MARTINSVILLE, Va. (Romero Report) — Martinsville City Public Schools (MCPS) says it has earned two prestigious Awards of Excellence from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) for its communication efforts.

The awards highlight the district’s commitment to transparent and effective storytelling within its community, according to MCPS.

In late June, MCPS announced it received an Award of Excellence in Writing from NSPRA for an article titled “Martinsville High School Among Top Schools in Area for College and Career Readiness.”

The piece, authored by Callie Hietala, MCPS Communications and Community Outreach Coordinator, in collaboration with Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Dr. Angilee Downing and Coordinator of Humanities and Advanced Programs Cary Wright, addressed the U.S. News and World Report’s high school rankings and provided a deeper look into the district’s achievements.

“We recognized that the U.S. News and World Report rankings didn’t fully capture the achievements of our staff, teachers, and students,” Hietala explained. “This motivated us to dig deeper into the data and share a more accurate picture of our successes with our community.”

The article highlighted MCPS’s partnership with Patrick & Henry Community College, which allows students to earn college credit through dual enrollment without the need for Advanced Placement (AP) tests.

Data from the Class of 2023 showed that 28.5% of Martinsville High School students took AP courses, 64% enrolled in higher education institutions after graduation, and 26% earned industry certifications.

“This award reinforces the value of clear, concise, data-driven storytelling in showcasing MCPS’s achievements,” Hietala added. “We’re excited to continue sharing our district’s success stories with our community.”

In early July, MCPS said it earned another Award of Excellence for its district website.

Redesigned last year, the website features user-friendly navigation, engaging content, and up-to-date information about school events, programs, and achievements, according to the district.

“Our website is more than just a place to look up an email address or the week’s lunch menu,” said Hietala. “It is a hub of information, a recruiting tool, and a selling point for our district.”

The district said the website also offers news and resources, ensuring that families, students, and staff have easy access to the information they need.

MCPS Superintendent Dr. Zebedee Talley praised Hietala’s efforts, stating, “Mrs. Hietala continues to do an outstanding job highlighting the success of Martinsville City Schools and its students and staff. She is an integral part of our division and deserves recognition for her integrity in communication.”

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