Convention Program - Spring 2026 JEA/NSPA Spring National High School Journalism Conven

JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention

APRIL 16-18, 2026 | MINNEAPOLIS CONVENTION CENTER

JEA Membership Benefits You

Founded in 1924, JEA is a trusted leader in scholastic journalism education with a rich network of journalism educators across the U.S. and internationally.

Take advantage of JEA’s strong membership base and strengthen your scholastic journalism programs with your peers!

Re/activate your member benefits and find more information here

As a member of JEA, you benefit from diverse educational offerings and major events including:

Curriculum access to nearly 200 weeks of lesson plans across 11 content areas including assessments, guides and standards alignment

Communication: Journalism

Education Today magazine

Digital Media Library content for digital storytelling

Awards and national contests

“With a common thread of community journalism and how scholastic media programs can help fill gaps, advisers from across the state engaged in discussions of topics including broadcast and photojournalism.”

—

Morgan Bricker, CJE

Discounted registration to national conventions

Members-only community forums And more outreach and programs!

OFFICIALS CONVENTION

BOARD STAFF &

Journalism Education Association National Scholastic Press Association

Headquarters staff

Veronica Purvis, DBA, CAE, executive director

Pam Boller, office manager

Cindy Horchem, CJE, business and projects coordinator

Amber James, events and programs manager

Davonté Longmire, member engagement strategist

Board of directors

President: Valerie Kibler, MJE, Harrisonburg HS, Virginia

Vice President: Justin Daigle, MJE, Brighton HS, Colorado

Educational Initiatives Director: Rachel Steil, MJE, Stillwater Area HS, Minnesota Scholastic Press Rights Director: Andrea Negri, MJE, Cypress Woods HS, Texas Director-at-large: Sandra Coyer, MJE, Puyallup HS, Washington Director-at-large: Shari Chumley, MJE, Tupelo HS, Mississippi Director-at-large: Timm Pilcher, MJE, Drake University, Iowa

Committee chairs

Awards: Louisa Avery, MJE, The American School in London Career and Technical Education: Laura Negri, MJE, Alief Kerr HS, Houston

Certification: Rod Satterthwaite, MJE, Palo Alto HS, California

Contests: Nancy Y. Smith, MJE, retired adviser, Eureka, Missouri

Curriculum: Jim Streisel, MJE, Carmel HS, Indiana

Digital Media: Aaron Manfull, MJE, Francis Howell North HS, Missouri Journalist of the Year: Jessica Hunziker, MJE, Castle View HS, Colorado

Mentoring: Shari Chumley, MJE, Tupelo HS, Mississippi

Nominations: Michelle Balmeo, MJE, West Albany HS, Oregon

Scholastic Journalism Week: P.J. Cabrera, MJE, San Antonio College, Texas

C:JET magazine editor: Bradley Wilson, MJE, Leander HS, Texas

Global Engagement Director: Kelly Furnas, MJE, Elon University, North Carolina

Headquarters staff

Laura Widmer, executive director

Lori Keekley, MJE, associate director for Quill & Scroll

Gary Lundgren, associate director

Karli Keith, convention and membership manager

Jon Erickson, sponsor and exhibitor relations manager

Marta Hill, communications and data specialist

Jodie Nelson, bookkeeper and accountant

Board of directors

President: Becky Tate, Shawnee Mission North HS, Kansas

President-elect: Amy DeVault, Wichita State University, Kansas

Treasurer: Tamara Zellars Buck, Southeast Missouri State University

Secretary: Kathryn Campbell, CJE, St. Paul Academy and Summit School, Minnesota

Past president: Elizabeth Smith, Pepperdine University, California

Board members

Alyssa Boehringer, University Interscholastic League, Texas

Elisia Cohen, University of Minnesota

Melissa Falkowski, CJE, Bremerton HS, Washington

Rick Green, Lexington Herald-Leader, Kentucky

Jermaine Proshee, Southern University and A&M College, Louisiana

Sara Quinn, University of Minnesota

Kristi Rathbun, MJE, Rock Canyon HS, Colorado

Andrew Young, CJE, Woodland Junior HS, Arkansas

Local convention committee

Kathryn Campbell, CJE, co-chair, Saint Paul

Rachel Chrest, MJE, co-chair, Elk River

Daniel Amborn, CJE, Edina

Sarah Cole, Orono HS, Long Lake

Jessica Favre, Elk River

Anna Reid, Minneapolis

Rachel Steil, MJE, Stillwater

Jessica Wagner, Owatonna

Kenzie O'Keefe, Minneapolis

Angie Zollar Barker, Albert Lea

Erin Brackey, Albert Lea

“Write boldly and tell the truth fearlessly.”

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Scan here to claim your $500 student member discount and secure your spot for an exciting summer adventure!

You’ll join a diverse group of curious students, each bringing their own unique perspective. Get ready to tackle important issues, ask tough questions like a true journalist, and engage with inspiring instructors who want you to succeed. The skills and insights you gain here will fuel your passion for storytelling and help you make an impact far beyond the classroom. Limited full and partial tuition scholarships are available.

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APP CONVENTION

The convention app is sponsored by Arizona State University Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

View sessions by day

App menu

Search for sessions, speakers or events

View sponsors and exhibitors

View program schedule and announcements

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EVALUATE SESSIONS IN THE APP

Please complete the session evaluation for each session you attend.

CONVENTION RULES OF CONDUCT

These guidelines are established to ensure that all convention participants have a safe and enjoyable experience. We are committed to ensuring that our event is an inclusive, respectful, productive and harassment-free experience for all involved.

