Worcester, MA—June 7, 2025— The Worcester Public Schools (WPS) Communications Department is once again making headlines, this time for creating them. The team has been honored with five national awards from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA), recognizing their outstanding achievements in storytelling, design, media, and outreach that keep the WPS community connected, informed, and inspired.
In a field where clarity, engagement, and accessibility are essential, the WPS Communications Department stood out on a national stage, earning NSPRA’s Publications and Digital Media Excellence Awards across five categories: writing, graphic design, photography, social media, and video.
“In just over two years, our communications team has built a robust and highly effective operation from the ground up,” said Superintendent Rachel H. Monárrez, PhD. “Their dedication to transparent, engaging, and accessible communication is vital to our mission. These awards are a testament to their hard work, commitment to excellence, and innovation.”
Two awards were given at the highest level of excellence:
- Writing: Kyle Prudhomme was recognized for his article and photography capturing the excitement of North High School’s Gear Up program’s “On the Spot Acceptance Day.”
- Marketing: Anca Tughin earned accolades for designing the impactful “Attendance Matters” poster campaign.
Three more honors were awarded at the Merit level:
- Photography: Prudhomme received a second award for his dynamic photo of student dancers at Burncoat High School.
- Social Media: Dan O’Brien, Kyle Prudhomme, and Anca Tughin were recognized for the heartwarming “Friendly Faces” series, which spotlighted students from nearly every WPS elementary and middle school throughout the year.
- Video Series: Christine Wilson, Eric McKeon, and Stephanie Castano Flores from Worcester Educational Access Television were honored for an in-house series aimed at helping families navigate key WPS programs, covering everything from “Countdown to Kindergarten” to the “My Stop” school bus app.
“This outstanding achievement by the WPS Communications Department truly highlights the district’s commitment to excellence in keeping our families, staff, and community members informed,” said Deputy Superintendent Brian Allen, who will take over as superintendent on July 1. “Effective communication is the cornerstone of a strong school community.”
Founded in February 2023, the WPS Communications Department has quickly established itself as a powerhouse of strategic and creative communication. Under the leadership of Chief Communications Officer Dan O’Brien, the department manages the district’s website, social media, media relations, graphic design, ParentSquare communications, crisis communications, and a range of multimedia efforts in collaboration with Worcester Educational Access Television.
O’Brien also serves as president of the New England School Public Relations Association, a fast-growing professional network launched in 2022 that now boasts more than 150 members.
With this recognition, WPS isn’t just setting the bar for student success; it’s leading the way in how that success is shared.
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