Community Affairs

The Community Affairs Department serves as the vital link between the Onslow County School System (OCS) and the public. Our mission is to build and sustain strong, positive relationships with our community in support of the district’s vision, mission, and goals.

We manage a wide range of responsibilities, including: 

• Media Relations: Responding to media inquiries, coordinating interviews, and connecting journalists with schools and staff. 
• Recognitions and Events: Organizing district-wide events such as the BASES Reception, Retirement Reception, Excellence in Education, and academic competitions. 
• Public Information: Issuing press releases, public notices, and emergency communications. 
• Storytelling: Highlighting the accomplishments of our students and staff through the Good News Spotlight, Weekly Update, social media, and our website. 
• Community Partnerships: Collaborating with local organizations and representing OCS on civic boards and committees. 
• Creative Services: Producing videos, photography, graphic design content, and managing the district’s YouTube channels and live streams. 
• Strategic Messaging: Supporting schools and departments with consistent, effective communication. 

OCS Communications Recognized as NCSPRA Blue Ribbon Winner

The North Carolina School Public Relations Association (NCSPRA) awarded its highest honors during the annual Blue Ribbon Awards ceremony at a special event held in High Point.  

NCSPRA presented Blue Ribbon Awards to school districts for their outstanding communication and public relations. 

The Blue Ribbon Awards are the highest honor presented by NCSPRA to school districts. The awards are given for outstanding communication in eight categories: 

• Marketing
• Digital Media Engagement
• Electronic Media
• Excellence in Writing
• Publications (Print & Electronic)
• Image/Graphic Design
• Photography
• Special Events/Programs 

Individual entries earn either a gold, silver, or bronze level award.

The OCS Community Affairs Department is proud to be a multi-year recipient of the North Carolina School Public Relations Association’s (NCSPRA) Blue Ribbon Awards, earning recognition in multiple categories, including Electronic Media, Photography, and Special Events & Programs. 

2024 Blue Ribbon Awards

The North Carolina School Public Relations Association (NCSPRA) awarded its highest honors during the annual Blue Ribbon Awards ceremony on April 11, 2025. The ceremony took place at the Blue Heron Event Venue in High Point.

NCSPRA presented Blue Ribbon Awards to 35 school districts for their outstanding communication and public relations during 2024. Onslow County Schools received awards in the following categories:

Electronic Media

• Be Pro - Be Proud - CTE Virtual Hands On Experience — 🥇 Gold Award
• This is AVID at JCMS! — 🥇 Gold Award
• Morton Elementary is Wild About Art — 🥇 Gold Award
• Future Teachers of Onslow — 🥇 Gold Award
• Wheels, Wings and Water Career Fair — 🥈 Silver Award
• SpringBoard Curriculum — 🥈 Silver Award

Photography

• A NASA Star Comes Home — 🥇 Gold Award
• Home is where Dad is — 🥇 Gold Award
• Pasta Triumph! — 🥈 Silver Award
• The Heart Of The Matter — 🥈 Silver Award
• Thanks to CTE - Dinner is Served — 🥈 Silver Award
• Presentation is Everything — 🥉 Bronze Award

Special Events & Programs

• Excellence In Education — 🥇 Gold Award
• Close Up — 🥈 Silver Award