It is understood that by the act of registering students and bringing them to the convention, advisers assume responsibility for their students’ behavior and wellbeing during the convention. Breaking convention rules may result in disqualification from all contests and forfeiture of any awards won or fees paid.

 All attendees are expected to wear their convention name badges at all times while in the convention spaces. When outside these spaces, remove or hide your badge, and travel in groups to ensure safety.

 Out of respect to instructors and the intellectual property of their sessions, please do not record presentations without first obtaining permission from the speaker(s).

 Drinking or possessing alcoholic beverages, smoking, vaping or possession/use of illegal drugs is prohibited.

 A 10 p.m. convention curfew is in effect. Students should be in their rooms, making no excessive noise, at that time.

The hotel reserves the right to remove any hotel guests who create disruptions. Advisers/chaperones are responsible for enforcement.

 No students will be admitted to the convention without a school-approved adviser/chaperone. At least one chaperone/ adviser is required for every 10 students.

 Chaperones must have sleeping arrangements in nearby/ neighboring rooms to their students whenever possible.

Chaperones should recognize they and their schools will be held liable for any damage to hotel/convention center facilities incurred by students under their supervision.

 Rudeness to hotel guests and/or employees, misuse of the elevators, excessive noise, destruction of property or any other inappropriate behavior is not acceptable and can lead to expulsion from the hotel and/or criminal prosecution.

 Should individual students, advisers or delegations prove disruptive or demonstrate unacceptable or unprofessional behavior, convention officials reserve the right to declare all fees forfeited and to send delegates home at their own expense.

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Filter sessions by track, room or speaker

Add a session to your personal agenda. This does not reserve you a seat in the session. Breakout sessions are first-come, first-served seating. Convention officials recommend you select at least one backup session for each block.

 Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:

- Demeaning, discriminatory or harassing behavior or speech, including bullying.

- Sexual harrassment and/or inappropriate physical contact.

- Sustained disruption, including during presentations

- Displaying sexually explicit or violent material including in presented materials.

- Violence, threats of violence or violent language directed against another person or group.

- Possession of dangerous or unauthorized materials such as explosives, firearms, weapons or similar items.

- Theft or inappropriate removal or possession of property

- Any other illegal activity or forms of harassment not covered above.

Full rules of conduct may be viewed at: spring.journalismconvention.org/rules-of-conduct

SPONSORS CONVENTION

PLATINUM

DIAMOND

FRIEND

CCOLLEGE

FAIR SHOW TRADE

Scores of national and local companies, colleges and universities will educate and entertain during the Trade Show & College Fair. Find out what’s new, chat with representatives, pick up information and have some fun.

EXHIBIT HALL B, LEVEL 1

Thursday: 1 – 7 p.m.

Friday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

TRADE SHOW

815 – Friesens Corporation

734 – Gloria Shields NSPA Media Workshop

930 – Jostens

801 – Journalism Education Association

730 – National Scholastic Press Association

729 – Pictavo

817 – Pulitzer Center

736 – Quill & Scroll

709 – SNO Sites

704 – Student Press Law Center

809 – Southern Interscholastic Press Association

901 – Varsity Yearbook

701 – Walsworth

820 – Youth Environmental Press Team

COLLEGE FAIR

906 – Arizona State University

717 – Boston University

728 – College Fair

803 – Drake University

902 – Ithaca College

700 – Kansas State University

821 – Marquette University

721 – Northwestern University

920 – Ohio University

715 – South Dakota State University

921 – Southeast Missouri State University

829 – The School of the New York Times

823 – University of Iowa

917 – University of Maryland

735 – University of Minnesota

816 – University of Missouri

915 – The University of Oklahoma

807 – University of South Carolina

ADDITIONAL SPONSOR

Truth and Advertising at the University of Minnesota

The Hubbard School of Journalism & Mass Communication at a glance:

• 95% job or graduate program placement

• Cutting-edge A.I.–aware curriculum

• Connections to Twin Cities media industry opportunities

• 100+ scholarship opportunities for advanced students

• U Promise Program for need-based scholarships

3 Majors: Journalism

Strategic Communication: Advertising & PR Media & Information

3 Minors:

• Media & Information

• Digital Media Studies

• Sports Media & Promotion (coming Fall ‘26!)

Real World Experiences:

• Report for Minnesota

Places student journalists in field offices around greater Minnesota

• Legislative Reporting Project

Embeds student reporters at the state capitol in St. Paul

• Hubbard Reporting Experience

10-day hands-on bootcamp to build a journalism portfolio

• Backpack

Student creative agency serving clients near and far

• National Student Advertising Competition

Hubbard’s 2024-25 ad campaign class won 2nd place in Nationals

• MN + Folio

Ad campaign class working with professional creative directors

Campus Media:

• The Minnesota Daily Student-run newspaper

• The Wake Magazine Arts, culture & politics magazine

• Radio K Real college radio broadcasting across the Twin Cities

• StudioU Student-run video production crew

How To Apply: z.umn.edu/FreshmanAdmission

Graduate Pathways in

7 p.m. Thursday, Auditorium Main, Level 1

Keynote sponsored by Friesens Corporation.

On deadline, in the dark: Decades on the music beat with

Jon Bream of the

Minnesota

Star Tribune

Jon Bream of the Minnesota Star Tribune is the longest tenured music critic at a U.S. daily newspaper. In this keynote, he will share tips he’s learned while attending 10,000 concerts, writing reviews on deadline in unconventional places and conducting interviews with legends like Taylor Swift, Bob Dylan and Prince. He wrote his first review for his high school newspaper.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Jon Bream has been the award-winning music critic at the Minnesota Star Tribune since 1975, making him the longest tenured daily newspaper music critic in the United States. He writes about all styles of music except classical. He has attended more than 10,000 concerts and interviewed the King of Pop (Michael Jackson), the Queen of Soul

(Aretha Franklin), Prince, Bob Dylan, U2 and three Beatles as well as Lady Gaga and Dolly Parton, among many others.

