High honor

The Missouri School Public Relations Association has named Paul Tandy, APR, Chief Communications and Emergency Management Officer for the Parkway School District, the 2023 Distinguished Service Award recipient. The award was presented at the MOSPRA Annual Awards Banquet at the Lodge of Four Seasons at Lake Ozark, Missouri. The Distinguished Service Award goes to a MOSPRA member who has provided outstanding leadership and service to the association over the course of his or her career.

MOSPRA President, Erica Chandler, commented, “Paul Tandy has been the consummate professional during his long tenure in school communications. He is a leader in the association, and has always made himself available to help others.”

Parkway Superintendent, Dr. Keith Marty, stated, “I have had the privilege to serve alongside Paul in Parkway for the past 12 years. We have been through a great deal together. It was Paul, as the ultimate communications professional, whose guidance, wisdom, and talents often allowed us to effectively develop a communications plan, think strategi- cally, and eventually provide our public with a clear, quality, and transparent message.”

David Luther, Executive Director of MOSPRA, shared, “Over the course of my 23 years in school communications, Paul has been among the most engaged, helpful member of the association. Not only has he served as a mentor and guide for many members, his service as a Board Member is nearly unparalleled. Paul has served as the Eastern Region Director, two years as the Treasurer, one year as President-Elect, and two years as President. Paul is respected at both the state and national level, and he is beloved by those in the Eastern Region.”