During the recent Wayne County Board of Education meeting, significant recognition was given to the district's communication efforts, highlighting the importance of effective engagement with families and the community. Andrea Fraley, the Family Engagement and Communications Coordinator, along with representatives from various departments, was honored for receiving two prestigious Blue Ribbon Awards from the North Carolina School Public Relations Association (NCSPRA).

The first award recognized the "Navigating Autism Together" program, an initiative designed to support families dealing with autism diagnoses. This event, coordinated by Fraley in collaboration with the Curriculum and Instruction and Exceptional Children's departments, provided a platform for parents to share experiences and gain insights from experts, including Dr. Carol Hayes Ardis, who shared her personal journey and advice.

The second award celebrated the "Destination Kindergarten" campaign, a multimedia initiative aimed at welcoming new kindergarten students and their families. This campaign utilized a combination of digital platforms, including a dedicated website and social media outreach, to promote a virtual tour of kindergarten classrooms. The initiative successfully garnered over 9,000 online views, showcasing the district's commitment to creating an inviting educational environment.

The board expressed its congratulations to Fraley and the collaborating departments, emphasizing that these awards reflect the high-quality programming and support provided to families and students in Wayne County. The recognition not only highlights the district's achievements but also underscores the importance of effective communication in fostering community engagement and support for educational initiatives.