Media Contact:
Dan O’Brien, WPS Chief Communications Officer
WPS Communications Office
WORCESTER – Monday, June 8, 2026 – The Worcester Public Schools (WPS) Communications Department has received four national awards for excellence in video, photo, and social media work that enhanced district communication with families in the past year.
On Friday, June 5, the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) announced that WPS is receiving four 2026 Publications and Digital Media Excellence Awards — all in the top “Excellence” category — marking the third year in a row that the WPS Communications team has been recognized for outstanding efforts. The department is led by Dan O’Brien, the WPS Chief Communications Officer.
“Effective communications continues to be a district priority because it’s an important foundation for engaged and connected school communities,” said WPS Superintendent Brian E. Allen. “The Communications Department staff continually strive for new ways to share important information in a manner that meets people where they are. Congratulations on this deserving achievement.”
The Communications Department received the following recognitions for “Excellence”:
Video Series: School Welcome Videos:
By Christine Wilson, Stephanie Castano Flores, and Eric McKeon of WEA-TV
During the 2025-26 school year, Worcester Educational Access Television, which is part of the Communications Department, created a series of “welcome videos” for high schools, middle schools, and the Parent Information Center, that were under 2 minutes long. The purpose was to bolster a sense of identity, a welcoming message, and share information about each school or center. The videos are embedded on the school or center’s homepages, were shown on social media and broadcast on the WEA-TV cable channel.
Video Series: Programmatic Outreach and News Videos:
By Christine Wilson, Stephanie Castano Flores, and Eric McKeon of WEA-TV
WEA-TV routinely produces high-quality and informative videos under 2 minutes long as part of the year-round Programmatic Outreach and News Video Series. All of the videos recognized reinforce programming, culture, and important news for the families, staff, and community members. The videos are posted to the district website, social media, and e-newsletters along with the WEA-TV cable channel.
Percussion Garden at May Street School (9/23/25)
Electric School Buses Launch in WPS (2/25/26)
Prep Kitchens in WPS (10/14/25)
John and Abigail Adams Scholarship Celebration at South High (12/16/25)
Photo: South High Community School 2025 Graduation
By Kyle Prudhomme, Communications Specialist
Kyle Prudhomme, Communications Specialist, took the above photo during the South High Community School graduation ceremony at the DCU Arena in June 2025, documenting the milestone event in a visual manner that showcases the accomplishments of the students.
Social Media: WooStars: Year 3
By Kyle Prudhomme, Communications Specialist
The Communications Department is now in its third year of hosting the “WooStars” series of student and staff recognitions on social media. For 2025-26, the format was revamped to include in-person school visits and photos with Superintendent Brian E. Allen, who rewarded recipients with books and other gifts for being selected and exhibiting “Vision to Action” traits. The WooStar series continues to be popular in the community as a way to honor our students and staff in a manner that’s compelling and human-centered, while building culture and a sense of belonging. Each student and staff member selected were nominated by members of their school communities.