2026 Publications and Digital Media Excellence Award Winners
Congratulations to the 2026 Publications and Digital Media Excellence award winners!
27 J Schools
"Meet the Principals"
Nancy Esquivel
Award of Excellence
Social Media
"January 2026 Community Investments Report"
Lauren Zweitzig
Award of Merit
Finance Publication
“One Last Look Bro”
Nancy Esquivel
Award of Merit
Photography
“The Moment She Belonged”
Nancy Esquivel
Award of Merit
Photography
"Caps, Gowns… and a Little Edge"
27J Schools
Award of Merit
Photography
“Will it Beep?”
Nancy Esquivel, Lauren Zweitzig, and Mikel Philippi
Award of Excellence
Video
"Victory In Their Hands”
Nancy Esquivel
Award of Merit
Photography
“Pasos de Alegría (Steps of Joy)"
Nancy Esquivel
Award of Merit
Photography
"Yello?"
27J Schools
Honorable Mention
Photography
Academy School District 20
"Schools Tool: Programs & Maps Features"
Paul Hollendorfer
Award of Excellence
Internet/Intranet Website
"Students Thank Their Favorite D20 Teacher"
Krystal Beattie
Award of Excellence
Video
"Portrait of a Graduate | Academy District 20"
Mark Belcher
Award of Merit
Special Purpose Publication
"Academy District 20 welcomes back teachers at the 2025-26 Back-to-School Rally"
Krystal Beattie
Honorable Mention
Video
"Back-to-School Rally Photography"
Stephanie Gonzales
Award of Excellence
Photography
"D20 Roll Call: Back to School Rally 2025"
Viktoria Costantino
Award of Merit
Social Media
"2025-26 Hall of Excellence Inductee: Grammy Steph"
Krystal Beattie
Award of Merit
Video
Adams 12 Five Star Schools
"Adams 12 Five Star Schools: Celebrating 75 years"
Bailey Doehler
Award of Excellence
Branding/Image Package
"2024 Bond Website"
Daniel Morgan
Award of Merit
Internet/Intranet Website
"The Five Star Focus: Anniversary Edition"
Bailey Doehler
Award of Excellence
Magazine
Aurora Public Schools
"In the Moment, In the Feels"
Corey Christiansen, Calandra Anthony, and Noah Syverson
Award of Excellence
Photography
"Stick it in the Yearbook"
Corey Christiansen
Award of Merit
Photography
"From Vision to Reality: Laredo Elementary’s New Building Takes Shape"
Julius Vaughns
Honorable Mention
Writing
"Picture Perfect & Printworthy"
Calandra Anthony, Julius Vaughns, and Mark Cooper
Award of Merit
Photography
"A Star is Born: North’s Jeremiah Daniels Illuminates Silver Screen in ‘Color Book’"
Calandra Anthony
Award of Merit
Writing
Boulder Valley School District
"The SPOT"
Erin Rain
Award of Merit
E-Newsletter
"Business courses at Broomfield High earn students college credit, industry certifications, and most importantly, career exploration opportunities"
Erin Rain
Award of Merit
Writing
"BVSD Enrollment Impacts Newsletter"
Susan Cousins
Award of Merit
E-Newsletter
"Perseverance drives BVSD’s first flag football team into existence, playoffs"
Randy Barber
Award of Merit
Writing
Cherry Creek School District
"Getting to Know Us"
Melissa Estler
Award of Excellence
Special Purpose Publication
"Cherry Creek School District 75th Anniversary Logo"
Melissa Estler
Award of Merit
Branding/Image Package
"Cherry Creek Innovation Campus Economic Impact Report"
Melissa Estler
Award of Merit
Special Purpose Publication
Colorado Department of Education
"Read.Learn.Lead. Communications Toolkit"
Colorado Department of Education
Award of Excellence
Marketing Materials
"Read.Learn.Lead. Website"
Colorado Department of Education
Award of Merit
Internet/Intranet Website
"Caring Colleagues"
Mikaley Osley
Award of Merit
Photography
"Substitute Recruitment Toolkit"
Mikaley Osley
Award of Merit
Marketing Materials
"Team Based Teaching"
Valerie Mosley
Award of Merit
Video
"Attendance Challenge"
Valerie Mosley
Honorable Mention
Video
"News Release -- Colorado graduation rate reaches highest level in more than a decade; dropout rate at all-time low"
Jeremy Meyer
Honorable Mention
Writing
"Science at its Peak"
Mikaley Osley
Award of Excellence
Video
"Colorado Department of Education Educator Licensure Page"
Michelle Gebhart
Award of Merit
Internet/Intranet Website
"Prison Libraries"
Valerie Mosley
Award of Merit
Photography
"Colorado Tests by Colorado Teachers"
Valerie Mosley
Award of Merit
Video
"Colorado Department of Education SMART Act Presentation"
Colorado Department of Education
Honorable Mention
Special Purpose Publication
"Northglenn Students Tackle Teacher Diversity Gap"
Jeremy Meyer
Honorable Mention
Writing
Denver Public Schools
"Crafting a Viral Graduation Campaign"
Hannah Young, Javier Ibarra, and Mindi Onwuegbu
Award of Excellence
Social Media
"East 150th Campaign Launch"
Elise Koehl
Award of Excellence
Social Media
"Thomas Jefferson High School: Social Media Growth Campaign"
Rothavie Toum
Award of Excellence
Social Media
"Calling Future Eagles: Ellis Elementary Recruitment Postcard"
Natalie Brigham
Award of Merit
Marketing Materials
"DPS Teacher Feature: Miss Denver"
Javier Ibarra, Beto Gaytan and Donald Pearce
Award of Merit
Video
"How to Talk like a Middle Schooler: Six-Seven!"
