WCPS receives Blue Ribbon honor for its local TV sports program
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on February 8, 2015 1:50 AM
A TV sports program produced by Wayne County Public Schools recently received a Blue Ribbon Award for Effective Communications during the annual N.C. School Public Relations Association meeting.
WCPS was one of 25 districts across the state recognized during ceremonies held in Greensboro.
In the fall, the school system expanded its partnership with the Goldsboro Police Department and the Gang Resistance Education And Training, or G.R.E.A.T., program.
Current and retired police officers collaborated on the effort, said Ken Derksen, director of communications for WCPS.
The result was a high-quality 30-minute television and Internet sports program that airs on the district's educational channel.
The broadcast promotes local high school athletic events, introduces viewers to coaches and teams, and highlights the role athletics play in helping students make positive choices related to character, academics and staying in school.
Derksen, as well as representatives from the Police Department, were recognized at Monday night's Board of Education meeting.
Board member Eddie Radford acknowledged the efforts of Cpl. Robbie Jones, Cpl. Ron McDuffie, Investigator Bryant Canady, retired officer Michael Croom and retired corporal Willie Thomas. Sgt. Paige Learnard, coordinator of Goldsboro Police Crime Stoppers coordinator and G.R.E.A.T. program supervisor, and Goldsboro Police Chief Jeff Stewart also supported the project, he said.
"The G.R.E.A.T. Sports Report is completely produced by the current and retired police officers (above)," Radford said. "In collaboration with the district's Office of Communication, the video crew is given access to our schools and athletic competitions.
"Once produced, the G.R.E.A.T. Sports Report is aired on the district's educational channel on Time Warner Cable's Channel 18 and on the district website. It is worth noting that nearly all of the production work for the G.R.E.A.T. Sports Report is completed by the current and retired police officers on their personal time, which includes nights and weekends."
The program can be seen by Time Warner subscribers on Wednesday through Saturday at noon as well as Wednesday and Friday at 5, 7 and 9 p.m., Thursday at 6, 8 and 10 p.m.; and Saturday at 9 a.m. It can also be viewed on the district website, waynecountyschools.org.