In an effort to showcase the philanthropy and good deeds within the Daviess County Public School system and in the community, a new award has been created.
DCPS superintendent Matt Robbins and his public relations team created the You’re a Star Award, which is given throughout the year to students, staff, volunteers and parents. The award is presented to those who go above and beyond their normal responsibilities in serving others.
Robbins said these actions can be shown during school or a school-sponsored activity.
Lora Wimsatt, DCPS public relations coordinator, said a star is someone who not only puts kids first, but puts others first as well.
To nominate a star, click here to submit a brief nomination form.
Star award winners are chosen by the superintendent and DCPS PR team, based on criteria such as empathy, passion, relationships, team player, creativity, communication and growth.
When a winner is chosen, his or her principal or supervisor will be notified. The honoree receives a T-shirt and are asked to share their testimonial that will then be shared with employees and on all DCPS social media sites.
Robbins said the award came about as a way to show recognition and appreciation to those who embody the kids first philosophy.
So far winners have included Lucas Vilorio, Sorgho Elementary School family resource center coordinator and the Daviess County High School boys basketball team for their donations to Norton’s Children Hospital.
Robbins said they don’t give out the award on a consistent basis.
“We don’t have it on purpose on a rotational basis,” he said. “We wanted to make sure the award doesn’t lose its luster. We wanted the award to be given organically — whenever we get a story about someone doing something great.”
Robbins said the PR team at DCPS meets once a month and currently has about 13 nominations sitting in their pipeline waiting to be reviewed.
“It’s a culture kind of thing,” Robbins said. “This is why I am doing it. So much of time good works goes unnoticed and this is an inexpensive way to highlight all the good in our schools and community.”
For additional information on the award, contact the DCPS Central Office at 270-852-7000.