The job has found Bream performing with Alice Cooper, jogging with Willie Nelson and shooting hoops with Shaquille O’Neal as well as taking phone calls from Taylor Swift, Charlie Puth and Adele.

A native of Saint Paul, Minnesota, Bream received a BA in journalism from the University of Minnesota. In 2015, he sold his vinyl record collection and used the funds to start the Jon Bream Scholarship for Arts Criticism at the University of Minnesota.

TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE WITH VARSITY

REGISTER NOW JULY 15–17 KANSAS CITY, MO

Varsity Yearbook is here to support you with awe-inspiring tools, resources and experiences. Come by our booth and see how we support your students and take their experience as yearbookers to the next level.

Join us for our three-day, exclusive event created just for advisers.

• Learn from experts and fellow advisers

• Tour our state-of-the-art printing plant

• Connect with your support team in KC

• Gain tools, resources and confidence for the year

ALL-IN-ONE

YBK PLATFORM

eDesign was developed specifically for yearbook programs — not adapted from generic tools.

• Our wizards are legit magic. Tag Wizard uses true facial recognition to save hours and increase accuracy. Style Wizard updates fonts and colors across multiple pages instantly. Collage Wizard builds dynamic spreads in seconds.

• eDesign Portal gives everyone real-time tracking for submissions, deadlines and sales. WANT TO MEET WITH VARSITY?

• Adobe Express image and graphics editor is seamlessly integrated into eDesign, which gives you access to a huge library of Adobe artwork, fonts, design elements and effects, plus magical background removal with just one click.

THURSDAY

PRECONVENTION WORKSHOPS

Preregistration was required.

8:30 A.M. TO 5:30 P.M.

Statehouse reporting workshop and tour Room 101 A, Level 1

8:30 A.M. TO 12:30 P.M.

Audio storytelling and podcasting principles Room 200 E, Level 2

Social media storytelling for student publications Room 101 J, Level 1

9 A.M. TO 5 P.M.

Advising student media Room 101 H, Level 1

Broadcast and video storytelling Room 200 AB, Level 2

Digital photography Room 101 FG, Level 1

Editorial leadership Room 101 I, Level 1

Writing, reporting and interviewing Room 101 B, Level 1

Yearbook design bootcamp Room 200 CD, Level 2

Yearbook leadership Room 200 FG, Level 2

1-5 P.M.

Getting started with InDesign and Illustrator Room 101 J, Level 1

Law of the student press with SPLC Room 200 E, Level 2

MEDIA TOUR CHECK-IN

Please see below for the required check-in time for each media tour. Please be at the check-in desk at that time or earlier. Look for signage. Preregistration was required.

8:35 a.m. University of Minnesota Hubbard School of Journalism

9:20 a.m. Mall of America

11:25 a.m. Target Field

1:10 p.m. Walker Art Center

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Front Entrance, Level 1

SCHEDULE

TRADE SHOW & COLLEGE FAIR

Dozens of national and local vendors and colleges will educate and entertain during the trade show exhibits. Find out what’s new, chat with representatives and have some fun.

1-7 p.m. Thursday, Exhibit Hall B, Level 1

PUBLICATION EXCHANGE

Interested in seeing what kind of work other high schools around the nation are producing? Stop by the exchange tables to see the latest editions of high school publications from coast to coast. Feel free to drop off a few copies of your media and take some you like.

8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, Auditorium Lobby Area, Level 1

CONVENTION MERCH DISTRIBUTION

If your school purchased the official convention merchandise through online registration, you may pick it up here. Large orders will be bundled together and should be picked up by the adviser. Preordered items must be picked up no later than noon Friday. Quantities are limited.

1-7 p.m. Thursday, Exhibit Hall B, Level 1

INFORMATION DESK

Learn where to go, what to see and where to eat from locals serving on the convention committee. 1-7 p.m. Thursday, Exhibit Hall B, Level 1

LOST AND FOUND

The convention registration desk will house the lost and found. If what you lost is not there, check to see if someone turned it in to Minneapolis Convention Center security. Items not picked up by 1 p.m. Saturday will be turned over to venue security.

1 p.m.

Check-in for National Student Media Contests

Schools registered for the National Student Media Contests must pick up their contest packet containing student ID labels and additional instructions at the JEA Contest Desk. If you have not paid, you must do so at this time. The deadline for substitutions in preregistered categories is 10:30 a.m. Friday. No new entries will be accepted at the convention. Students in broadcast contests with Friday morning start times must get their ID Thursday.

1-7 p.m. Thursday, Exhibit Hall B, Level 1

Convention check-in and registration

The registration desk is at the back of the trade show floor. Those who have registered must check in to pick up school packets that include name badges, printed programs and event tickets (Break with a Pro, adviser luncheon). It is best for the advisers only to check in their delegation, paying fees if they have not already done so.

1-7 p.m. Thursday, Exhibit Hall B, Level 1

NSPA Best of Show check-in

The Best of Show competition is open to NSPA-member student media outlets. High school publications are eligible if students serving on the staff of the media outlet are registered convention attendees, and middle school media can enter if the adviser is a registered delegate at the convention. Individual Recognition entries were due prior to the convention, and Staff Recognition entries are due by noon Friday at the Best of Show desk. Winners will be announced at the closing awards ceremony on Saturday. Eligibility and rules at spring.journalismconvention.org.

