The Hempstead ISD Communications Department was recognized with nine Star Awards from the Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) for excellence in school communications during the 2024-2025 school year.
The awards were presented on Wednesday night during the 2026 annual TSPRA Conference Star Awards Banquet in Galveston, TX. Each year, TSPRA recognizes exceptional work in print, electronic, and visual communications. Hempstead ISD Communications earned two Gold Stars, four Silver Stars, and 3 Bronze Star Awards. Hempstead ISD’s communication efforts are competing alongside districts serving up to 15,000 students across the state.
TSPRA award judges annually evaluate thousands of award submissions from across the state of Texas.
Each year, TSPRA recognizes communicators in school districts, education foundations, education associations, and organizations for their work in print and electronic media categories. There are 47 main categories covering various media such as newsletters, programs, posters, reports, writing, image/identity packages, photography, graphics, video, electronic presentations, campaigns, events, and websites.
The district earned two Gold Star Awards for The Board’s Blueprint for Bond Success presentation and the feature story, Hempstead Middle School Parents Step into Their Students’ Shoes for a Day. In addition, the district received four Silver Star Awards, recognizing outstanding work across multiple platforms and formats. Honored projects included Bobcat Pride Runway (photo), The Bobcat Beat Talk Show LIVE! (specialty/novelty writing), the annual Superintendent Evaluation Report booklet, and the Choose Hempstead ISD marketing video. Three Bronze Star Awards, awarded for the 2024 District Christmas Card, the 2025-2026 Academic Calendar, and the Bobcat Stadium Ribbon Cutting Ceremony (special event).
Submissions for the TSPRA Star Awards were due in October and encompass more than 50 different categories, with eligibility for work created between August 2024 and June 2025. The awards acknowledge excellence in both print and electronic media for school communications professionals, education foundations, and associations across Texas.
The Hempstead ISD Communications Department is led by Chief of Staff and Chief Communications Officer Valonia Walker, APR.
The Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) is a nonprofit, professional organization dedicated to promoting public schools through effective communications. TSPRA, a chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA), was chartered in 1962 and incorporated in 1977. With more than 1,300 members, TSPRA is comprised primarily of public information and communications professionals who serve the public school districts and education organizations of Texas. For more information on TSPRA, visit their website at TSPRA.org.