Communications & Community Engagement
Department Overview
Cumberland County Schools’ (CCS) Communications and Community Engagement Department has once again been recognized for excellence in school communications, earning eight Blue Ribbon Awards from the North Carolina School Public Relations Association (NCSPRA) for innovative and effective public relations efforts.
Among the honors, CCS received a prestigious “Best of the Best” Award in the Special Events and Programs category for “Bracy on Board” Launch of the FACE Cruiser. This distinction represents the highest recognition presented in the category statewide, awarded to the single entry judged to be the most outstanding among all submissions.
In addition to the “Best of the Best” honor, CCS received two Gold Awards, five Silver Awards and one Bronze Award, recognizing communications initiatives that informed families, strengthened community partnerships and highlighted student success across the district.
NCSPRA presented the awards during its 2025 Blue Ribbon Awards ceremony held March 6, 2026, at the Guilford County Schools Community Education Center in Greensboro, North Carolina.
CCS was honored for the following projects across multiple categories:
Gold Awards
The Eight Key Things Families Need to Know for 2025-26 – Strategic Communications
“Bracy on Board” Launch of FACE Cruiser – Special Events & Programs
Silver Awards
Premier Professionals Gala: A Celebration of Educational Excellence – Special Events & Programs
CCS Now Recruiting Family Ambassadors to Strengthen School-Community Connections – Special Events & Programs
Dr. Bracy’s Swearing-In Ceremony & Reception – Special Events & Programs
Faith Leaders and CCS Collaborate to Champion Student Success – Special Events & Programs
Dr. Connelly’s Retirement Celebration – Special Events & Programs
Bronze Award
CCS Strategic Marketing Campaign – Strategic Communications
Dr. Lindsay Whitley, associate superintendent for Communications and Community Engagement at Cumberland County Schools, said the recognition reflects the team’s commitment to keeping families informed and building strong connections throughout the community.
“These awards highlight the creativity, dedication and collaboration that drive our communications efforts each day,” said Dr. Whitley. “Our goal is always to ensure families, staff and community members stay informed and connected while celebrating the incredible accomplishments of our students and schools.”
NCSPRA annually recognizes outstanding communications through its Blue Ribbon Awards program, which highlights exemplary work by school communications professionals across North Carolina. Entries are evaluated in categories such as marketing, digital media engagement, electronic media, excellence in writing, publications, image and graphic design, photography and special events and programs.
The entries are judged by an out-of-state panel of communications professionals.
CCS was among school districts statewide recognized for communications excellence this year, reinforcing the district’s continued leadership in strategic communications and community engagement.
NCSPRA is a professional organization serving more than 175 school communications professionals across North Carolina. The association works to strengthen public education through strategic, transparent and responsible public relations practices.
For more information about NCSPRA, visit www.ncspra.org.
