FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Jayme Taylor, Communications Assistant
               Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP)
               360.357.7951
               jayme@awsp.org 

               J.Marie Riche, President
               Washington School Public Relations Association (WSPRA)
               425. 238.7044
               wspra_president@WSPRA.com

AWSP’s McCabe Honored for Leadership
Annual award honors the work of school P.R. professional 

OLYMPIA—May 30, 2006—The Association of Washington School Principals is pleased to announce its director of communications, Jocelyn McCabe, is the recipient of the 2006 Learning and Liberty Award for Leadership, given annually by the Washington School Public Relations Association (WSPRA).

Each spring, WSPRA honors an outstanding member who has taken a leadership role in the chapter and exhibited a high degree of professionalism in educational public relations activities. The award is the state's highest honor for a school communications professional, honoring service to Washington's students and a commitment to the highest standards of public relations practice.

McCabe, director of communications for the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP), has served the chapter in various leadership roles and is currently the chapter’s past president. Prior to joining the Association McCabe served as the director of communications for the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. There, she oversaw internal and external public relations for the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Dr. Terry Bergeson, her cabinet and agency program managers.

“Jocelyn is very deserving of this award,” said Gary Kipp, AWSP executive director. “She brings a renowned level of public relations expertise to our Association and the educational community as a whole and we are so fortunate to have her as a member of our team.”

The mission of the Washington School Public Relations Association is to build community support and improve K-12 education through responsible communications. Membership is open to those seeking to develop or enhance their skills and knowledge in the profession of educational communications and community relations. WSPRA currently has more than 100 members from schools districts and education organizations from around the state, including superintendents, curriculum directors, communications and community relations staff and office support staff.

"Jocelyn has been a dedicated leader of our professional association and a champion for public education,” said J.Marie Riche, WSPRA president. “She has served our state's students by acting as a liaison between state organizations and individual schools and districts. Her clear, consistent communications increase the connection between school leaders at all levels, and her mentorship of school communications professionals is a legacy that will last for years to come."

McCabe previously served as a senior account executive for the APCO Worldwide in Seattle and as a public information officer in the Washington State House of Representatives. She began her career as a reporter for the Daily Record newspaper in Ellensburg.

McCabe holds a master’s degree in journalism from Michigan State University with an emphasis on crisis communications and media relations. She also holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of Washington: one in English/creative writing, the other in editorial journalism.

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About the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP)
The Association of Washington School Principals is a professional association serving principals, assistant principals and principals in training. Formed in 1972, the Association now includes more than 3,500 members from public and private elementary, middle and high schools statewide. It is governed by a board of practicing principals composed of members drawn from three grade-specific boards representing the elementary, middle and high school levels. The mission of AWSP is to support principals and assistant principals and the principalship in the education of all students. For more information on the Association, visit the AWSP Web site at www.awsp.org.

About the Washington School Public Relations Association (WSPRA)
The WSPRA Chapter was founded in 1964 by William Frederick, who was communications director for the Shoreline School District. Initially called the Puget Sound Chapter of NSPRA, the name was changed to the Washington School Public Relations Association in 1970. By 1986, WSPRA members represented districts from throughout the state.

The WSPRA Chapter hosted national conferences in 1973 and 1984, and several regional meetings. WSPRA is a strong chapter regionally and nationally. A recipient of numerous NSPRA Blue Ribbon Chapter Awards for Excellence and the 1990 Distinguished Chapter Award, the membership strives for continued professional growth and excellence. For more information on the Washington School Public Relations Association, visit www.wspra.com.