Left to right: Dr. Erica Taylor, Florence Calawod (Edisto High), Hatara Tyson and Taylor Simpson

The Orangeburg County School District (OCSD) was honored with seven prestigious awards at the 2025 South Carolina/National School Public Relations Association (SC/NSPRA) Rewards for Excellence Celebration held on May 16, 2025, at the Phillips Market Center in West Columbia. The annual event recognizes outstanding achievement in school communications across South Carolina.

OCSD’s Communications Team received six Publication & Electronic Media Awards and one Golden Achievement Award, distinguishing the district as a leader in school public relations among nearly 400 entries statewide.

OCSD’s award-winning entries include:

• Golden Achievement Award – OCSD Passport to Retirement
• Marketing (Best of Show) – A Snapshot of Our District: OCSD Bifold Brochure
• Magazine (Best of Show) – Exploring the Arts at Orangeburg County School District
• Social Media – Women’s History Wednesday: Celebrating Women Educators in OCSD
• Newsletter – The Edisto Editorial: Edisto High School’s School Newsletter
• Annual Report (Best of Show) – OCSD Year in Review (December 2023 – December 2024)
• Photography – Lake Marion Middle & East Lake Elementary Ribbon Cuttings

“These recognitions are a testament to the extraordinary work of our Communications Team and their unwavering commitment to transparency, storytelling, and elevating the voices of our district,” said Dr. Shawn D. Foster, Superintendent of Orangeburg County School District. “Strong school communication is critical to building trust with families and celebrating the excellence within our schools.”

The OCSD Communications Team is comprised of Hatara Tyson, Taylor Simpson, Cindy Kassian, Patricia Salley, and Dr. Erica S. Taylor, Assistant Superintendent for Communications, Business, and Community Partnerships.

The Communications Team plays an integral role in the daily operations of the district, overseeing internal and external communications, media relations, crisis response, branding, marketing, and strategic messaging. Their efforts ensure that families, staff, and community stakeholders are informed, engaged, and inspired by the work taking place across OCSD’s schools and programs.

“Our team works collaboratively to ensure that every student, educator, and community partner sees themselves reflected in our stories,” said Dr. Taylor. “These awards represent not just our creativity but our shared commitment to honoring the incredible work happening across Orangeburg County School District.”

The SC/NSPRA Rewards for Excellence program is judged by communications professionals from across the country, making the recognition a reflection of national standards for excellence in educational communications.

For more information about Orangeburg County School District’s communications initiatives and to view award-winning publications, visit www.ocsdsc.org.

For additional information, please contact Dr. Erica S. Taylor, Assistant Superintendent for Communications and Business and Community Partnerships, at erica.taylor@ocsdsc.org or 839-356-4040.