WORCESTER—If good news travels fast, it’s thanks in no small part to the Worcester Public Schools Communications Department — and now the rest of the country knows it.
The department has earned five national awards from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) for standout work in writing, marketing, photography, social media, and video production — a recognition that places Worcester alongside the nation’s best in school communications.
“I am incredibly proud of the WPS Communications Department for this well-deserved national recognition,” said Superintendent Rachel H. Monárrez, PhD, in a statement. “In just over two years, our communications team has built a robust and highly effective operation from the ground up… These awards are a testament to their hard work, commitment to excellence and innovation.”
The district received two top-tier “excellence” awards:
- Writing: excellence – awarded to Kyle Prudhomme, communications specialist, for his article and photos documenting “On the Spot Acceptance Day” at North High School
- Marketing: excellence – awarded to Anca Tughin, communications specialist, for designing the district’s “Attendance Matters” campaign poster
Three “Merit” level recognitions also went to the team:
- Photography: merit – also to Prudhomme, for his photo capturing student dancers at Burncoat High School
- Social media: merit – to Dan O’Brien, chief communications officer, and specialists Prudhomme and Tughin, for their yearlong “friendly faces” campaign spotlighting students across WPS elementary and middle schools
- Video series: merit – to Worcester Educational Access Television team members Christine Wilson, Eric McKeon, and Stephanie Castano Flores for a suite of outreach videos explaining district programs to families.
Deputy Superintendent Brian Allen, who becomes superintendent on July 1, called the awards “a reflection of the district’s commitment to excellence in keeping our families, staff, and community members informed.”
The department — created in February 2023 and led by O’Brien, the district’s first chief communications officer — has quickly become a critical hub for engaging students, families, and staff. It manages the district website, social media, media relations, design, crisis communications, and more.
In addition to his WPS role, O’Brien also serves as president of the New England School Public Relations Association, a group he helped launch in 2022 that now includes over 150 members across the region.
Last year, WPS received three NSPRA awards, including a prestigious Golden Achievement Award. This year’s haul brings the total to eight national recognitions in just two years — not bad for a department still in its infancy.
Have news, tips, or a story worth telling? Reach Editor Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org—because good stories (and great scoops) deserve to be shared.
