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The district’s public relations and communications team, made up of Public Relations Officer Cheryl Shuffler and Child Nutrition Marketing and Communications Specialist Bethany Duncan, earned 10 Blue Ribbon Awards for outstanding and effective communication. The association presented the awards during a special ceremony held in High Point on Friday, April 11.

Burke County Public Schools received three gold, five silver and two bronze level awards for outstanding photography, image/graphic design, digital media engagement, electronic media and special events and programs. The photograph “Triumph Beyond the Stage: One Student’s Inspiring Graduation Moment� received the “Best of the Best� award in the photography category.

The judges said, “Thank you for submitting this photo. It shows tremendous emotion of its subjects, but it also shows the forethought of the photographer to be in the right place at the right time. Well done! Clear choice for me as Best of the Best!�

Shuffler said, “The photograph is of a Freedom High School graduate named Lisa and captures the power of perseverance and the emotional impact of graduation for a student who has overcome extraordinary challenges. That moment for Lisa was a testament to strength, resilience, and determination. Her raw emotion resonated deeply, bringing those on stage and in the stands to tears. This photo embodies the heart of public education — breaking barriers, celebrating achievements, and honoring every student’s path to success. It exemplifies how school public relations can amplify stories that inspire and unite communities.�

Burke County Public School Superintendent Mike Swan shared excitement for the awards.

“These honors are a testament to the power of storytelling and the critical role it plays in public education,� Swan said. “Cheryl Shuffler and Bethany Duncan are all in to ensure our district’s story is heard, seen, and felt. Whether through videos, photos, social media, press releases, or heartfelt connections, they shine a light on the remarkable things happening in our schools. Their work not only uplifts our students and staff but also strengthens trust and pride in our community.�

Valerie Newton, NCSPRA President and Director of Communication and Family Engagement for Sampson County Schools, said the work of the award 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, and the Blue Ribbon Award winners have demonstrated excellence in all facets of communication,� Newton said. “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 of our winners for the outstanding work they do to support students and teachers and promote public education.�

NCSPRA recognizes outstanding communications through its Blue Ribbon Awards program each year. Burke County Public Schools was one of 35 school districts statewide to receive a Blue Ribbon Award. The Georgia School Public Relations Association judged NCSPRA’s 2024 Blue Ribbon entries.

The district received Blue Ribbon Awards in the following categories:

Photography

• Gold and Best of the Best “Triumph Beyond the Stage: One Student’s Inspiring Graduation Momentâ€�
• Gold “Snow Dayâ€�
• Silver “Solar Eclipseâ€�

Image/Graphic Design

• Gold “Annual Top-10 Back-to-School listâ€�

Digital Media Engagement

• Silver “Powder Puff Cheer Off Challengeâ€�
• Bronze “Fat Friday Tradition Continuesâ€�

Electronic Media

• Silver “Book Vending Machineâ€�
• Bronze “Hurricane Relief Donation Driveâ€�

Special Events and Programs

• Silver “Teacher Appreciation Weekâ€�

Publications

• Silver “Let’s Go Kindergarten 2024 Calendar and Coloring Activitiesâ€