November 2004
Contact: Dorothy Wills-Raftery
(845) 255-1400 xt. 1209

Holly Brooker Honored with Statewide Award for Excellence in School Communications
Holly S. Brooker, community relations coordinator at Ulster BOCES, has been named the 2004 recipient of the New York School Public Relations Association’s (NYSPRA) prestigious Golden Empire Award. Brooker was presented with the award by NYSPRA president Stephanie Gouss at the Association’s annual awards luncheon during the New York State School Boards Association’s Convention in Buffalo on Friday, October 22.

“The quality of the communication systems that she has worked on with district personnel has yielded rave reviews from administrators, board members, and community members. As schools seek to communicate with their constituents in a meaningful way, her expertise is becoming invaluable in these efforts.” --- District Superintendent Martin Ruglis

The NYSPRA Golden Empire Award is presented in recognition of outstanding professional achievement in educational public relations. One award is given annually to a professional in the field with at least five years of experience whose contributions extend beyond the field of journalism by bridging schools to communities and businesses through individual public relations programs.

“This award focuses attention on an individual who plays a significant role in maintaining strong communication. Holly is an excellent example of a professional ‘who gets it right’ and is recognized by her colleagues for doing so,” says Elizabeth Angelbeck, director of public relations and staff development at Frontier Central School District, who served as co-chair of the awards committee.

“Holly has helped shape a service for our schools that has been enthusiastically received,” comments Martin Ruglis, Ulster BOCES district superintendent. “The quality of the communication systems that she has worked on with district personnel has yielded rave reviews from administrators, board members, and community members. It is evidenced by the recognition that several publications have received. As schools seek to communicate with their constituents in a meaningful way, her expertise is becoming invaluable in these efforts.”

Brooker graciously accepted her award, sharing the honor with her staff and the Ulster BOCES administration and Board of Education. “There are so many people involved in making the Ulster BOCES Community Relations team the success that it is. Having people that you can trust and count on is a precious gift. It touched me deeply to learn that the administrators at Ulster BOCES nominated me for this recognition and it is because of their high level of support and own commitment to building strong communications that we are able to meet our goals.”

Brooker, a Highland resident, has worked at Ulster BOCES for nine years and has held her current position as community relations coordinator for six. She is a 1989 graduate of Rondout Valley High School and holds her bachelor’s degree in communications/media arts from SUNY Brockport.

NYSPRA is an organization that promotes best practices in the field of educational communications. For communications professionals and school leaders across the state, NYSPRA is a common link---offering support, information, and proven ideas for building and strengthening a successful communications program. With nearly 30 years of experience, NYSPRA is known for providing members with practical and proactive approaches to school communications.