Worcester Public Schools has received four national awards for communications work that district leaders say has helped strengthen connections between schools and families.
The honors were announced June 5 by the National School Public Relations Association, which awarded Worcester Public Schools four Publications and Digital Media Excellence Awards in its highest “Excellence” category. It marks the third consecutive year the district’s communications team has received national recognition from the organization.
The awards recognized projects ranging from school welcome videos and short-form news features to photography and social media campaigns highlighting students and staff across the district.
The district’s communications department, led by Chief Communications Officer Dan O’Brien, was recognized for two video series produced by Worcester Educational Access Television, a graduation photograph taken at South High Community School and the district’s ongoing “WooStars” social media initiative.
The awards come as school districts increasingly rely on digital platforms, video and social media to communicate with families about academic programs, school events and district initiatives.
“Effective communications continues to be a district priority because it’s an important foundation for engaged and connected school communities,” Superintendent Brian Allen said. “The communications department staff continually strive for new ways to share important information in a manner that meets people where they are. Congratulations on this deserving achievement.”
One award recognized a series of school welcome videos produced by Christine Wilson, Stephanie Castano Flores and Eric McKeon of WEA-TV. The short videos, created for high schools, middle schools and the Parent Information Center, were designed to introduce students and families to schools and services across the district. The videos were shared on school websites, social media channels and the district’s cable television station.
The same production team also received recognition for a series of brief program and news videos highlighting district initiatives, including the launch of electric school buses, arts programming at Hanover Insurance Academy of the Arts, scholarship celebrations and improvements to school facilities.
Communications Specialist Kyle Prudhomme earned an Excellence Award for a photograph taken during South High Community School’s 2025 graduation ceremony. The image captured graduates celebrating a milestone moment at the DCU Center.
Prudhomme also was recognized for the district’s “WooStars” social media campaign, which spotlights students and staff nominated by their school communities. The program, now in its third year, was revamped during the 2025-26 school year to include school visits and presentations by Superintendent Allen, who personally recognized honorees with books and other gifts.
According to the district, the initiative was designed to celebrate students and staff while helping foster school pride and a sense of belonging across Worcester Public Schools.
