STAR Awards

Sharing Our Stories: Crowley ISD Recognized for Excellence in School Communications
February 21, 2025

The Crowley ISD Communications and Marketing Department collected 35 state awards, including three "Best Of Category" honors, for its work telling the stories and accomplishments of Crowley ISD students, staff and school board trustees at the annual Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) conference, which took place Feb. 17-20 in San Antonio.

Independent judges evaluate and score each entry based on its own merit. Gold, Silver and Bronze Stars are awarded based on set criteria. The judges then review their highest scoring Gold Star winners and select a "Best of Category" for a state champion in each division. Crowley ISD, which competed in the 15,000 to 40,000 student population division, took home the following Star Awards: 
 

3 Best of Category Awards

• Poster: Black History 16-Foot Timeline (Le’Brittany Smith)
• Original Art: Record Breaker. State Champion. Twice. (David Ellis)
• Video Feature Story: Celebrating the Journey from Paraprofessional to Teacher (Megan Middleton)

1 Crystal Certificate of Merit

• Photography Portfolio: Beyond the Classroom: Moments and Faces of Education (David Ellis)

21 Gold Star Awards

• Flyer: Solar Eclipse Community Day (Le’Brittany Smith and Jaime Handy)
• Poster: Black History 16-Foot Timeline (Le’Brittany Smith)
• Print Materials in a Language other than English: Early Childhood Postcard (Le’Brittany Smith, David Ellis and Jaime Handy)
• Print Materials in a Language other than English: Solar Eclipse (Le’Brittany Smith and Jaime Handy)
• Annual Report: Metrics that Matter (Le’Brittany Smith)
• Specialty/Novelty Writing: Get Ready, Crowley ISD, for an Amazing First Day! (Megan Middleton)
• Specialty/Novelty Writing: It’s January! It’s January! (Megan Middleton)
• Photo Academic/Classroom Subjects: Faces of Crowley College Prep Elementary (David Ellis)
• Photo Academic/Classroom Subjects: Facing the Unknown (David Ellis)
• Photo Academic/Classroom Subjects: Mission: Possible (David Ellis)
• Photo Academic/Classroom Subjects: Silent Curiosity (David Ellis)
• Photo Academic/Classroom Subjects: The World is Yours (David Ellis)
• Photo Academic/Classroom Subjects: Welcome Home (David Ellis)
• Photo Other Subjects: Handy Reminder (David Ellis)
• Original Art: Record Breaker. State Champion. Twice. (David Ellis)
• Original Art: Standing on Business | Pep-Rally and Sendoff (David Ellis)
• Video Feature Story: Celebrating the Journey from Paraprofessional to Teacher (Megan Middleton)
• Video Feature Story: A Tribute to Vivian J. Lincoln (Megan Middleton)
• Video Marketing: A Day in the Life of a Pre-K Student (Megan Middleton)
• Video Marketing: It’s January! It’s January! (Megan Middleton) 
• Special Event: The White Party (CISD Communications Department)

8 Silver Star Awards

• Photo Sports Subjects: Behind the Curtain (David Ellis)
• Photo Sports Subjects: On the Blocks (David Ellis)
• Photo Academic/Classroom Subjects: Focus on the Positive (David Ellis)
• Photo Other Subjects: Guardians of the City (David Ellis)
• Original Art: 817 vs. 214 (David Ellis)
• Original Art: District Closed for Texas Rangers Parade (David Ellis)
• Original Art: Soccer Playoffs (David Ellis)
• Video Promotional: Celebrating Deaf Awareness Week (Megan Middleton)

2 Bronze Star Awards

• Photo Other Subjects: Mayor’s Embrace (David Ellis)
• Photo Other Subjects: Tomorrow’s Leader (David Ellis)

TSPRA is a nonprofit, professional organization dedicated to promoting public schools through effective communications. With more than 900 members, TSPRA is comprised primarily of public information and communications professionals who serve the public school districts and education organizations of Texas. TSPRA provides professional development, resources and networking opportunities for members and others in the educational community. 

