NCSPRA is now accepting entries for your best work that was created between November 1, 2024 and October 31, 2025. We want to give you the recognition you deserve through our 2025 NCSPRA Blue Ribbon Awards program.

Entering your submissions will be easier and more secure than ever because NCSPRA has switched to the Open Water awards platform. Open Water is a software platform specifically designed for awards submissions and judging. It is very simple to navigate, but we have provided detailed instructions to help you use Open Water to submit your Blue Ribbon entries.

Here are the categories for our 2025 Blue Ribbon Awards:

• Digital Media Engagement
• Electronic Media
• Excellence in Writing
• Image Graphic Design
• Photography
• Publications (Print & Electronic)
• Special Events & Programs
• Strategic Communications

We have added a "Strategic Communications" category, which provides a specific place for you to enter your outstanding work related to Crisis Communication, marketing, communications plans, etc. Here are the updated category descriptions. We also have added clarifying language to this year's entry information:

All entries must be the work of NCSPRA members but may include collaboration with outside vendors (unless otherwise noted in a specific category). All entries are eligible for Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards. However, to qualify for “Best of the Best” recognition in each category, submitters must certify that an entry is the work product and intellectual property of the school or district and was completed entirely by staff or contracted employees without support from outside vendors. *Note: This does not prohibit the use of commercial tools or services (i.e., Canva, Smore, motion graphics software, etc.) to assist in creating a Blue Ribbon entry.

The Blue Ribbon Awards entry fee is the same as last year: $45 per submission. All entries must be submitted electronically. The entry deadline is 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 3rd.

In order to submit your Blue Ribbon Awards entries, you must complete the entry form and the registration form. The registration form tells us how many total entries your organization will submit so we can generate your invoice. The second form is the actual entry form for your submission(s). You must submit BOTH forms to complete the entry process, and your invoice must be paid in order to receive Blue Ribbon recognition.

Blue Ribbon Awards Registration Form

Blue Ribbon Awards Entry Form

Blue Ribbon Awards Entry Instructions