UCS director wins 2024 Gerri Allen School Communicator of the Year Award

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Tim McAvoy, Utica Community Schools director of school and community relations, has added another award of recognition during his 14 years with Utica Community Schools.

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

McAvoy said this award wouldn’t happen without the district, and he said it’s a privilege to tell the story of UCS every day.

“Receiving this recognition from an organization such as MSPRA is a true honor,” he said.

Robert S. Monroe, Utica Community Schools Superintendent, said the district has much to celebrate in the work of its students and staff.

“Mr. McAvoy is continuously championing the successes of our school district and the people who make up our strong community,” he said.

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.

Monroe said McAvoy is an example of the district’s vision to empower students to positively transform their futures and the world.

“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 said.

He said transparency in communications is a priority for the school district, and McAvoy is critical to that work.

Kelly Allen, Michigan School Public Relations Association president-elect, said McAvoy has served as a mentor to others in his district and to school communicators in his region and across the state.

“He is a leader who embodies communication excellence,” she said.

McAvoy will be honored by MSPRA at its annual conference in the spring and will be Michigan’s nominee for the National School Public Relations Association’s School Communicator of the Year Award.