The Crowley ISD Communications and Marketing staff includes Anthony Kirchner, chief communications officer; Marlys Diggles, director of strategic marketing and recruitment; Jaime Handy, director; Megan Middleton, multimedia coordinator; David Ellis, digital content administrator; and Le'Brittany Smith, digital content administrator. Other team members are Melissa Seaton, superintendent’s office clerk; Eldora Wood and Jessica Wells, communications clerks.

"This is Crowley ISD" Video Earns Top State Award
February 29, 2024 

The Crowley ISD Communications and Marketing Department collected 13 state awards, including one "Best Of Category" honor, for its efforts telling the stories and accomplishments of Crowley ISD students, staff and school board trustees at the annual Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) conference, which took place on Feb. 26-29. 
 
Independent judges evaluate and score each entry based on its own merit. Gold, Silver and Bronze Stars are awarded based on set criteria. The judges then review their highest scoring Gold Star winners and select a "Best of Category" for a state champion in each division. Crowley ISD, which competed in the 15,000 to 40,000 student population division, took home the following Star Awards: 
 
1 Best Of Category Awards 

• Video Marketing - "This is Crowley ISD"

10 Gold Stars 

• Booklet - Honor Board Application
• Writing - "This is Crowley ISD" Script
• Video Feature Story - "Battling for Bruder: Volleyball Coach Fights Breast Cancer"
• Video Feature Story - "Making An Impact: Elementary Coach Michael Armstong"
• Video Feature Story - "David L. Walker Elementary School Success"
• Video Feature Story - "Unsung Heroes: JROTC Instructors"
• Video Promotional - "Crowley ISD Bond 2023: Community-Driven Plan"
• Video Promotional - "Crowley ISD Bond 2023: Highlights"
• Video Marketing - "Saying Thank You In Many Languages: School Board Appreciation"
• Video Marketing - "This is Crowley ISD"

2 Silver Stars 

• Video Documentary - "Approaching Math Differently: Eureka Math Pilot Program"
• Education Good News - "Crowley ISD Points of Pride"

TSPRA is a nonprofit, professional organization dedicated to promoting public schools through effective communications. With more than 900 members, TSPRA is comprised primarily of public information and communications professionals who serve the public school districts and education organizations of Texas. TSPRA provides professional development, resources and networking opportunities for members and others in the educational community. 

The Crowley ISD Communications and Marketing staff includes Anthony Kirchner, chief communications officer; Marlys Diggles, director of strategic marketing and recruitment; Jaime Handy, director; Megan Middleton, multimedia manager; David Ellis, digital content administrator; and Le'Brittany Smith, digital content administrator. Other team members are Melissa Seaton, superintendent’s office clerk; Eldora Wood and Jessica Wells, communications clerks.

Crowley ISD Communications and Marketing Earns State Awards
March 2, 2023 

The Crowley ISD Communications and Marketing Department collected 14 state awards, including one "Best Of Category" honor, for its efforts telling the stories and accomplishments of Crowley ISD students, staff and school board trustees at the annual Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) conference, which took place on Feb. 20-23. 
 
Independent judges evaluate and score each entry based on its own merit. Gold, Silver and Bronze Stars are awarded based on set criteria. The judges then review their highest scoring Gold Star winners and select a "Best of Category" for a state champion in each division. Crowley ISD, which competed in the 15,000 to 40,000 student population division, took home the following Star Awards: 
 
1 Best Of Category Awards 

• Published News or Feature - Nurse Taylor Martin Inspires Students and Staff

9 Gold Stars 

• Published News or Feature - Nurse Taylor Martin Inspires Students and Staff
• Video Documentary - Dr. Bill R. Johnson Tribute
• Video Marketing - Top 10 Reasons We Love Going Back to School in Crowley ISD
• Video Promotional - AVID Family Night Promo
• Social Media Campaign - Deaf Awareness Week
• Video Feature Story - September 2021 Heartbeat Team Award - Deaf Interpreter Eleanor Gardner
• Original Art - North Crowley Alumni Spotlight: Tanner Wright
• Original Art - North Crowley Signing Day Celebration
• Miscellaneous Digital Media - Crowley High School's London Harden at the UIL State Meet

