Student of the Year Award
Michael K. Simmons Student of the Year Award
The Michael K. Simmons Student of the Year award recognizes a student who is an active member of a PRCA student chapter. The award recognizes not only academic achievement in the field of public relations but also leadership through community service and campus activities. The winner receives a $500 scholarship.
The award is named after a North Alabama member who was influential in his career with students throughout the state. He was the 1988 Philip R. Forrest Jr. Professional Achievement Award winner.
Eligibility
-
Student must be enrolled full-time in an institution of higher learning
-
Student must be an active member of the PRCA student chapter
-
As of August (1 year prior to competition year), the student must have completed enough accredited course hours to be classified as a junior in public relations or a related course of study
-
The student must have an overall GPA of 2.5 on 4.0 scale or 2.0 on 3.0 scale. In major coursework, student must have at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or 2.25 on 3.0 scale
Entry Info and Deadline: Entries are submitted electronically on the Medallions website, https://prca.secure-platform.com. Entries open February 1, 2026 and close February 15, 2026. Entries received after the deadline will not be considered for an award.
Questions: Please contact VP of Students Lisa Frazier APR, with any questions.
