HCS public relations & marketing team receives top communications honors

 

The Hampton City Schools (HCS) Public Relations and Marketing Department earned top recognition from the Chesapeake Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (CHESPRA), receiving four Award of Excellence—the highest honor, two Award of Merit, and two Honorable Mentions at the annual CHESPRA Fall Conference held October 7-9, 2026, in Grasonville, MD.

 

The CHESPRA Communications Contest celebrates outstanding communications work produced by school districts across Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. Entries are judged by media and public relations professionals from across the nation for creativity, clarity, and impact.

Hampton City Schools received the following awards:

• Award of Excellence, Special Publication: “HCS 2026 By the Numbers”

• Award of Excellence, Handbook: “Hampton City Schools Employee Handbook”

• Award of Excellence, Special Publication: “Hampton City Schools 2026 Capital Improvement Booklet”

• Award of Excellence, Video Production or Program (TV & streaming): “We Are HCS Teachers!”

• Award of Merit, Speech/OpEd: “Speech - City Manager & Superintendent Joint Address”

• Award of Merit, Social Media: “Excellence in Action Campaign”

• Honorable Mention, Brochure: “Hampton City Schools at a Glance”

• Honorable Mention, Video Production or Program (TV & streaming): “Happy Holidays from the Hampton School Board”

“These awards reflect the incredible talent, creativity, and commitment of our entire Public Relations and Marketing team,” said Kellie Goral, executive director of public relations and marketing. “From graphics and printing to PEG TV and communications, so much of what we produce is the result of collaboration, not only within our department, but with teams and departments across the school division. Together, we work to tell the stories of our students, staff, schools, and community in meaningful and engaging ways. I am incredibly proud of the work our team does every day, and it is especially rewarding to have that work recognized by professional communicators from across the nation and ranked among the best in the region.”