Oct. 9, 2025- The New Jersey School Public Relations Association (NJSPRA) named Toms River Regional Schools a winner in the 2025 School Communication Award Program.

TRRS received an Award of Merit in the Photography category. The photo, dubbed "Angry Saxophone" (right), was taken by High School East teacher and photographer Allison Goodwin, and featured in a May story about the spring 2025 Instrument Test Drive and on the district's official Instagram account.

The NJSPRA School Communication Awards recognize professional school communicators in New Jersey and the tactics they develop that go above and beyond to disseminate important messages to their various stakeholders. The district won NJSPRA communications awards in 2022 and 2023.

A description of the winning photo read: The student seems equal parts angry and determined, and the lasting image is equal parts funny— particularly in contrast to the other photos taken of smiling, more tentative students— and endearing. It’s a true representation of education in action— genuine effort, frustration, mentorship, humor, and willpower all rolled into one.

Goodwin's photos are a huge part of Toms River Regional Schools' web and social media presence, and those who work alongside her are eager to attest to the value of what she brings to the table every day.

"For several years now, Allison has helped anchor our communications efforts through her sheer talent and passion for what she does," said Coordinator of the Office of Grants and Communication Mike Kenny. "Not just for East but for the entire district, she produces vibrant, emotional, incredible photos that highlight the students and staff doing amazing things on the field, in the classroom, or in the community. Her photos help us tell our story, and I'm so happy that for at least this time, one of her photos is the story."

The awards ceremony followed an NJSPRA communications workshop today in Monroe, NJ.

“Congratulations to Toms River Schools for setting the standard for effective school communications here in New Jersey,” said Maren Smagala, president of NJSPRA and communications officer for Hunterdon Central Regional High School.

The 2025 program was the most competitive on record with 140 submissions from 53 different school districts. The submissions for the 2025 School Communication Awards were judged by an esteemed panel of 12 judges from eight states including experienced and award winning school communications professionals.

Awards are given out in eight different categories: Newsletter; Marketing, Branding, Image; Media Coverage; Photography; Social Media; Special Interest Publication; Video; and Website. For a complete list of winners or more about the New Jersey School Public Relations Association, visit www.njspra.com.

About New Jersey School Public Relations Association (NJSPRA)

The New Jersey School Public Relations Association (NJSPRA) is an award-winning state chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA), nationally recognized for its efforts on behalf of school public relations professionals. NJSPRA members include public relations and communications professionals, as well as superintendents, administrators, principals, teachers, and consultants, all of whom benefit from the wealth of information and networking to strengthen their school communications programs.