PHOTO FROM THE COMMUNICATIONS CONTEST COMING TOMORROW!
District 88 recently received a state-level award through the Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (INSPRA) Communications Contest. That program recognizes high-quality school publications and materials that promote the mission and message of a school district.
District 88 received an Award of Excellence (the highest level) in the Video (in house) category for the virtual memorial that was coordinated to honor and remember the life of District 88 Superintendent Dr. Scott Helton, who passed away on Dec. 10, 2020. The entry was judged by a panel of three communications professionals, based on standards of excellence.
The Communications Contest Workshop and Luncheon took place on Sept. 10 at Maggiano’s Little Italy in Oak Brook, and District 88 Board of Education President Donna Craft Cain, District 88 Superintendent Dr. Jean Barbanente, District 88 Director of Student Services Dr. Raquel Wilson and District 88 Director of Community Relations Dani Brink attended the event to accept the award.
Below is the nomination that was submitted.
“On Dec. 10, 2020, the education community lost a true leader, ambassador and advocate in DuPage High School District 88 Superintendent Dr. Scott Helton. Dr. Helton was incredibly ingrained in the District 88 community and helped build positive futures for countless students through his contributions to public education and coaching football, wrestling and track. He had more than 33 years of experience in education and served in a variety of capacities, including as Principal of District 88’s Addison Trail High School for 11 years and as Superintendent of the district since 2012.
Dr. Helton had a passion for ensuring all students had access to workplace experiences and the most rigorous curriculum and the supports they needed to succeed. He will be remembered for going above and beyond to build trust and genuine relationships with students, staff, parents and community members. Dr. Helton implemented ongoing equity work and culturally responsive and trauma-informed teaching and shared that work at the local, state and national levels. He made sure everyone felt welcome and valued.
District 88 partnered with Dr. Helton’s family and a variety of stakeholders to coordinate a memorial on Jan. 28, 2021. Because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the event was hosted remotely. Administrators, teachers, parents, students and alumni who were close with Dr. Helton and knew him well shared their thoughts and memories for the virtual memorial. We compiled a video with the purpose of remembering, honoring and celebrating Dr. Helton’s life and positive impact.”