Distinguished Service Celebration

We recognize those individuals and groups throughout the state who partner with their school communications office to serve as ambassadors for public education and champions of students and staff. INSPRA’s annual Distinguished Service Celebration honors the impactful work of these school community members.

This year's celebration will be held on Friday, May 16 at Maggiano's Little Italy in Oak Brook, located at 240 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL 60523.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CATEGORIES

Each district may submit one nomination in each of the eight categories listed below:

  • Administrator: superintendents, associate/assistant superintendents, principals, assistant principals, directors, coordinators, and other licensed or non-licensed staff members who function in an administrative role
  • Board of Education Member
  • Community Member
  • Faculty/Certified/Licensed Staff: teachers, counselors, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and other licensed school service personnel
  • Parent
  • Student (one individual)
  • Support Staff: aides, bus drivers, crossing guards, maintenance/custodial personnel, food-service staff, paraprofessionals, administrative assistants, or other support staff

  • Team: two or more individuals (including a group of students), who worked together to complete a single project or activity

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CRITERIA

Distinguished service recognition places an emphasis on celebrating and honoring communication excellence, rather than a tiered system of awards. All entries will be reviewed based on the following criteria:

  • Actions of the nominee strengthen overall support for public education by stakeholders.
  • Actions of the nominee support the efforts, work, and mission of the school district’s communications/community relations department.
  • Actions of the nominee have made a positive and lasting impact on public education, amplify student voice, and benefit families.

Nominations should include a 600-word (or less) write-up and a 250-word (or less) summary.

SUBMITTING NOMINATIONS

The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, March 12, 2025. All nominations must be submitted through the Open Water platform (link below). The cost to submit a nomination are different for members and non-members:

  • Member districts may submit up to two nominations at no cost. The fee for each subsequent nomination is $25.
  • Non-member districts may submit awards for $25 each.

Want to recognize one of the partners in your community? Submit a nomination!