Waukegan Community Unit School District # 60 was recently recognized with three communication awards in the Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association's annual communications contest.

The District's highest honor was awarded in the Video (In House) category, where staff members Kamika Onwukwe and Clarence Berry received an Award for Excellence for their John Lewis Introduction video.

The John Lewis Middle School introduction video was created by staff to highlight the late Senator, as well as showcase two special events that celebrated the school’s new name. Communications staff worked with school leadership to select middle-school appropriate content and information for students.  

Judges applauded the video for its graphics and animation, as well as its creative editing. 

“Someone may have been tempted to use the images in chronological order, but the blend of past and present worked very well, '' said one judge. “I can imagine young people seeing the older John Lewis juxtaposed with the younger John Lewis and really understanding the length of that man's influence.”

Two other communications awards were won by District 60. A full list of awards, categories, and recognized employees can be found below. 

In-House Video 

Award of Merit - 

60 in Sixty - Week of May 2, 2022 

Nicholas Alatzakis, Kamika Onwukwe, Mitchell Riportella

Social Media Campaign

Award of Merit

Foreman Frankie 

Nicholas Alatzakis, Mitchell Riportella, James Sheppard