It was announced yesterday that for the fifth consecutive year, NYSPRA has been awarded a “Mark of Distinction” award from the National School Public Relations Association in the area of professional development/PR skill building.

This is a great honor for our chapter and I want to thank the NYSPRA board – Vice President/President-Elect Krystyna Baumgartner, APR, Secretary Sapna Kollali, Treasurer Jake Mendlinger, and Immediate Past President Adrienne Leon, APR for all their hard work in making this possible.

This past year has tested all of us – emotionally, mentally and physically. Working in School PR can often feel isolating, and yet, we had the good fortune to be able to come together on a number of occasions this year, whether it was one of our virtual learning sessions, or at our conference in Syracuse in March. The connectivity we have with one another matters so much, and it is something I am incredibly grateful for.

This accomplishment would not be possible without all of you. Without your involvement and engagement in our activities and events, NYSPRA would not be what it is today. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

As a board, we are excited to build upon the foundation that has been established and continue to deliver a professional development support program that meets your needs and connects you with colleagues around the state who “do what we do.” More great things to come.

- Steve