The Capital Region BOCES Engagement and Development Services (EDS) received 12 awards for work submitted to the annual New York School Public Relations Association’s (NYSPRA) communications contest. The winning projects, ranging from written works to videos and graphic designs, were selected among hundreds of contest entries from across the state.
The NYSPRA Communications Contest is an annual event that recognizes the work done by school public relations professionals. The awards are presented within three categories: “Excellence, “Honor” and “Merit.” Although it’s a statewide competition, the projects were judged by communications professionals from all over the country, according to NYSPRA’s website.
EDS team members won awards with work that elevates the voices of students, staff and administrators, and promote unique programs, as well as the successes of their client school districts.
“It’s an honor to be recognized and I’m grateful to be part of a team that believes in the work – where strategy and creativity are valued,” said Alyssa Adams, digital content specialist. “That’s made all the difference.”
Please see below a full list of the EDS team’s winning projects. Congratulations to all 2025 NYSPRA Communications Contest winners!
Award of Excellence winners:
Niskayuna Central School District
Special Purpose Publication: Peek Into Kindergarten brochure
Monica Lester, Lindsay Quackenbush, Erica Miller, Ryan Novak
Niskayuna Central School District
Social Media: Celebration Season Instagram
Lindsay Quackenbush
Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Central School District
Video: Graduation Advice
Justin Andrews, Tara Mitchell
Brasher Falls Central School District
Video: Did You Know: How Brasher Falls CSD is Empowering Children with Diverse Needs
Jess Berkman, Zach Ribert
Award of Honor winners:
Guilderland Central School District
Video: Westmere Elementary’s First Day of School
Toma Vardhami
Salmon River Central School District
Video: Find Your Future at Salmon River Central School District!
Zach Ribert
Broadalbin-Perth Central School District
Video: Great Sacandaga Lake Artificial Fish Habitat Initiative
Emily Burkhard
Award of Merit winners:
Capital Region BOCES
Special Purpose Publication: Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical Education 2025-26 Course Guide
Michael McCagg, Jennifer Sampson, BOCES 360 team
Capital Region BOCES
Social Media: Capital Region BOCES Celebrates CTE Month Instagram
Alyssa Sullivan, Justin Andrews, Erica Miller, Michael McCagg
Middleburgh Central School District
Excellence in Writing: Maze Craze Tribute
Diane Donato
Guilderland Central School District
Video: Career in Photos
Toma Vardhami
Fonda-Fultonville Central School District
Overall Graphics & Design: Fonda-Fultonville Central School District Athletics Brand Identity
Rich Meddaugh, Bethany VanVelsor