 Week One Recap
• Video Series: School Bus Safety
Awards of Merit
• Video: Ignite 2025
• Video: Ignite 2025 Highlights
• Video Series: Teacher of the Year Finalists
Several of the award-winning projects were developed in collaboration with Superintendent Duke Bradley III and reflected his commitment to communication, transparency, and stakeholder engagement. Superintendent Bradley’s "Our People" newsletter earned an Award of Excellence, while his videos highlighting the district’s Framework for Advancing Workforce Development and Superintendent Check-In also received Awards of Excellence. The projects helped communicate key district priorities while strengthening connections with employees, families, and community stakeholders.
Partee said the recognition reflects the district’s commitment to sharing authentic stories that celebrate students, staff, and schools while keeping the community informed.
“Our goal has always been to keep our stakeholders informed, engaged, and connected to the incredible work happening throughout Newton County Schools,” said Partee. “Whether we are highlighting student achievement, celebrating employees, sharing important information, or showcasing opportunities for our students, every project begins with a commitment to telling our story in a meaningful and transparent way. These awards are especially meaningful because they recognize the outstanding work happening across our district and the people who make it possible every day.”
Partee added that effective school communications plays an important role in strengthening trust, fostering engagement, and helping families and community members better understand the opportunities available to students.
“These awards are a reflection of the remarkable students, employees, schools, and community partners who provide us with powerful stories to tell,” Partee said. “Newton County Schools has so much to be proud of, and we are honored to help share those stories with our community.”