The North Carolina School Public Relations Association (NCSPRA) has honored Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for excellence in communications. CMS earned a total of 10 Blue Ribbon Awards for outstanding and effective communication. NCSPRA presented the awards during a special ceremony held at the Guilford County Schools Community Education Center in Greensboro on March 6.

CMS received the following awards: five Gold and two Silver for excellence in writing, one Gold for electronic media and two Silver for digital media engagement.

“The Blue Ribbon Awards are a wonderful validation of the work our team does every day,” said Dr. Stephen Esposito, chief of strategic communications and engagement. “Our work is key to building trust between our classrooms and our community. Being recognized by our peers confirms that we aren't just telling stories — we are championing what public education can do to create endless possibilities for our students through world-class communication.”

Dr. Tracey Helton, NCSPRA president and chief communication officer for Guilford County Schools, presented the awards and said the work of the winners exemplifies the high standards of the North Carolina School Public Relations Association and the outstanding work of its members. “We are extremely proud of the work being done by NCSPRA members across the state as districts face an array of challenges in education. The Blue Ribbon Award winners have demonstrated excellence in all facets of communication. Their expertise and professionalism in the field of communication highlight the superior work being done by North Carolina public schools, and their accomplishments deserve recognition. I congratulate all winners for their outstanding work as they support students and teachers and promote public education.”    

NCSPRA recognizes outstanding communications through its Blue Ribbon Awards program each year. CMS was one of 35 school districts statewide to receive a Blue Ribbon Award. This year’s submission categories included: strategic communications, digital media engagement, electronic media, excellence in writing, publications, image/graphic design, photography and special projects and events. The Georgia School Public Relations Association judged NCSPRA’s 2025 Blue Ribbon entries based on work done between Oct. 31, 2024, and Nov. 1, 2025.