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SPS Communications Team Wins 14 National Awards

Springdale Public Schools

July 22, 2026

The Springdale Public Schools Communications team earned 14 2026 National School Public Relations awards for digital media and marketing excellence.

Each year, NSPRA recognizes and honors those whose efforts and expertise have had a positive and lasting impact on school public relations and education, as well as honors the best work in school communication. In addition, NSPRA also recognizes chapters of all sizes for their outstanding efforts.

All award-winning content is linked below, so be sure to check out some of the amazing things happening within the Springdale Family!

Ozark Media Arts Festival Wins 2026 Golden Achievement Award

Festival Director: Leah Garett

Festival Founder: Trent Jones

Springdale Public Schools has achieved national recognition for its dedication to student engagement and strategic communication. The district’s widely celebrated Ozark Media Arts Festival (OMAF) has officially been named a recipient of the prestigious Golden Achievement Award, presented by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA).

Setting a remarkable benchmark for educational excellence in the region, Springdale Public Schools was the only school district in the state of Arkansas to receive this award. This coveted national honor places Springdale at the forefront of educational communication and community marketing across the country. See winning entry HERE!

"Springdale Today I Graduating Springdale" Podcast Award of Excellence

Host Mary Jordan & Producer Micah DeLacey
Springdale Public Schools

Graduating Springdale 2: Springdale Today host Mary Jordan sits down with an inspiring group of local seniors as they stand on the cusp of graduation, preparing to take their next big steps into the future. Joining the conversation are Sepesim Francis-Mongkeya from Springdale High School, Dara Cuenca from the Don Tyson School of Innovation, and Reagan Bell from Har-Ber High School. Together, they share their personal journeys through high school, the excitement and nervous energy of their final year, and the diverse array of opportunities waiting for them after they cross the stage. Tune in to hear these bright young voices discuss their ambitions, the lessons they've learned, and what it truly feels like to get ready for the real world.

Listen to or view the full story HERE.

"Springdale Today I Rooted in Recycling," Podcast Award of Excellence

Host Mary Jordan & Producer Micha DeLacey

Springdale Public Schools

We explored the fascinating intersection of e-waste, art, and education! We sat down with artist Eugene Sargent, teacher Jennifer Boogart from John Tyson Elementary School of Innovation, and her EAST students, Zharia and Finn. They discussed their innovative educational initiative where students transform discarded electronics into art. Discover how this exciting project fosters sustainability and learning, made possible through a partnership with Cox Communications.

Listen to or view the full story HERE.

"Springdale Today I Food for Thought," Podcast Award of Excellence

Host Mary Jordan & Producer Micha DeLacey

Springdale Public Schools

Springdale Today records from the Don Tyson School of Innovation Culinary classroom for a conversation with Culinary Arts Instructor Sherry Rickard, student Ian Elliott and Chef William Mauk of the French restaurant Bienvenue.

The Springdale restaurant opened in 2023, and in addition to French fare, Bienvenue offers opportunities for the region’s culinary students and chefs.

Listen to or view the full story HERE.

"La Entrevista" Video Series Honorable Mention

Producer Omar Gonzalez

Springdale Public Schools

La Entrevista (the Interview) is a Spanish-language interview show produced by the Springdale Public Schools Communications Office. Developed as part of the district's initiative to support its highly diverse, multilingual student body and community, the video series highlights educational resources, local community programs, and cultural events. The show serves as a vital bridge between families and the school district to ensure Spanish-speaking families have direct access to valuable educational and community insights.

Watch La Entrevista HERE.

"Springdale Today Vodcast" Video Series Honorable Mention

Host Mary Jordan & Producer Micha DeLacey

Springdale Public Schools

Springdale Today is a weekly vodcast produced by the Springdale Public Schools Communications office on topics relevant to the Springdale, Arkansas, community. Episodes are released Wednesdays at 7 p.m. wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Watch or listen to Springdale Today HERE.

