UCS administrator recognized as Michigan’s Communicator of the Year

His claim to fame with the student body might be as the voice of snow days, before he helped introduce the snow day video announcements starting in 2021-22, but Tim McAvoy, director of school and community relations, has now added another accolade to his 14 years with Utica Community Schools.

The Michigan School Public Relations Association (MSPRA) has awarded McAvoy with the 2024 Gerri Allen School Communicator of the Year Award.

“This award wouldn’t happen without an amazing school district, and it’s a privilege to tell the story of UCS every day,” McAvoy said. “Receiving this recognition from an organization such as MSPRA is a true honor.”

According to MSPRA, the Gerri Allen School Communicator of the Year Award was designed to recognize the outstanding leadership and contributions of the recipient and reflects the highest award a school communicator can receive at the state level.

“Mr. McAvoy is a leading example of our vision to empower students to positively transform their future and the world,” superintendent Robert S. Monroe said. “The impact of his work can be felt districtwide by all stakeholders, cementing his legacy with UCS.”

McAvoy is a champion for positive stories that celebrate students and staff. He puts forth effort to ensure everyone at UCS feels included and valued and has served as a mentor to others in both UCS and school communicators across the state.

“Mr. McAvoy is constantly advocating for Utica Community Schools and championing our students and staff successes,” Monroe said. “Transparency in communications is a priority for our school district, and Mr. McAvoy is critical to that work.”

McAvoy will be honored by MSPRA at their annual conference this spring and will be Michigan’s nominee for the National School Public Relations Association’s (NSPRA) School Communicator of the Year Award.

Source: Utica Community Schools

Superintendent Robert Monroe