The district's Communications and Marketing Department earned seven honors - including two Best in Show awards - at the SCNSPRA Rewards for Excellence luncheon in Columbia.

FLORENCE, SC / ACCESS Newswire / June 11, 2026 / Florence 1 Schools Communications and Marketing Department received seven communications awards during the South Carolina Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (SCNSPRA) Rewards for Excellence luncheon held in Columbia.

SCNSPRA holds its annual Rewards for Excellence program to recognize outstanding communications and public relations efforts by schools, school districts, and educational agencies and associations. Entries in this year's competition were completed between January 1 and December 31, 2025, with more than 300 entries submitted from across South Carolina.

Florence 1 Schools won awards in the Website, Finance Publication, Magazine, Photography, and Videography categories. Two of the district's entries also received Best in Show in their category.

"Our district has an impactful story to tell about the power of public education," said Superintendent Dr. Richard O'Malley. "That story reminds us of what is possible when we invest in education and work together to lift our entire community. I am proud of our communications and marketing staff, who use various platforms to share the district's story every day, through the eyes of our staff and students, sharing the dedication, the determination, and the hard-earned successes that make our district the best in the state."

The district's winning entries were:

Finance Publication - Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, Letter of Transmittal

Magazine - State of Our Schools Magazine: Transforming Our Community

Photography - A Tasty Visit to The Farm at Florence 1

Website - Ready. Set. Register! (Best in Show)

Judges said the Florence 1 Schools registration page had a great layout and was easy to navigate, calling it a great resource for those who need it.

Long Form Video - Florence 1 Schools Flag Football Celebrates Inaugural Year; Finding Their Voices: Assistive Technology in F1S; and Mauro Diaz: A True Hidden Hero (Best in Show)

Judges praised the Hidden Hero video for its emotional storytelling, beautiful composition, and the powerful way it honored its subject.

"I'm so proud of our team," said Ashley Watson, Executive Director of Marketing and Talent. "Their dedication to high-quality work and meaningful storytelling plays a vital role in building strong connections across our schools and community. Their work not only highlights what makes our district special but also keeps our community informed, engaged, and connected."

About Florence 1 Schools

Florence 1 Schools serves the Florence, South Carolina community as a comprehensive public school district dedicated to academic excellence, innovation, and student success. The district provides a wide range of educational opportunities from early childhood through high school, emphasizing rigorous instruction, supportive learning environments, and strong family and community partnerships. Committed to developing the whole child, Florence 1 Schools prioritizes leadership, character, wellness, and college- and career-readiness to prepare students for lifelong achievement.

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For more news and information about Florence 1 Schools, please visit https://www.f1s.org/.

Media Contact: Ashley Watson
Phone: 843-413-4687
Email: marketing@f1s.org

SOURCE: Florence 1 Schools