RCSD’s Sharon Patrick places first at MSPRA Conference

Sharon Patrick, a Rankin Chamber Education Committee Member and Rankin County School District’s (RCSD) public relations (PR) manager, recently received first place at the 2023 Mississippi School Public Relations Association (MSPRA) Awards of Excellence Conference, an annual event. The MSPRA is the state chapter of the National School Public Relations Association, a network of school PR professionals and education supporters from around the state, offering professional development, networking and support for members. 

Patrick, competing against the best of the best in the state, received her award in the Brand/Identity category, a category which encompasses all the ways in which a school district’s brand is utilized, including guidelines. 
Patrick says that, for her, “branding is so very important. People recognize you by your brand.”

“Branding is a crucial aspect of any successful business or organization,” she continues. “It involves creating a unique and consistent identity that sets your company apart from the completion and resonates with your target audience.  A strong brand can help you establish credibility, build trust and increase customer loyalty. Branding encompasses everything from your logo and visual identity to your messaging, tone of voice and overall reputation. It is a long-term strategy that requires careful planning and execution to ensure that your brand remains relevant and memorable over time.”  

“By investing in your brand, you can differentiate yourself in a crowded marketplace, attract new customers and retain existing ones,” Patrick advises. “Overall, branding is a critical component of any business strategy and should be given careful consideration and attention to ensure that your brand effectively communicates your unique value proposition and resonates with your target audience.”

When asked if she was surprised to receive the award, Patrick says, “I was very surprised. We have so many amazing school PR individuals in the state, I can’t imagine being in the same league with them.”

Described as “an integral part in supporting students and educators across Rankin County,” Patrick says she will continue to do what she does best, passionately advocating for the faculty, staff and students in the Rankin County School District.