1-7 p.m. Thursday, Exhibit Hall B, Level 1

Evening

ADVISERS

New adviser convention orientation

Advisers at their first JEA/NSPA convention should consider attending a short orientation meeting to get a general overview and explanation of convention events and how to get the most out of them.

6-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Room 101 A, Level 1

Opening ceremony and keynote address

JEA, NSPA and the local convention team welcome you to the spring convention in Minneapolis and present some awards. Then, keynoter Jon Bream will speak. Read more about the keynote speaker on Page 11.

7-9 p.m. Thursday, Auditorium Main, Level 1

Adviser welcome reception

After the keynote speech, all advisers are welcome to attend this reception to socialize with new colleagues and relax with longtime friends. New and first-time attendee advisers will have a chance to meet the local convention team, plus JEA and NSPA board members and staffs.

9-10:30 p.m. Thursday, Room 101 CDE, Level 1

FRIDAY

SCHEDULE

7:30 a.m.

Adviser lounge

Meet with your colleagues from across the country in the convention adviser lounge. Refreshments provided. Sponsored by Ohio University.

7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Room M100 F, Mezzanine Level

Convention check-in and registration

7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Exhibit Hall B, Level 1

Check-in for National Student Media Contests

7:30-10:30 a.m. Friday, Exhibit Hall B, Level 1

8 a.m.

Breakout sessions

Full schedule is available in the convention mobile app. View schedule at a glance on Pages 44-47.

8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Friday, various rooms

JEA general membership meeting

JEA members and others interested in the organization are invited to attend this meeting. You'll learn about recent JEA board action, hear concerns, and discuss plans and goals.

8 a.m. Friday, Room 101 FG, Level 1

JEA National Journalism Quiz Bowl qualifying testing

Registered four-person teams will take an online qualifying test. The test scores will be used to seed the top teams that will compete in the live buzzer rounds Saturday morning. The list of qualifying teams will be posted by 11 a.m. Friday outside Room 203 B and in the convention app. 8 a.m. Friday, Room 200 HIJ, Level 2

NSPA Best of Show check-in

8 a.m. to noon Friday, Exhibit Hall B, Level 1

NSPA and Quill & Scroll Student Advisory Board meeting

Only NSPA and Quill & Scroll Student Advisory Board members should attend. Continental breakfast will be served.

8 a.m. Friday, Room 101 A, Level 1

TRADE SHOW & COLLEGE FAIR

Dozens of national and local vendors and colleges will educate and entertain during the trade show exhibits. Find out what’s new, chat with representatives and have some fun.

8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Exhibit Hall B, Level 1

9 a.m.

Break with a Pro

Kick off your morning with tailored, small-group discussion sessions with journalism professionals in traditional and specialized areas. Media professionals will share information about their work and backgrounds. Preregistration was required. Check your ticket for your assigned time.

9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Friday, Room 101 CDE, Level 1

JEA state directors meeting

All JEA state directors should attend this meeting to learn about upcoming events and get helpful hints on how to make others aware of the organization at the state level.

9 a.m. Friday, Room 101 FG, Level 1

Noon

NSPA on-site media critiques

On-site critiques are scheduled for staffs who purchased and reserved times while registering for the convention. Please arrive 10 minutes before your assigned critique time to check in. Bring laptops and copies of recent print publications.

Noon to 3:30 p.m. Friday, Room 101 CDE, Level 1

PUBLICATION EXCHANGE

8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Auditorium Lobby Area, Level 1

8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Exhibit Hall B, Level 1

CONVENTION MERCH DISTRIBUTION

8 a.m. to noon Friday, Exhibit Hall B, Level 1

3:30 p.m.

JEA CJE/MJE certification testing

Advisers who have applied to take the Certified Journalism Educator or Master Journalism Educator tests will do so at this time. Session includes a half-hour study session and a 2 ½-hour test session. Bring your laptop.

3-6 p.m. Friday, Room 202 A, Level 2

4 p.m.

JEA National Student Media Contests

On-site contests and critique sessions for online categories will take place from 4-6 p.m. More information on Page 43. 4-6 p.m. Friday, various rooms

6 p.m.

JEA National Student Media Contests judges' dinner and judging

JEA will provide dinner for all judges of the National Student Media Contests from 6-7 p.m. Contest judging to follow. 6-9 p.m. Friday, Room 101 CDE, Level 1

7 p.m.

Friday Night Fun: Comedy show and games

Student attendees, join us Friday night for a special performance by an Emmy-award winning comedian, David Harris. There will also be a game room available with various board games. More information on Page 35.

7-9 p.m. Friday, Rooms 200 E & FG, Level 2

JEA COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Committee members will meet to make plans and set goals for the upcoming year. Other advisers who are interested in being part of the committee are invited to attend.

10 a.m. JEA CTE Committee, Room M100 C, Mezzanine Level

2 p.m. JEA Mentoring Committee, Room M100 D, Mezzanine Level

SCHEDULE SATURDAY

7:30 a.m.

Adviser lounge

Meet with your colleagues from across the country Refreshments provided. Sponsored by Ohio University. 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Room M100 F, Mezzanine Level

8 a.m.

Convention check-in and registration

More information on Page 14.

8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Auditorium Lobby Area, Level 1

Breakout sessions

Full schedule is available in the convention mobile app. View schedule at a glance on Pages 48-51.

8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Saturday, various rooms

JEA National Journalism Quiz Bowl finals

More information on Page 41.

8-10 a.m. Saturday, Room 200 HIJ, Level 2 8:30 a.m.

Adobe certification testing

Advisers and students will have the opportunity to take a certification exam for Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and/or Premiere Pro. These exams are for intermediate- to advancedlevel users. Preregistration was required. Bring your laptop. 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Room M100 J, Mezzanine Level

9 a.m.