"Heather Hunsucker: Excellence Beyond the Court," Video Honorable Mention

Producer Micah DeLacey

Springdale Public Schools

This feature video provides an inside look at Coach Heather Hunsucker, who serves the dual role of Dean of Students and Girls Head Basketball Coach at Springdale High School. The profile highlights her dedication to student success both on the court and in the hallways, showcasing her leadership style and commitment to mentorship. Through personal insights and behind-the-scenes footage, viewers get to know her passion for shaping not just skilled student-athletes, but well-rounded, successful individuals within the Springdale community. Watch Here!

"George Junior High I 20th Anniversary," Video Honorable Mention

Producer Micah DeLacey

Springdale Public Schools

This feature video celebrates the 20th Anniversary of Mary Francis George Junior High School in the Springdale Public School District.

The video honors the school's two decades of academic excellence, community impact, and school spirit. It highlights the history of the campus since its opening, showcases key milestones, and features reflections from educators, staff, and students. By capturing the school’s rich culture—including its deep-rooted traditions in the arts, athletics, and diverse student achievements—the video serves as both a retrospective look at the past 20 years and a celebration of George Junior High's continuing legacy within the community. Watch here!

"Heroic Rescue on the Buffalo River," Video Honorable Mention

Producer Micah DeLacey & Trent Jones

Springdale Public Schools

Join us for a powerful reunion: Vicky Bridges, an avid kayaker, and Gideon Haden Chomphosy, a seventh-grade teacher at Helen Tyson Middle School. On April 12, 2025, Vicky faced a life-threatening situation on the Buffalo River when her kayak capsized, pinning her against a tree in a swift current. Gideon rushed in, holding Vicky above water until she could be pulled to safety. In this emotional video, hear the harrowing tale directly from Vicky and Gideon as they recount the terrifying moments and the heroic act that brought them together. Their story is a testament to quick thinking, bravery, and the unexpected connections forged in the face of danger. Watch here!

"Project ADAM Saves Life at Walker Elementary," Video Honorable Mention

Producer Micah DeLacey & Trent Jones

Springdale Public Schools

Project ADAM Affiliate Programs help schools develop cardiac emergency response plans in the event of sudden cardiac arrest at a school. Project ADAM provides resources, training, and support to help schools become "Heart Safe" by ensuring they have the necessary personnel, procedures, and equipment (like AEDs) in place to respond effectively to a cardiac emergency. Springdale Public Schools all 31 schools are certified "Heart Safe" which require a emergency cardiac response plan and a cardiac response team. Walker Elementary used their training to help save the life of Bus Driver Dale Shouse who collapsed at the school in May of 2025. Watch here!

"Dedicated to Teaching, Anna Gawf" Video - Single Honorable Mention

Produced by Omar Gonzalez

Springdale Public Schools

This award-winning feature highlights the exceptional classroom environment created by Anna Gawf, a phenomenal 3rd-grade teacher at J.B. Hunt Elementary. Anna doesn’t just teach—she sparks curiosity and truly lights up the room. Her passion, energy, and unwavering dedication are transforming the lives of her students every single day. Thank you, Anna, for being such an incredible and inspiring part of our school community! This recognized feature is part of our larger, ongoing series showcasing the incredible dedication, heart, and hard work of the educators throughout the Springdale Public Schools. We are proud to bring you behind the scenes to meet the amazing, award-winning teachers who make our district a wonderful place to learn and grow.

See Anna's video here and watch the full series HERE!

"Field Trip to Farmland Adventures" Social Media Honorable Mention

Produced by Kade Lloyd

Springdale Public Schools

Hands-on learning in action! This video highlights Hunt Elementary students during their recent, unforgettable field trip to Farmland Adventures. They got up close with the animals, learned all about pumpkins and bees, and took an epic hayride to feed the cows. Watch the video here!

Award of Merit

"Students Help Make Recycling More Accessible," Writing Award of Merit

by Mary Jordan

Springdale Public Schools

Four Har-Ber High School students helped make recycling education and implementation more accessible for Springdale residents.

Juniors Ezekiel Mack and Etri Batlok and sophomores Lupe Salas Aguilar and Viveann Mea did so by translating recycling education materials into Marshallese, meeting a genuine need within the community, said Taylor Osburn, Boston Mountain Solid Waste District sustainability coordinator.

Read the full Story HERE.