Nicole Brady
Award of Merit
Video
"KBE Policy Implementation Campaign"
Mindi Onwuegbu, Stacy Blaylock, and Selena Nakamura
Award of Merit
Special Purpose Publication
"Podcast de EDUCA DPS - Narcan en nuestras escuelas: Lo que necesita saber"
Mindi Onwuegbu, Beto Gaytan, and Javier Ibarra
Award of Merit
Podcast/Audio
"The Lesson Plan Podcast"
Nicole Brady
Award of Merit
Podcast/Audio
"DPS: Department of Climate and Safety Newsletter"
Sylvia Lambe
Honorable Mention
E-Newsletter
"Substance Use Prevention: Anti-Vaping Campaign Landing Page"
Natalie Brigham
Honorable Mention
Internet/Intranet Website
"The Roots of Change: How a Student-lead Agroforest is Taking Shape at Denver Green School Northfield"
Katie Hamilton
Honorable Mention
Writing
"DPS Stories: Meet The Lawyer Who Raps"
Natalie Brigham, Javier Ibarra, Beto Gaytan and Donald Pearce
Award of Excellence
Podcast/Audio
"Lincoln Elementary Climate Champions - Earth Day"
Javier Ibarra, Beto Gaytan, and Donald Pearce
Award of Excellence
Video
"A Passion Project: Making Winter Hats to Keep Students Warm"
Natalie Brigham
Award of Merit
Video
"Dora Moore Elementary Brand Refresh"
April Speights
Award of Merit
Branding/Image Package
"DPS: Department of Climate and Safety Newsletter: Writing"
Sylvia Lambe
Award of Merit
Writing
"Inside the 8th Grade Career Fair 2025"
Javier Ibarra, Beto Gaytan, and Donald Pearce
Award of Merit
Video
"Our DPS Weekly E-newsletter"
Katie Hamilton, Stacy Blaylock, and Selena Nakamura
Award of Merit
E-Newsletter
"Powerful in Every Way: How Will Inspires His School Community"
Javier Ibarra, Beto Gaytan, and Donald Pearce
Award of Merit
Video
"The Pool Is for Everyone — The Manual High Girls Swim Team"
Javier Ibarra, Beto Gaytan and Donald Pearce
Award of Merit
Video
"DPS: Department of Climate and Safety: Video"
Sylvia Lambe
Honorable Mention
Video
"The Pride of Purpose: How Service Defines Ellie Huntsman"
Rothavie Toum
Honorable Mention
Writing
"Welcome to Hallett Packets"
Emma Calkins
Honorable Mention
Marketing Materials
Durango School District 9-R
"Investing in Our Schools: Bond Transparency System"
Karla Sluis
Award of Merit
Branding/Image Package
Eagle County School District RE 50J
"Dual Language in Eagle County School District"
Matthew Miano, Taylor Lower, and Erik Martinez
Award of Merit
Video
"Vail Ski and Snowboard Academy Promo Video"
Matthew Miano, Taylor Lower, and Erik Martinez
Award of Merit
Marketing Materials
Elizabeth School District
"Elizabeth School District Convocation Presentation"
Jeff Maher
Honorable Mention
Video
"Elizabeth School District Recruitment Campaign"
Jeff Maher
Honorable Mention
Marketing Materials
"Enroll Today at Elizabeth School District"
Jeff Maher
Honorable Mention
Advertisement
"Elizabeth School District Good News Bulletin"
Jeff Maher
Honorable Mention
E-Newsletter
"Elizabeth School District Recruitment Presentation"
Jeff Maher
Honorable Mention
Video
"ESD Superintendent Monthly Review"
Jeff Maher
Honorable Mention
Podcast/Audio
Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8
"A Teacher’s Impact: Letters from the Heart"
Miranda Lopez
Award of Excellence
Video
"Attendance Matters Campaign"
Miranda Lopez and Christy McGee
Award of Merit
Social Media
"YAC Vaping Prevention PSA: If You Give a Kid a Vape"
Miranda Lopez and Christy McGee
Award of Excellence
Video
"Elev8 FFC8 Newsletter"
Miranda Lopez
Honorable Mention
E-Newsletter
Garfield School District No. Re-2
"Student Mentors Create Lasting Impact at Highland Elementary"
Theresa Hamilton
Award of Excellence
Writing
"Garfield Re-2 Good News"
Theresa Hamilton and Chelsy Van Horn
Award of Merit