NSPA on-site media critiques

More information on Page 15.

9-11 a.m. Saturday, Room 101 CDE, Level 1

Noon

Adviser recognition luncheon

JEA and NSPA will present adviser awards at this special event. New and renewing Certified Journalism Educators and Master Journalism Educators will be recognized as well as several NSPA Pioneers and JEA's winter and spring award winners. The 2025 Yearbook Adviser of the Year and 2026 Linda S. Puntney Teacher Inspiration Award winner will speak. Preregistration was required. Please bring your ticket to display at your place setting. Varsity Yearbook is sponsor for this event.

Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Room 101 FG, Level 1

3:30 p.m.

Closing awards ceremony

The convention's closing ceremony recognizes the best of the best in student media. The NSPA Best of Show and Individual Award winners are named. Pacemaker winners are announced for Innovation, Literary Arts Magazine, Online and Yearbook. JEA names the 2026 Journalist of the Year and announces the results of the National Student Media Contests. The JEA National Journalism Quiz Bowl winning team will also be recognized. You may pick up NSMC entries after the ceremony. Entries not picked up will be mailed.

3:30-6 p.m. Saturday, Auditorium Main, Level 1

PUBLICATION EXCHANGE

Interested in seeing what kind of work other high schools around the nation are producing? Stop by the exchange tables to see the latest editions of high school publications from coast to coast. Feel free to drop off a few copies of your media and take some you like.

8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Auditorium Lobby Area, Level 1

INFORMATION DESK

More information on Page 14.

8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Auditorium Lobby, Level 1

JEA COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Members of these committees will meet to make plans and set goals for the upcoming year. Other advisers who are interested in being part of the committee are invited to attend.

8 a.m. JEA Digital Media Committee, Room 202 A, Level 2

8 a.m. JEA Scholastic Press Rights Committee, Room M100 E, Mezzanine Level

9 a.m. JEA DEI Committee, Room M100 C, Mezzanine Level

9 a.m. JEA Certification Committee, Room M100 D, Mezzanine Level

11 a.m. JEA Awards Committee, Room 101 FG, Level 1

NATIONAL SCHOLASTIC PRESS ASSOCIATION

HALL OF FAME

SUSTAINED EXCELLENCE: Five publications join the ranks of the nation’s most honored scholastic media by earning 10 All-American ratings within 11-years.

> 2026 NSPA HALL OF FAME

DETAILS (yearbook)

Whitney High School

Rocklin, California

Sarah Nichols, adviser [second induction]

RAIDER (yearbook)

Gulliver Preparatory School

Pine Crest, Florida

Monica Rodriguez, adviser

LION’S ROAR (yearbook)

Christ Presbyterian Academy Nashville, Tennessee

Heather Nagel, adviser

LONE STAR (yearbook)

James Bowie High School

Austin, Texas

Lindsey Shirack, adviser

DRAGON (yearbook)

