Hampton City Schools Receives National Award For Curb Appeal Project

August 3, 2007

The Hampton School division is the recipient of the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) 2007 Golden Achievement Award! The award was given recently for the school division's Schools Curb Appeal Initiative.

According to the award letter received, NSPRA's Golden Achievement Award recognizes "exemplary work" with award judges seeking "outstanding achievement" in four areas: analysis of need, planning to meet the need, execution and communication of the program, and formal evaluation. Hampton City Schools' entry met them all.

Desiring a school beautification plan, Hampton Superintendent Dr. Patrick Russo established the Schools Curb Appeal Initiative in 2006. This division-wide effort to tidy Hampton's school grounds became a reality through the hard work and dedication of community members Jim Thomas and Lee Croswell, spearheaded by long-time Hampton resident Andy Bigelow and the division's Community Relations Director Ann Bane. Several community agencies such as the Hampton Parks and Recreation Department were also actively involved. The initiative, which is an on-going project - serves as a keen example of the positive changes that can take place when schools work hand in hand with the community.

The Golden Achievement Award certificate was officially presented at the Wednesday, August 1 School Board meeting.