Aldine ISD Communications Department Earns 22 TSPRA Star Awards for Excellence in School Public Relations

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The Aldine ISD Communications Department continues to set the standard for excellence by earning 22 prestigious Star Awards at the Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) annual conference, held from Feb 17-20 in San Antonio, TX. Competing in the category for districts with more than 40,000 students, the team received recognition in multiple areas, including photography, writing, video production, and marketing.

The department’s accolades included three Gold Star Awards, 16 Silver Star Awards, and three Bronze Star Awards, reflecting their commitment to storytelling and showcasing the remarkable students, staff, and programs of Aldine ISD.

“Aldine ISD has so many inspiring and unique stories to share. The communications team continues to produce incredible work, and I couldn’t be prouder of each member. We are honored to be recognized by TSPRA for our efforts in promoting a positive school culture throughout our community,” said Executive Director of Communications Sylvia Saumell-Baston. 

Gold Star Awards (3)  

• Photo (Other Subjects): MacArthur High School Graduation – Bryant Stevens  
• Photo (Other Subjects): Kujawa Elementary School Choir – Bryant Stevens  
• Writing: Spotlight on Success: Tracing the Remarkable Journey of Tony Award Winner Fernell Hogan from Aldine to Broadway – John Hickman  

Silver Star Awards (16) 

• Video Marketing: Aldine ISD | CTE Programs – Bryant Stevens  
• Video Promotional: Accelerate | Aldine ISD – Bryant Stevens  
• Photo (Other Subjects): See to Succeed – Bryant Stevens  
• Writing: Leadership Lessons From Katt Williams – Sylvia Saumell  
• Writing: From Chemist to Principal: Celebrating the Accomplishments of an Aldine Leader – Dylan Esquina  
• Writing: Aldine ISD Proposed Bond to Bring Technology Upgrades to All Students – Dylan Esquina  
• Writing: Empowering Dreams: Aldine 7th Transitional Job Fair & College Expo 2024 – John Hickman  
• Writing: Unstoppable on the Diamond: Aldine High School Baseball Dominates District with 12-1 Record – John Hickman  
• Photo (Other Subjects): Bond 101 Hands-On Learning Experience – John Hickman  
• Photo (Other Subjects): Carver High School Presents: The Bodyguard – John Hickman (x2)  
• Photo (Other Subjects): MacArthur Winter Performance – John Hickman  
• Photo (Other Subjects): Senator Walle Rolls into Bussey: Driving Change and Inspiring Futures – John Hickman (x2)  
• Photo (Other Subjects): Winter Holiday Performances – John Hickman  
• Video Feature Story: Teacher of the Year Finalists 2024 – John Hickman  
• Writing: Aldine ISD Partners With Hobby Center for Performing Arts to Inspire Fifth Graders – John Hickman  
• Writing: Art From the Heart: An Ode to the Aldine Community – John Hickman  
• Writing: Clippers and Conversations: A Student-Teacher Venture – John Hickman  

Bronze Star Awards (3)

• Photo (Other Subjects): EC/PK/K Holiday Performance – John Hickman  
• Photo (Other Subjects): Homecoming Festivities – John Hickman  
• Writing: Meet the Newest Principals’ of Aldine ISD – John Hickman  

This impressive collection of awards highlights the talent and dedication of Aldine ISD’s Communications Department. The team consists of Executive Director Sylvia Saumell-Baston, Director of Internal Communications Leticia Fehling, Director of External Communications Ashley Brown, Director of Brand Communications, Chris Labod, Multimedia Communications Specialist Andy Adams, Communications Specialists Dylan Esquina and John Hickman, Communications Specialists, Translator Sandra Perez Chaviano, and Administrative Assistant Crystal Mendoza.

Each year, TSPRA, which has existed since 1962, recognizes communication departments and their employees in Texas school districts, education foundations, and education associations for their work in print and electronic media. There are 47 main categories covering various media such as newsletters, programs, posters, reports, writing, image/identity packages, photography, graphics, video, electronic presentations, mobile apps, campaigns, events, and websites.

For the first 47 categories, entries are divided into three divisions based on the number of students the district, foundation, or organization serves: under 15,000 students, 15,000 to 40,000 students, and over 40,000 students. Independent judges evaluate and score each entry based on its own merit. Bronze, Silver, and Gold Stars are awarded based on established criteria. Finally, judges review the highest-scoring Gold Star winners and select a Best of Category for each division in each of the 47 categories.

With each award, Aldine ISD solidifies its status as one of the top school public relations teams in Texas – telling the stories that matter one spotlight at a time.