Round Rock High School

Round Rock, Texas

Sharon Kubicek, adviser

PACEMAKER FINALISTS

INNOVATION // ONLINE // LITERARY ARTS MAGAZINE // YEARBOOK

> 2026 INNOVATION PACEMAKER FINALISTS

EL ESTOQUE

Monta Vista High School Cupertino, California

OVIEDO NOW

Oviedo High School Oviedo, Florida

THE COMMUNICATOR Community High School

Ann Arbor, Michigan

LHS PUBLICATIONS

Liberty High School Lake Saint Lewis, Missouri

KCBY ESPAÑOL

Coppell High School Coppell, Texas

THE STANDARD

The American School in London London, England

> 2026 ONLINE PACEMAKER FINALISTS

SCOT SCOOP

Carlmont High School Belmont, California

THE WILDCAT

Brea Olinda High School Brea, California

EL ESTOQUE

Monta Vista High School Cupertino, California

THE ACCOLADE

Sunny Hills High School Fullerton, California

THE PEARL POST

Daniel Pearl Magnet High School Lake Balboa, California

FALCONER

Torrey Pines High School San Diego, California

HARKER AQUILA

The Harker School San Jose, California

VHNS MIRROR

Van Nuys High School

Van Nuys, California

THE FOOTHILL DRAGON PRESS

Foothill Technology High School Ventura, California

CAVS CONNECT

Coral Gables Senior High School Coral Gables, Florida

THE BLUEPRINT ONLINE

Hagerty High School Oviedo, Florida

ODYSSEY MEDIA GROUP

Clarke Central High School Athens, Georgia

METEA MEDIA

Metea Valley High School Aurora, Illinois

U-HIGH MIDWAY

University of Chicago Laboratory High School Chicago, Illinois

HILITE

Carmel High School Carmel, Indiana

THE SPARTAN SHIELD

Pleasant Valley High School Bettendorf, Iowa

THE LITTLE HAWK

Iowa City High School Iowa City, Iowa

WEST SIDE STORY

Iowa City West High School Iowa City, Iowa

THE HARBINGER

Shawnee Mission East High School

Prairie Village, Kansas

MILL VALLEY NEWS

Mill Valley High School

Shawnee, Kansas

MANUAL REDEYE

duPont Manual High School Louisville, Kentucky

THE COUGAR STAR

Clague Middle School

Ann Arbor, Michigan

THE COMMUNICATOR

Community High School

Ann Arbor, Michigan

THE HURON EMERY

Huron High School

Ann Arbor, Michigan

THE RUBICON

St. Paul Academy and Summit School St. Paul, Minnesota

PATHFINDER

Parkway West High School Ballwin, Missouri

FHN TODAY

Francis Howell North High School Saint Charles, Missouri

EASTSIDE

Cherry Hill High School East Cherry Hill, New Jersey

THE DELPHI

Delaware Valley Regional High School Frenchtown, New Jersey

THE CLASSIC

Townsend Harris High School Flushing, New York

THE LA SALLE FALCONER

La Salle Catholic College Preparatory Milwaukie, Oregon

THE PANTHER PRESS

Strath Haven High School Wallingford, Pennsylvania

THE VOICE

Vandegrift High School Austin, Texas

COPPELL STUDENT MEDIA

Coppell High School Coppell, Texas

WINGSPAN

Liberty High School Frisco, Texas

KP TIMES

Kingwood Park High School Kingwood, Texas

THE RIDER ONLINE Legacy High School Mansfield, Texas

MULE TIME MEDIA

Alamo Heights Junior High School San Antonio, Texas

THE PUMA PRESS

UPrep Seattle, Washington

THE STANDARD

The American School in London London, England

> 2025 LITERARY ARTS MAGAZINE PACEMAKER FINALISTS

LABYRINTH

Little Rock Central High School Little Rock, Arkansas

LA PLUMA

Monta Vista High School Cupertino, California

REFLECTIONS LITERARY & ARTS MAGAZINE

Gulliver Preparatory School Miami, Florida

LITERATI

Our Lady of Lourdes Academy Miami, Florida

GRAPHITE

Hagerty High School

Oviedo, Florida

ARTIFEX

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Parkland, Florida

PAWPRINTS

H.B. Plant High School Tampa, Florida

SEEDS IN THE BLACK EARTH Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts West Palm Beach, Florida

ILIAD LITERARY-ART MAGAZINE

Clark Central High School Athens, Georgia

SILENT VOICES

Woodward Academy College Park, Georgia

IRIS: ART + LIT

St. Paul Academy and Summit School

St. Paul, Minnesota

MELODRAMA

Ladue Horton Watkins High School

St. Louis, Missouri

PERSPECTIVES

Sacred Heart Greenwich Greenwich, New York

THE VISION

Hackley School

Tarrytown, New York

ROARS & WHISPERS

Providence Senior High School Charlotte, North Carolina

ODYSSEY

James Bowie High School Austin, Texas

MINI-MARQUE

St. Mark’s School of Texas Middle School Dallas, Texas

THE TALON

Woodberry Forest School Woodberry Forest, Virginia

SUMMIT

Smoky Hill High School Aurora, Colorado

THE RAIDER

Gulliver Preparatory Middle School Coral Gables, Florida

CHIEFTAIN

Jupiter Community High School Jupiter, Florida

STEPPING STONE

Melbourne High School Melbourne, Florida

RAIDER

Gulliver Preparatory School Miami, Florida

INTERLACHEN

Montverde Academy Montverde, Florida

CRUSADER

INGENIUM

Greenfield Junior High School Gilbert, Arizona

LA CRESTA

Desert Ridge Junior High School Mesa, Arizona

LA VISTA

Mountain View High School Mesa, Arizona

THE RIVER

Akimel A-AL Middle School Phoenix, Arizona

SUNSET

Corona del Sol High School Tempe, Arizona

HORNET

Bryant High School Bryant, Arkansas

THE ROUND UP

Woodland Junior High School Fayetteville, Arkansas

CARDINAL & GOLD

Oxnard High School Oxnard, California

DETAILS

Whitney High School

Rocklin, California

THE DEN

Bernardo Heights Middle School

San Diego, California

DREAMSCAPE

Orange County School of the Arts Santa Ana, California

CAYUSE

Walnut High School

Walnut, California

River Ridge Middle School

New Port Richey, Florida

FUSION

Hagerty High School

Oviedo, Florida

THE EDGE

West Broward High School Pembroke Pines, Florida

PANTHER

H.B. Plant High School Tampa, Florida

THE STAMPEDE

J.W. Mitchell High School Trinity, Florida

SILVERTIP

Rocky Mountain High School Meridian, Idaho

THE BEACON

Bettendorf High School Bettendorf, Iowa

TALON

Free State High School Lawrence, Kansas

BRICKHOUSE

Shawnee Mission North High School

Overland Park, Kansas

HERITAGE

Shawnee Mission South High School

Overland Park, Kansas

HAUBERK

Shawnee Mission East High School Prairie Village, Kansas

SHIP

Presque Isle High School

Presque Isle, Maine

PAWESEHI

Parkway West High School

Ballwin, Missouri

TALON

Liberty High School

Lake Saint Louis, Missouri

THE SPECTATOR

Liberty High School Liberty, Missouri

AYRIE

Liberty North High School

Liberty, Missouri

PREDATOR

Fort Zumwalt West High School

O’Fallon, Missouri

RAMBLER

Ladue Horton Watkins High School

St. Louis, Missouri

SPIRIT

Lindbergh High School

St. Louis,, Missouri

TESSERAE

Corning-Painted Post High School Corning, New York

LION TRACKS

Cottage Grove High School Cottage Grove, Oregon

FELIS TIGRIS

Junction City High School Junction City, Oregon

JUNIPER

Redmond High School Redmond, Oregon

GREEN & GOLD

West Linn High School West Linn, Oregon

LION’S ROAR

Christ Presbyterian Academy Nashville, Tennessee

LONE STAR

James Bowie High School Austin, Texas

THE CREEK

Caney Creek High School Conroe, Texas

ROUND-UP

Coppell High School Coppell, Texas

THE LEGEND

El Dorado High School

El Paso, Texas

REPLAY

Rouse High School

Leander, Texas

THE ARENA

Legacy High School

Mansfield, Texas

THE LION

McKinney High School

McKinney, Texas

THE TALON

Hendrickson High School

Pflugerville, Texas

THE SHIELD

Kelly Lane Middle School

Pflugerville, Texas

DRAGON

Round Rock High School

Round Rock, Texas

THE HAWK

Pleasant Grove High School

Texarkana, Texas

GENESIS

Rock Ridge High School

Ashburn, Virginia

CRAG

Turner Ashby High School

Bridgewater, Virginia

LEGACY

Potomac Falls High School

Sterling, Virginia

PANTERA

Mead High School

Spokane, Washington

> DEADLINES

05/27/26

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS PAYMENT DEADLINE (HIGH SCHOOL)