Social Media
"Understanding school funding, state decisions an what comes next"
Theresa Hamilton and Kirk Banghart
Award of Excellence
Writing
"Re-2 is You"
Theresa Hamilton
Honorable Mention
Video
Greeley-Evans School District 6
"Advanced Manufacturing: Greeley Central"
Joshua Polson
Award of Excellence
Video
"Drama in lighting: The Greeley West production of Hadestown"
Joshua Polson
Award of Excellence
Photography
"2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year: Stephen Paulson"
Kim Desmond
Award of Merit
Video
"D6 Kids Eat Free Summer Food Program"
Casey Pearson
Award of Merit
Advertisement
"District 6 Report to the Community"
Casey Pearson, Theresa Myers, and Kim Desmond
Award of Merit
Annual Report
"Journey to the Championship: Greeley Central Boys soccer"
Joshua Polson
Award of Merit
Photography
"District 6 Attendance Matters Campaign"
Casey Pearson
Award of Excellence
Marketing Materials
"Grizzly JROTC Program Mentors 8th Graders"
Kim Desmond
Award of Excellence
Photography
"Centennial Elementary Mariachi Club"
Kim Desmond
Award of Merit
Photography
"District 6 Gives Back"
Casey Pearson
Award of Merit
Branding/Image Package
"Intern Feature: Top Notch Plumbing"
Joshua Polson
Award of Merit
Video
"Meet Prairie Heights Middle School"
Kim Desmond
Award of Merit
Video
Harrison School District 2
"Come Visit Mountain Vista Community School"
Patrick Nelson and Nicole Paxton
Award of Excellence
Marketing Materials
"Fox Meadow Middle School Guide"
Jennifer Rexrode
Award of Excellence
Marketing Materials
"Building the HHS Multimedia Class"
Patrick Nelson and Michael Armentrout
Award of Merit
Marketing Materials
"Explore your Future: D2 Grad Advantage+"
Jennifer Rexrode and Christine O'Brien
Award of Merit
Marketing Materials
"Sand Creek International Enrollment Banner"
Jennifer Rexrode
Award of Merit
Marketing Materials
"D2 Insider: Welcome Back Edition (Fall 2025)"
Patrick Nelson,
Christine O'Brien, and Wendy Birhanzel
Award of Excellence
Video
":90 With A Stallion (Video Series)"
Patrick Nelson, Brian Vecchio, and Connor Beaudoin
Award of Merit
Video
"D2 Storytellers: Fighting Food Insecurity"
Patrick Nelson and Elizabeth Quevedo
Award of Merit
Podcast/Audio
"Kindergarten Registration Postcard"
Jennifer Rexrode
Award of Merit
Marketing Materials
"Best of D2 Rivalry Athletics"
Patrick Nelson
Honorable Mention
Photography
Jeffco Public Schools
"Clark's Toy Workshop"
Rob Whitfield
Award of Excellence
Video
"Inside Jeffco's Department of School Safety"
Rob Whitfield
Award of Excellence
Video
"Chatfield Senior High School's 99.1% Graduation Rate"
Rob Whitfield and Drew Schiele
Award of Merit
Video
"The Whole School Shared a Meal: BelArts Longer Tables"
Rob Whitfield
Award of Merit
Video
"Warren Tech EMT Students Coordinate Helicopter Landing"
Rob Whitfield
Award of Merit
Video
"First Day of School Anticipation"
Drew Schiele
Honorable Mention
Photography
"Extraordinary Student Experiences by the Number"
Rob Whitfield
Award of Excellence
Video
"Orchestrating Excellence: Jeffco Teacher Named Outstanding Young Music Educator"
Rob Whitfield
Award of Excellence
Video
"Graduation Excitement"
Drew Schiele
Award of Merit
Photography
"Tiny Library Concert: The Open Sardines"
Rob Whitfield and Mikaela Herman
Award of Merit
Video
"Belonging: Creating Inclusive Learning Spaces"
Rob Whitfield
Honorable Mention
Video
"Monkeying Around"
Drew Schiele
Honorable Mention
Photography
Lewis-Palmer School District 38
"Building Connections Staff E-Newsletter"
Amy Matisek
Award of Excellence
E-Newsletter
"2026 Report to Our Community"
Amy Matisek, Stephanie Gonzalez, and Tyler Dumas