3 Silver Stars 

• Video Feature Story - Crowley High School Graduation Spotlight
• Video Promotional - First Day of School 2021-22
• Original Art - Crowley High School vs. North Crowley High School Scoreboard

1 Bronze Stars

• Video Training/ Instructional - Deaf Awareness Sign Language Video

TSPRA is a nonprofit, professional organization dedicated to promoting public schools through effective communications. With more than 900 members, TSPRA is comprised primarily of public information and communications professionals who serve the public school districts and education organizations of Texas. TSPRA provides professional development, resources and networking opportunities for members and others in the educational community. 

The Crowley ISD Communications and Marketing staff includes Anthony Kirchner, chief communications officer; Jaime Handy, director; Matt Hoover, webmaster and digital content administrator; Megan Middleton, multimedia manager; and Marlys Diggles, director of strategic marketing and recruitment. Other team members are Melissa Seaton, superintendent’s office clerk; Eldora Wood and Jessica Wells, communications clerks.

Crowley ISD Communications and Marketing Earns State Awards
February 24, 2022 

The Crowley ISD Communications and Marketing Department collected 20 state awards, including three "Best Of Category" honors, for its efforts telling the stories and accomplishments of Crowley ISD students, staff and school board trustees at the annual Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) conference Feb. 21-24. 
 
Independent judges evaluate and score each entry based on its own merit. Gold, Silver and Bronze Stars are awarded based on set criteria. The judges then review their highest scoring Gold Star winners and select a "Best of Category" for a state champion in each division. Crowley ISD, which competed in the 15,000 to 40,000 student population division, took home the following Star Awards: 
 
3 Best Of Category Awards 

• Poster - Crowley High School Baseball Poster
• Video, Feature Story - Heartbeat Team Award: Maha Khan
• Video, Documentary - African Ancestry Reveal

14 Gold Stars 

• Poster - Crowley High School Baseball Poster
• Video, Feature Story - Heartbeat Team Award: Maha Khan
• Video, Documentary - African Ancestry Reveal
• Video, Feature Story - Meet the Police Chief
• Video, Marketing - Back to School 2020-21
• Video, Training/Instructional - Safe Return: A Day in the Life
• Video, Producation in Another Language Other Than English: Regreso Seguro: Un Día en la Vida
• Video, Promotional - Step Inside The New CTE Center
• Publish News or Feature - Meet the Police Chief
• Writing - Back to School 2020-21 Script
• Marketing Campaign - Hometown Pride
• Original Art - NCHS Playoff Scoreboard
• Education Good News Campaign: Heroes Work Here
  Special Event - All-Stars Celebration

3 Silver Stars 

• Computerized Presentation - Crowley ISD Holiday Card
• Original Art - Winter Storm School Closing
•  Photo, Other Subjects - Crowley ISD All-Star Confetti

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​TSPRA is a nonprofit, professional organization dedicated to promoting public schools through effective communications. With more than 900 members, TSPRA is comprised primarily of public information and communications professionals who serve the public school districts and education organizations of Texas. TSPRA provides professional development, resources and networking opportunities for members and others in the education community. The Crowley ISD Communications and Marketing staff includes Anthony Kirchner, executive director; Jaime Handy, director; Matt Hoover, webmaster and digital content administrator; Megan Middleton, multimedia manager; and Marlys Diggles, director of strategic marketing and recruitment. Other team members are Melissa Seaton, superintendent’s office clerk; Eldora Wood and Jessica Wells, communications clerks.

Crowley ISD Communications and Marketing Earns State Awards
February 25, 2021 

The Crowley ISD Communications and Marketing Department collected 13 state awards, including a pair of Best Of Category honors, for its efforts telling the stories and accomplishments of Crowley ISD students, staff and school board trustees at the annual Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) conference Feb. 22-25. 
 
