SWBOCES School P.R. team honored with statewide communications awards

Honors reflect diverse categories of work in support of districts, BOCES programs

The Southern Westchester BOCES School communications team has been honored with six awards in a diverse range of categories in the New York School Public Relations Association's annual contest. The awards were announced in early November.

The announcement follows the National School Public Relations Association recognizing the SWBOCES team with 24 communications awards in July.

Team members in the Office of Public Information support communications in BOCES programs and school districts across Westchester, guiding strategic communications on print and digital platforms and helping to tell the stories of our students and educational partners. 

Public Relations Specialist Cara Tomao was honored in the Strategic Campaign category for her support of the Hastings-on-Hudson Union Free School District's spring bond vote. Ms. Tomao's contributions included strategic planning and implementation of print, digital and video communications in support of a $38.4 million capital projects bond that voters approved in June. Ms. Tomao was also honored, along with video producer Anthony DiNoto, for their work in producing the bond campaign video, "Hastings-on-Hudson Bond 2024: A Vision for Students and Community."

Also in the category of Strategic Campaign, Graphic Designer Jeffry Braun was honored, along with Mr. DiNoto and Ossining Communications Officer Nicole Reis, for producing, "Focused and Future Ready: The Ossining Building Blueprint." The campaign was created in support of a Westchester-record $210 million capital project bond that Ossining voters approved in September 2024.

"These honors in the category of Strategic Campaign exemplify the holistic approach and collaborative nature of the communications support that the SWBOCES School P.R. team provides," said Director of Communications Brian Howard. "It's a category that encompasses many other categories, demonstrating our breadth of talent and experience."

Public Relations Specialist Natalia Baage was recognized in the Community Newsletter category for the “Valhalla Voyages Newsletter 2024-25: Sharing Viking Pride, Joy and Unity” (Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3) in support of the Valhalla Union Free School District.

Public Relations Specialist Daniel O'Reilly was honored for his photography skills in the Dobbs Ferry Union Free School District for his work on the Dobbs Ferry High School performance of “Alice by Heart.”

Mr. Howard was honored in the Excellence in Writing category, receiving an Award of Excellence for his story about the music program at SWBOCES' Center for Special Services, "Irvington music students learn to ‘stand by’ one another."

"Awards are always nice to receive,” said Mr. Howard, “but the recognition of our peers is what makes these honors so appreciated. Being able to spotlight our vital BOCES programs and the districts we partner with only adds to that. We promise the highest level of support, commitment and innovation in our work, and these awards help to validate our delivery on that promise and motivate us to bring our very best to this important work."

Staff members in the Office of Public Information at Southern Westchester BOCES are members of both NYSPRA and NSPRA. The organizations represent school districts, BOCES and independent school communications providers across the state and country. They are dedicated to promoting effective communications with school communities, including students, parents, staff members, residents, partners and all stakeholders.