Utica Community Schools (UCS) is always in the news.

One reason being its students and teachers are always doing something unique and the other is because Tim McAvoy, their director of school and community relations, makes sure everyone knows about it.

Now the school is touting Tim.

For he has been chosen by the Michigan School Public Relations Association (MSPRA) as the 2024 Gerri Allen School Communicator of the Year Award.

“Mr. McAvoy is a leading example of our vision to empower students to positively transform their future and the world,” Utica Community Schools Superintendent Robert Monroe said in a news release. “The impact of his work can be felt district wide by all stakeholders, cementing his legacy with UCS.”

Officials point out 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.”

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.

“This award wouldn’t happen without an amazing school district, and it’s a privilege to tell the story of UCS every day,” said McAvoy, whose work is often behind the scenes, although many students know he’s the one who would call the snow days back in 2021 and 2022.

“Receiving this recognition from an organization such as MSPRA is a true honor,” added McAvoy, who will be honored by MSPRA at their annual conference this spring.

McAvoy will also be Michigan’s nominee for the National School Public Relations Association’s (NSPRA) School Communicator of the Year Award.