Independent judges evaluate and score each entry based on its own merit. Gold, Silver and Bronze Stars are awarded based on set criteria. The judges then review their highest scoring Gold Star winners and select a Best of Category for a state champion in each division. Crowley ISD, which competed in the 10,000 to 30,000 student population division, took home the following Star Awards: 
 
2 Best Of Category Awards 

• Video, Feature Story - Valerie Duran Heartbeat Award Winner
• Original Art - Friday Night Scoreboard

8 Gold Stars 

• Video, Marketing - Crowley Pride Unified
• Video, Promotional - Crowley High School Football Promo
• Video, Feature Story - Valerie Duran Heartbeat Award Winner
• Video, General Event - Drive-In Graduation
• Writing, Love Is In The Air
• Computerized Presentation, Teacher of the Year Cartoon
• Original Art - Friday Night Scoreboard
• Original Art - American FFA Degree Spotlight

3 Silver Stars 

• Holiday/Greeting Card - Happy New Year Card
• Print Magazine - State of the District
• Special Event - STAARlight Celebration in Sundance Square

TSPRA is a nonprofit, professional organization dedicated to promoting public schools through effective communications. With more than 900 members, TSPRA is comprised primarily of public information and communications professionals who serve the public school districts and education organizations of Texas. TSPRA provides professional development, resources and networking opportunities for members and others in the education community. 

The Crowley ISD Communications and Marketing staff includes Anthony Kirchner, executive director; Jaime Handy, director; Matt Hoover, webmaster and digital content administrator; Megan Middleton, multimedia manager; and Marlys Diggles, director of strategic marketing and recruitment. Other team members are Melissa Seaton, superintendent’s office clerk; Eldora Wood and Jessica Wells, communications clerks.

Crowley ISD Communications and Marketing Earns State Awards
February 27, 2020 

The Crowley ISD Communications and Marketing Department collected 41 state awards, including five Best Of Category honors, for its efforts telling the stories and accomplishments of Crowley ISD students, staff and school board trustees at the annual Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) conference Feb. 24-27. 
 
Independent judges evaluate and score each entry based on its own merit. Gold, Silver and Bronze Stars are awarded based on set criteria. The judges then review their highest scoring Gold Star winners and select a Best of Category for a state champion in each division. Crowley ISD, which competed in the 10,000 to 30,000 student population division, took home the following Star Awards: 
 
5 Best Of Category Awards 

• Holiday/Commemorative – Crowley ISD Christmas Card 
• Non-English Speaking Audience – College Night Invitation 
• Original Art – Crowley ISD Friday Night Scoreboard 
• Special Event – Night of the Stars 
• Video General Event – November 2018 Heartbeat Award: Martin Morales 

27 Gold Stars 

• Advertisement – Bess Race Elementary Door Hanger 
• Brochure – Come Home to Crowley 
• E-newsletter Internal – Boardroom Rewind 
• Holiday/Commemorative – Crowley ISD Christmas Card 
• Image/Identity Package – Crowley ISD Parent University 
• Magazine – Crowley ISD Connections Magazine Summer 2019 
• Non-English Speaking Audience – College Night Invitation 
• Non-English Speaking Audience – Bright From the Start 
• Original Art – Crowley High School Homecoming 
• Original Art – Crowley ISD Friday Night Scoreboard 
• Photo – Sports Subjects – Touchdown Eagles! 
• Poster – Crowley ISD Teacher of the Year 
• Published News Release – Red Carpet Welcome 
• Social Media Campaign – Back to School Campaign 
• Special Event – Night of the Stars 
• Video Documentary – Black History Month: Trailblazer June W. Davis 
• Video Feature Story – Breast Cancer Awareness 
• Video Feature Story – Pre-K Expansion 
• Video Feature Story – Sunshine and Joy 
• Video General Event – Million Father March 2018 
• Video General Event – November 2019 Heartbeat Award 
• Video General Event – Red Carpet Welcome 
• Video Marketing – Crowley ISD Game Changers 
• Video Marketing – Meet the Principals 
• Video Training/Instructional – Building the Future  
• Video Training/Instructional – Student Engagement with Mrs. Molina 
• Writing – Crowley ISD Game Changers Script 

