Imagination - Creativity - Innovation
Award Winning Videos
California School Public Relations Association (CalSPRA) Recognition Awards
Cliff De Graw, Superintendent, Renee Balderas, Chief Communications Officer, and Michelle Pontes, Communications Technician
We’re proud to share that the Dry Creek Communications Department received eight awards from the California School Public Relations Association (CalSPRA), recognizing excellence in district storytelling and communications. In addition, our Chief Communications Officer, Renee Balderas, was honored as a 2026 Rising Star for her leadership and impact in school communications.
They were recognized during the CalSPRA Annual Awards Gala on March 13, 2026, in San Jose, where school communications professionals from across California gathered to celebrate excellence in public education communication.
Below, you can explore the award-winning stories and projects that highlight the incredible students, staff, and programs that make Dry Creek so special.
Award of Excellence for “A Walk, A Letter, A Thank You”
Amanda Frost, teacher at Antelope Meadows, holding an Award of Excellence for the in-house video “A Walk, A Letter, A Thank You.” The story featured graduating seniors surprising their favorite teachers with heartfelt letters of gratitude. Can you spot the letter Mrs. Frost still keeps in her classroom from that special day?
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Award of Excellence for “She Is ACMS United”
Jaime Hanan, Principal at Antelope Crossing Middle School, is holding an Award of Excellence for “She Is ACMS United,” highlighting her recognition as ACSA Middle School Administrator of the Year.
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Award of Excellence for “Driving Safely Into the Future”
Steven Sanchez, Transportation Supervisor, holding an Award of Excellence for “Driving Safely Into the Future,” featuring our electric school buses and driver Martha Luz Morey.
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Award of Excellence for “Two Decades of Dedication"
Valerie Tirziu, Lead Custodian at Silverado Middle School, holds an Award of Excellence for “Two Decades of Dedication,” recognizing more than 20 years of service.
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Award of Merit for “Cody’s Calm Cart”
Amberly Branson, now Principal at Creekview Ranch, holds an Award of Merit for “Cody’s Calm Cart,” an idea she created at Coyote Ridge to provide inclusive recess options for students.
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Award of Merit for “Leading the Way in STEM”
Kirk Warmerdam is holding an Award of Merit for “Leading the Way in STEM,” highlighting Project Lead the Way teachers at Antelope Crossing.
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Award of Merit for “Meadows Goes Platinum”
Nadia Wahdan, School Counselor at Antelope Meadows, holding an Award of Merit for “Meadows Goes Platinum,” celebrating PBIS Platinum recognition.
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Award of Merit for the “Dry Creek APs in Action”
Brandon Gianechini, Assistant Principal at Antelope Crossing, holding an Award of Merit for the “Dry Creek APs in Action” video series during National Assistant Principals Week.
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