06/01/26

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS SUBMISSION DEADLINE (HIGH SCHOOL)

06/05/26

FALL PACEMAKERS BROADCAST NEWSPAPER/NEWSMAGAZIINE SPECIALTY MAGAZINE

06/15/26

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS SUBMISSION DEADLINE (JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL)

BROADCAST NEWS PROGRAM // MAGAZINE // NEWSPAPER-NEWSMAGAZINE // WEBSITE // YEARBOOK

BEST OF SHOW

Staff Recognition entries are due at noon on Friday.

Best of Show, a popular convention competition, is open to NSPAmember student media outlets The contest is $30 per entry.

Print entries must be submitted to the Best of Show registration desk.

Submit digital entries using this QR code:

> THE DEADLINE IS NOON, APRIL 17.

BEST OF SHOW awards in this category are presented to the student media outlet for the overall product. Only one submission is allowed in each category. The entries compete directly against each other, and a critique or score sheet is not provided.

The Best of Show winner receives the iconic NSPA Best of Show trophy, with second through 10th place winners receiving certificates.

> BROADCAST NEWS PROGRAM

Enter a single broadcast news program aired after Nov. 15, 2025, and the contest deadline. Entries must be submitted as URL links (i.e., a YouTube or Vimeo link). The news program must be housed on a site or channel owned by a school student media outlet and not a personal site or channel. News programs compete in two categories — high school and junior high/middle school. Submit your URL using the QR code on the left.

> LITERARY ARTS MAGAZINE

Enter one print copy of the most recent issue of the magazine at the Best of Show registration desk in Minneapolis. Junior high/middle school magazines may be entered, but there isn’t a separate category.

> SPECIALTY MAGAZINE

Enter one print copy, published after Nov. 15, 2025, at the Best of Show registration desk in Minneapolis. Junior high/middle school magazines may be entered, but there isn’t a separate category.

> NEWSPAPER/NEWSMAGAZINE

Enter one print copy of a regular issue, published after Nov, 15, 2025, of the newspaper/newsmagazine at the Best of Show registration desk in Minneapolis. High school entries compete in categories based on enrollment. Junior high/middle school entries compete in a separate category.

> WEBSITE

Online news websites, actively updated during the current school year, compete in separate high school and junior high/middle school categories. High school websites are further divided by enrollment. Submit your URL using the QR code on the left.

> YEARBOOK

The 2025 yearbook should be entered. Yearbooks compete in separate high school and junior high/middle school categories. High school yearbooks are further divided by enrollment. Yearbooks will be available to the end of the Saturday awards ceremony for return. NSPA does not guarantee the return of your yearbook.

Hannah Allam

National security reporter, ProPublica, Washington, D.C.

Allam covers national security, with a focus on counterterrorism, militant movements and political violence for ProPublica. She previously held the same beat at The Washington Post, where she was part of two Pulitzer Prize-winning teams, and at NPR, where she reported live during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Allam began her career at the Pioneer Press and used her PTO to volunteer at ThreeSixty’s overnight camps at the University of St. Thomas. Her presentation is sponsored by ThreeSixty Journalism.

COMMUNITY JOURNALISM

BEYOND CAMPUS

Courage and commitment: The role of student journalists

Yes, the pace of the news is overwhelming, but this is also a moment where student journalists can shine and get an immersive, realstakes reporting experience. This session will cover the role of student journalists in defending press freedom and documenting how national policies come to campus. Join ProPublica’s national security reporter to receive some tips on safety — legally, digitally, physically — and accountability reporting, with basic investigative tips, to help overcome challenges and take your student journalism to the next level.

9 a.m. Friday, Auditorium Room 2, Level 1

SPEAKERS FEATURED

Pechulano

Ngwe Ali

Associate director of programs, ThreeSixty Journalism, University of St. Thomas, Saint Paul, Minn.

Ali is a multimedia storyteller and educator with experience in journalism, public communication and external relations. He is passionate about leveraging his skills in media production, as well as curriculum design and implementation, to train and mentor young people in finding, developing and using their voices for civic engagement in their communities. Previously, he taught college courses in data journalism, podcasting, long-form multimedia journalism and international communication.

DEI CERTIFICATE

NEWSGATHERING

Inclusive storytelling: A guide for young reporters

This session situates the critical role of inclusive journalistic storytelling at a time when social and political divides and uncertainty around inclusive practices are intensifying. Read more on Page 29. 11 a.m. Saturday, Auditorium Room 2, Level 1

Sara Aridi

Journalism education editor, The New York Times, New York City

Aridi is a journalism education editor at The New York Times. She explores how The School of The New York Times can teach journalism fundamentals and media literacy to high school students. She joined The Times in 2016 as a news assistant, working primarily for the culture desk. She then spent four years on the home team, overseeing The Times's home screen, app and news alerts. She has also contributed to several departments, covering the coronavirus pandemic, travel, film and more. She has taught at The School of The New York Times and Columbia University.

