The Kentucky School Boards Association recently honored dozens of school staff members in the 13th annual OASIS (Outstanding Achievement in School Information Services) Professional Development Program. Awards for superior communications products and programs were presented during the OASIS luncheon that closed out the annual training conference of the Kentucky School Public Relations Association in Lexington.

More than 200 entries were submitted for the 2009 OASIS program. Judging was done by public affairs professionals in state government and school districts in Kentucky and Michigan. Numerous awards were presented to staff members of the Harlan County Public School District, including several who received top honors.

Scott Pace, a teacher at Harlan County High School, received first place for Internet Websites for his design and upkeep on the school’s website. “Great photos/visual interest,” wrote one of the judges on this entry. “Professional modern look, consistent throughout.”

Kellie C. Ellis, speech language pathologist, received first place in the miscellaneous public awareness programs for her entry titled “Making Sure All Voices are Heard.”  The judges commented:  “Well organized!! Very detailed and informative. I enjoyed reading your material. Very practical information for a target audience attractive and interestingly displayed. It looks like students enjoyed it.”

Her entry resulted from a display and preparation of materials for a health careers awareness program held last year.

The Cumberland Elementary Family Resource and Youth Service Center Director Jenny Saylor and Center Aide Lisa McKnight won first place honors for their entry “Karate camp.” This entry, competing in special events, was recognized as a “good event. You show evidence that it was promoted well. Nice photos and news coverage!”

Curriculum Specialist Anita Tolliver won first place for the 2009 Harlan County Spelling Bee in the academic achievement programs. “What a way to be creative in continuing the spelling bee. I liked the fact that in your news release you stated that you wanted to continue the spelling bee because of the void that would have been created because of financial reasons. Good way to get your local businesses to partner with you. It truly takes those types of partnerships to help our schools continue with the programs we have in place.”

Another judge noted that “the program is well developed and organized. The district is to be commended for reviving an excellent academic activity. Including elementary students builds interest and should inspire good spellers!”

The Cloverfork Family Resource and Youth Service Center was honored for first place in the Special Events category for the Hope Academy. Center Director Donna Helton was commended for the “great event. Great participation. Looks like some good planning went into it with the flyer and schedule of events. It’s great that events for students and parents were involved. “

Other award winners from Harlan County included:

Gary Farmer, chairman, Harlan County Board of Education, third place in audio/video production for the “Come See What’s Inside” campaign for the HCHS open  house invitation.

The school district, under the leadership of Superintendent Tim Saylor and Assistant Superintendents Mike Howard and Brent Roark, was honored with a second place in the community engagement programs division for the foster parent initiative to recruit foster parents to serve the children in Harlan County.

Saylor was also honored with a second place award in commentary writing for his frequent columns titled “Superintendent’s Corner” which appear in local newspapers.

Harlan County High School Dropout Prevention Director Kathy Napier was honored with a second place for a brochure she produced to promote the new e-school program. She competed in the full-color division for brochures.

The Cloverfork FRYSC, Evarts Elementary FRYSC, Harlan Independent FRYSC and Harlan Independent Schools were honored with a second place in the miscellaneous public awareness programs category for their 2009 Harlan County Pinwheels for Prevention Campaign targeting abuse.

Harlan County Schools District Public Relations Director and Community Educator Jeff Phillips received a pair of second place awards for news and feature writing.

More information on the OASIS program can be found by visiting www.ksba.org or www.kyspra.org.