Award of Merit
Annual Report
"More Than a Game"
Stephanie Gonzalez
Award of Merit
Photography
"The D38 Difference TV Commercial"
Amy Matisek, Tyler Dumas, and Stephanie Gonzalez
Award of Merit
Marketing Materials
"PRHS Sophomores Take Greenhouse Project To FBLA State Competition While Growing Food For The Community"
Tyler Dumas
Honorable Mention
Writing
"#OurVoiceOurSchoolD38"
Stephanie Gonzalez
Award of Merit
Social Media
"Every Student. Every Day"
Stephanie Gonzalez
Award of Merit
Photography
"Service and Sacrifice"
Stephanie Gonzalez
Award of Merit
Photography
"D38 Rocket Day at Bear Creek Elementary"
Tyler Dumas
Honorable Mention
Video
Littleton Public Schools
"Early High School for 8th Graders at Littleton High School"
Littleton Public Schools Communications Team
Award of Excellence
Video
"Littleton Public Schools Website Platform Migration and Redesign"
Littleton Public Schools Communications Team
Award of Excellence
Internet/Intranet Website
"LPS Latest E-Newsletter"
Littleton Public Schools Communications Team
Award of Merit
E-Newsletter
"Littleton Public Schools 2025–2026 Back to School Guide"
Littleton Public Schools Communications Team
Award of Excellence
Special Purpose Publication
"LPS’s Family Learning Center Celebrates Official Launch with Little Learners Lab"
Littleton Public Schools Communications Team
Award of Merit
Writing
"LPS Toddcast"
Littleton Public Schools Communications Team
Award of Merit
Podcast/Audio
Poudre School District
"2026-27 High School Planning Guide"
Mariah Wenzel and Katya Andersson
Award of Excellence
Special Purpose Publication
"Choose PSD Community Advertising Campaign"
Mariah Wenzel
Award of Excellence
Advertisement
"PSD Student Athletes of The Week"
Litzy Wasmundt and DJ James
Award of Excellence
Social Media
"Choose PSD Community Merchandise/District Pride"
Mariah Wenzel
Award of Merit
Branding/Image Package
"The Memo: Poudre School District's Staff Newsletter"
Katya Andersson
Award of Merit
E-Newsletter
"Boxing Club at Rocky Mountain High School"
Matt Gohl and Litzy Wasmundt
Honorable Mention
Video
"Champion of graduation"
Austin Fleskes
Award of Excellence
Photography
"PSD Insider"
Austin Fleskes and Mariah Wenzel
Award of Excellence
E-Newsletter
"The District"
Katya Andersson
Award of Excellence
Podcast/Audio
"Custodial Appreciation Day 2025"
Matt Gohl and Litzy Wasmundt
Award of Merit
Video
"A joyous welcome to PSD"
Austin Fleskes
Honorable Mention
Photography
"PSD Graduation Celebrations"
Litzy Wasmundt
Honorable Mention
Photography
School District 49
"Support Stars - I Can, Because You Do"
Greg Mueller
Award of Excellence
Video
"Deputy for a Day"
Greg Mueller
Award of Merit
Video
"No Senior-itis for this FHS Senior"
Greg Mueller
Award of Merit
Video
"Soldier Surprise"
Greg Mueller
Honorable Mention
Video
"Building a Monster"
Greg Mueller
Award of Merit
Video
"District 49 Bus Drivers"
Kristin Sokolowski
Award of Merit
Video
"The Bison Build Strength and Community on the Ropes Course"
Kristin Sokolowski and Greg Mueller
Award of Merit
Video
Weld Re-8 School District
"Superintendent Ralston's 100 Day Entry Plan"
Superintendent Justin Ralston
Honorable Mention
Special Purpose Publication
Westminster Public Schools
"Celebrating Hispanic Heritage"
Kate Beasley
Award of Excellence
Social Media
"Pioneers of Personalized Education: WPS Summit"
Kelly Brenner and Kate Beasley
Award of Merit
Branding/Image Package
"Falcon Families"
Kate Beasley
Award of Merit
Internet/Intranet Website
"What's Up WPS"
Kate Beasley
Award of Merit
E-Newsletter
Widefield School District 3
"STEM in Action"
Carolyn Stephen
Award of Merit
Video