Rockwood Communications Honored at State Conference

The Rockwood School District has been recognized by the Missouri School Public Relations Association (MOSPRA) for its efforts to inform our community across multiple channels. Each year, MOSPRA gives its members the opportunity to have their work evaluated by PR professionals and measured against industry standards through its Communications Awards Program. 

Rockwood earned a Golden Achievement award for its Proposition 3 communications plan and three Excellence awards for Newsletter, Photography and Writing. The Proposition 3 plan reflects the work and collaboration of the entire Rockwood Communications team – led by Chief Communications Officer Mary LaPak – as does the Rockwood eNews digital newsletter. The award-winning photo from a 2024 Senior Walk – which received a perfect score – was taken by former Coordinator of Web Services Karl Weinrich. The winning story, “Playground Improvements at Fairway Make Recess More Accessible for all Students,” was written by Communications Coordinator David Morrison.

Rockwood also received three Merit awards: for a photo of a student playing a violin (by Digital Communications Specialist Curtis Brennecke) and last year’s Gifted program cardboard boat regatta (by Morrison) and for the video “Rockwood Celebrates School Board Appreciation Month” (by Brennecke with coordination from School and Community Relations Specialist Kate Moore).

Rockwood was one of only two districts in the state to earn MOSPRA Golden Achievement award this year, and earned three each of only 16 Excellence and 29 Merit awards bestowed.

“We are humbled and honored to receive this recognition on behalf of the Rockwood School District,” LaPak said. “To be acknowledged in this way affirms the importance of our work in keeping our students, staff, families and community well-informed. More importantly, it is a wonderful testament to the achievements of our dedicated staff and remarkable students - stories we are privileged to share.”

The Rockwood Communications team was recognized during the MOSPRA Fall Conference, held Nov. 14-15 in St. Charles.