NEWSGATHERING

What is journalism?

This session will cover the basics of journalism: What is it? What purposes does it serve? How do journalists tell stories? And why does journalism matter?

11 a.m. Friday, Auditorium Room 2, Level 1

Harry Colbert

Vice president, Center for Broadcast Journalism, Saint Paul, Minnesota

Colbert, an award-winning journalist and author of the memoir “My Sliding Doors," is vice president of the Center for Broadcast Journalism in Saint Paul, Minnesota. He previously served as managing editor of MinnPost. He also served as editorin-chief at North News and managing editor at Insight News. Colbert, who hails from St. Louis, is the immediate past president of NABJ-MN, the Minnesota chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists, leading the chapter through rebranding from the Twin Cities Black Journalists.

DEI CERTIFICATE

LEADERSHIP AND TEAM BUILDING

The importance of diversity and independent media

This session will discuss the need for diversity in media and how independent storytellers are becoming a key component in news dissemination.

Noon Friday, Auditorium Room 2, Level 1

Jon Collins

Reporter, Minnesota Public Radio News, Minneapolis

Collins is a senior reporter on MPR News' race, class and communities team.

He's covered criminal justice and law enforcement accountability. Collins is the co-creator of the Peabody Award-winning “74 Seconds” podcast.

SPECIAL STRAND COMMUNITY JOURNALISM BEYOND CAMPUS

Covering the federal surge into Minnesota

This session will cover what the federal surge into Minnesota has looked like on the ground. How did reporters handle the lack of information from the federal government? How did reporters and photojournalists stay safe? What is the role of local journalists when your community is in the national spotlight? See Page 33 for more information about this session's special strand.

with Ben Hovland

11 a.m. Friday, Auditorium Room 1, Level 1

Becky Dernbach

Education reporter, Sahan Journal, Minneapolis

Dernbach is the education reporter for Sahan Journal. Dernbach graduated from Carleton College in 2008, just in time for the economy to crash. She worked many jobs before going into journalism, including substitute teaching with Minneapolis Public Schools and community organizing. She earned a master's degree from the Medill School of Journalism in 2019 and worked as an editorial fellow for Mother Jones before joining Sahan Journal in June 2020 through Report for America.

NEWSGATHERING Education reporting for students

Schools are on the front lines of some of the most important political conversations of our time, from history curriculum to LGBTQ inclusion to immigration — and student journalists have a front-row seat. This session will provide discussion of examples of impactful education journalism by students, story ideas you can look for in your school, and where to dig if you get stuck. 10 a.m. Saturday, Auditorium Room 2, Level 1

More featured speakers on Page 23.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NORTH STAR PROGRAMS THAT GO BEYOND

BAYLOR ROUNDUP

Baylor University, Texas

Julie Reed, Adviser

OUCHITONIAN

Ouchaita Baptist University, Arkansas

Deborah Root, Adviser

HORNET

Bryant High School, Texas

Justin Turner, Adviser

DRAGON

Round Rock High School, Texas

Sharon Kubicek, Adviser

ROUND-UP

Coppell High School, Texas

Katrina Hester, Adviser

REPLAY

Rouse High School, Texas

Shelby Nickells, Adviser

THE SHIELD

DETAILS

Whitney High School, California

Sarah Nichols, Adviser

WE ARE EXCITED TO WORK WITH OUR NEW PARTNER, PACEMAKER FINALIST CANEY CREEK HIGH SCHOOL IN TEXAS, FOR THEIR 2026 YEARBOOK.

CHEERS TO OUR JEA AWARD WINNERS WHO SHINE BRIGHTLY

Wando High School, South Carolina

East Lansing High

Alec Fischer

Documentary filmmaker, Fischr Media, Minneapolis

Fischer is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and journalist based in Minneapolis. His most recent series, “COVID Confessions,” won an EWA National Award for Education Reporting, was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award and received 17 Upper Midwest Emmy Award nominations, winning five. In 2023, Fischer was included on the Forbes “30 Under 30” list for his work bringing Midwestern stories to global audiences. In 2024, he was named a global finalist for One Young World’s Journalist of the Year award and was selected as a national fellow by the Education Writers Association.

COLLEGE AND CAREER

Beyond the newsroom: Founding your own media company

In 2018, Alec Fischer founded his own media company based in Minneapolis. Within five years he had an original content deal with Snapchat, was collaborating with celebrities and globally recognized clients, and gained national recognition as a documentary filmmaker and journalist based in the Midwest. Hear directly from Fischer about his hybrid journey in the entrepreneurship and journalism world, key lessons learned and essential financial models required to navigate being a media entrepreneur.

1 p.m. Friday, Auditorium Room 2, Level 1

SPEAKERS FEATURED

Kyndell Harkness

Founder and CEO, Infinite Voices, Minneapolis

Harkness is an award-winning newsroom executive and culture strategist with over two decades of experience driving institutional change. As the former head of culture and community at the Minnesota Star Tribune, she built frameworks that shifted how one of the nation’s largest regional news organizations hires, retains and reflects underrepresented voices.

DEI CERTIFICATE NEWSGATHERING

Culturally informed storytelling

Great storytelling begins with curiosity. Powerful storytelling begins with care. In this interactive session, Harkness will guide students through what it means to approach reporting with cultural awareness, humility and intention — especially when telling stories rooted in communities you are not a part of. Through conversation, realworld examples and practical tools, participants will explore how identity shapes perspective — both the journalist’s and the source’s. Together, we’ll examine how to move beyond surface-level coverage toward storytelling that reflects complexity, context and care.

9 a.m. Saturday, Auditorium Room 2, Level 1

Ben Hovland

Visual journalist, