Florence, South Carolina – Florence 1 Schools is celebrating a standout achievement after its Communications and Marketing Team won 20 awards at a big statewide competition.
The South Carolina Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (SCNSPRA) conducted its annual Rewards for Excellence event last week, where the awards were handed out. The annual celebration is meant to show off the best communications and public relations work done by schools and other educational groups in South Carolina.
This year, the competition was exceptionally difficult, with over 300 entries coming in from all over the state. Florence 1 Schools was one of the most decorated participants in the field, and only projects that were finished in the year 2024 were eligible for consideration.
Superintendent Richard O’Malley highlighted the significance of the district’s achievement and how powerful storytelling is in the school community.
“Our district is made up of staff members and students who have an incredible story to tell; together they make our programs, and our district as a whole, the best in South Carolina,” O’Malley said. He credited the communications and marketing team for their commitment to shining a spotlight on the district’s successes and sharing stories of both triumph and perseverance.
The awards spanned several categories, reflecting the diverse ways Florence 1 Schools connects with the community. The team was recognized for their standout video productions, including the “Hidden Hero” segment featuring Alex Sims and Warren Coker, as well as several program highlight reels showcasing initiatives like The Farm at F1S, Sports Medicine, the Florence 1 Center for the Arts, Advantage Academy, JROTC, and STEM in Florence 1 Schools. The “Harvest of the Month” video series also won praise, along with a celebratory feature on the SC Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year.
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On the marketing front, the district’s creative outreach was honored for materials such as the “Registration is as Easy as 1, 2, 3” campaign—produced in both English and Spanish—and the “TeachFlorence1” recruitment brochure. The communications team also took home accolades for their written features, including articles about the transportation department’s vital role and a piece titled “Changing the Education Landscape.”
The district’s digital presence did not go unnoticed. Florence 1’s overall district website and its dedicated mental health resources page both received top marks. Additionally, the Finance Publication Award went to the “Florence 1 Schools Letter of Transmittal.”
Reflecting on the recognition, Ashley Watson, Executive Director of Marketing and Talent, expressed gratitude for the validation from SCNSPRA.
“Every day, we have the privilege of sharing the story of our district, whether that be our teachers, our students, or the staff members who work behind the scenes,” said Ashley Watson, Executive Director of Marketing and Talent. “It is clear that the story we are telling is resonating with our community and a statewide audience. We are grateful to SCNSPRA for recognizing our dedication to being a positive voice for public education.”
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In the end, these awards serve as a testament to Florence 1 Schools’ ongoing commitment to transparency, engagement, and celebrating the everyday achievements that define the district.