8 Silver Stars 

• Brochure – Legislative Priorities 
• Invitation – Groundbreaking Invitation 
• Original Art – Have A Nice Summer 
• Original Art – From North Crowley to the NCAA Final Four 
• Program – Night of the Stars 
• Published News or Feature – Starting Early 
• Published Print Advertisement – Success Starts Early 
• Video Promotional – Bright From the Start 

1 Bronze Star 

• Computerized Presentation - Crowley ISD Christmas Card Facebook Cover

TSPRA is a nonprofit, professional organization dedicated to promoting public schools through effective communications. With more than 900 members, TSPRA is comprised primarily of public information and communications professionals who serve the public school districts and education organizations of Texas. TSPRA provides professional development, resources and networking opportunities for members and others in the education community. 

The Crowley ISD Communications and Marketing staff includes Anthony Kirchner, executive director; Jaime Handy, director; Matt Hoover, webmaster and digital content administrator; and Megan Middleton, multimedia manager. Other team members are Melissa Seaton, superintendent’s office clerk; Eldora Wood and Jessica Wells, communications clerks.

Crowley ISD Communications and Marketing Earns State Awards
(Feb. 22, 2019) The Crowley ISD Communications and Marketing Department collected 29 state awards for its efforts telling the stories and accomplishments of Crowley ISD students, staff and school board trustees at the annual Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) conference Feb. 18-21.

Independent judges evaluate and score each entry based on its own merit. Bronze, Silver and Gold Stars are awarded based on set criteria. The judges then review their highest scoring Gold Star winners and select a Best of Category for a state champion in each division. Crowley ISD, which competed in the 10,000 to 30,000 student population division, took home the following Star Awards:

2 Best Of Category Awards

• Video – News Package – Million Father March 2017
• Computerized Presentation – College and Career Night GIF

16 Gold Stars

• Magazine – Crowley ISD Connections Magazine
• Handbook/Manual – Instructional Leadership Guide
• Published News or Feature – Panther Emporium (PDF)
• Original Art – Crowley High School Baseball – A Magical Run
• Original Art – 2018 Panther Olympics
• Poster – 2017-18 Teachers of the Year
• Logo, Trademark, Symbol – Crowley Cares (PDF)
• Computerized Presentation – College and Career Night GIF
• Video – Feature Story – Welcome, Dr. McFarland
• Video – Feature Story – Helping Hands
• Video – Feature Story – Panther Emporium
• Video – General Event – First Day of School 2017-18
• Video – News Package – Panther Olympics 2018
• Video – News Package – Million Father March 2017
• Video – Promotional – Pre-K Expansion
• Video – Training/Instructional – Instructional Strategies with Mrs. Baker

11 Silver Stars

• Booklet – Blueprint for Excellence
• Writing – Dr. McFarland’s Monday Message: Other People’s Children (PDF)
• Program – Night of the Stars (PDF)
• Advertisement – Real World Experience Mall Billboard
• Original Art – Wildfire Thoughts
• Original Art – Mock Trial Team at State
• Original Art – Celebrating School Board Month
• Video – Documentary – Jumpstarting Cars and Careers
• Video – Documentary – Secondary Teacher of the Year Profile
• Video – Marketing – School Board Recognition Month
• Video – Marketing – Ignite the Future

TSPRA is a nonprofit, professional organization dedicated to promoting public schools through effective communications. With more than 900 members, TSPRA is comprised primarily of public information and communications professionals who serve the public school districts and education organizations of Texas. TSPRA provides professional development, resources and networking opportunities for members and others in the education community.

The Crowley ISD Communications and Marketing staff includes Anthony Kirchner, executive director; Jaime Handy, director; Matt Hoover, webmaster and digital content administrator; and Megan Middleton, multimedia manager. Other team members are Margarita Jones, secretary/district translator; Melissa Seaton, superintendent’s office clerk; and Eldora Wood, communications clerk.

Crowley ISD Communications and Marketing Earns State Awards
(Feb. 23, 2018) The Crowley ISD Communications and Marketing Department collected 25 state awards for its efforts promoting the accomplishments of Crowley ISD students, staff and school board trustees at the annual Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) conference Feb. 19-22.

