Waukegan Community Unit School District # 60 was recently recognized with four communication awards in the Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association's annual communications contest.

Professional school communicators from across the country judged submissions from Districts throughout Illinois. Each entry was evaluated by judges against a rubric of with awards given to those that scored within the established ranges for merit and excellence.

The District's highest honor was awarded in the Writing category, where staff received an Award for Excellence for its Finance Information Sessions messaging. District 60 Board of Education President Brandon Ewing, and staff members Gwen Polk, Joseph Clary & Nicholas Alatzakis were all recognized with the award. The Fiance letter was sent to stakeholders in February 2021 in response to a Bill filed in Springfield. 

“The authors did a great job providing background on the situation and explaining why there was a need for the informational sessions,” said one of the Judges. “They also did a nice job highlighting the (District) current financial situation. The article has a nice tone and balances facts and the district's desire for public input. Nice work on a tough subject.”

Several other communications awards were won by District 60. The remaining list of awards, categories, and recognized employees can be found below:

Social Media: Family Workshops

Award of Merit

Carolina Fabian, Mitchell Riportella, Nicholas Alatzakis

Video: 60 in Sixty

Award of Merit

Nicholas Alatzakis, Mitchell Riportella, Kamika Hopkins Bey

Social Media: Foreman Frankie

Award of Merit

Nicholas Alatzakis, Mitchell Riportella, Kevin Kruckeberg & LeBaron Moten