Newark City Schools' Community Outreach Department received two awards from the Ohio School Public Relations Association. The Mark of Excellence Awards are presented annually to school public relations personnel and districts, recognizing work that promotes public education. NCS received the awards in two categories: Marketing Materials, for the district's "Great Time to Be a Cat" banner; and Student Video, for the Wildcat Network's 2019-2020 Girls Basketball Hype video.

Community Outreach Coordinator Seth Roy leads district communication efforts. Newark High School teacher Mat Dunham leads the Wildcat Network. The girls basketball video was created by 2020 NHS graduates Drew Carr and Parker Smith.