“Incredible things are happening in Crowley ISD schools and these awards represent the hard work of our students, staff and school board members,” Anthony Kirchner, executive director of communications and marketing, said. “It is an honor for us to help share these great stories with our community and to be recognized by our school public relations peers from across the state.” 

The department, which competed in the 10,000 to 30,000 student population division, took home the following Star Awards:

3 Crystal Commendation Certificates of Merit

• Video Portfolio
• Photography Portfolio
• Staff/Student Recognition – Heartbeat Team Award

1 Best Of Category Award

• Original Art – Panther Olympics

13 Gold Stars

• Marketing Campaign – MyChoice Programs
• Published Print Advertisement – Back to School
• Computerized Presentation – Happy Holidays from North Crowley
• Computerized Presentation – Play Ball!
• Original Art – May the Fourth Be With You
• Original Art – Panther Olympics
• Video – General Interest/Feature – Touchdown, Kamron!
• Video – General Interest/Feature – Mark Jones Baseball Field Dedication
• Video – General Interest/Feature – Elementary Teacher of the Year
• Video – General Interest/Feature – Million Father March
• Video – Promotional/Marketing – Let This Be the Year
• Article – Published News/Feature – Giving Students a Choice
• Poster – Teachers of the Year

7 Silver Stars

• Magazine – Crowley ISD Connections
• Article – Published News /Feature – Three Generations of Crowley Graduates
• Article – Published News/Feature – ManiAAC Music Teacher
• Article – Published News/Feature – Hard Work Pays Off
• Video – Promotional/Marketing – School Board Appreciation
• Video – Documentary – Crowley High School 50^th Anniversary
• Video – Training/Instructional – Guided Reading

1 Bronze Star

• Logo, Trademark, Symbol – Employee Child Development Center

The Crowley ISD Marketing and Communications staff includes Anthony Kirchner, executive director; Jaime Handy, communications and marketing coordinator; Matt Hoover, webmaster and digital content administrator; and Megan Middleton, multimedia manager. Other team members are Margarita Jones, district translator; Melissa Seaton, communications clerk; and Eldora Wood, lead receptionist.

CISD Communications/Marketing Department Wins 7 Awards at State Conference 
(Feb. 27, 2017) The Crowley ISD Communications and Marketing Department collected seven awards for its efforts promoting the hard work of Crowley ISD faculty, staff and students at the annual Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) conference Feb. 20-23.

Among its wins, CISD earned a Gold Star Award for its MyChoice Programs Marketing Campaign in 2016. After a series of town hall meetings and the first Discovery Night in the spring of 2016, MyChoice Programs launched in the 2016-17 school year. The programs allow students of all ages to take ownership in their education. Families are given the power to choose learning opportunities based on personal interests, aspirations and preferred learning styles.

The CISD Communications and Marketing Department, which won awards for all the entries it submitted, also was recognized for work on photos, graphics, stories and videos.

“It is an honor for our team to help tell Crowley ISD’s stories,” Anthony Kirchner, director of communications and marketing, said. “These state awards represent the great things students and educators are accomplishing every day in our schools.”

The department, which competed in the 10,000 to 30,000 student population division, took home the following Star Awards:

Gold Star
Marketing Campaign – MyChoice Programs
Published News or Feature – CPR Training Helps CTE Student At Work

Video – News Package – Senior Walk   Silver Star
Photo – Academic/Classroom Subjects – Senior Walk
Poster – Paperless Report Cards
Video – General Interest/Feature Series – Black History Month    Bronze Star
Video – General Interest/Feature Series – Secondary Teacher of the Year

The Crowley ISD Marketing and Communications staff includes Anthony Kirchner, director; Jaime Handy, communications and marketing coordinator; Matt Hoover, webmaster and digital content administrator; and Megan Middleton, multimedia manager. Other team members are Margarita Jones, district translator; Michelle Uranga, mailroom/receptionist; and Eldora Wood, lead receptionist.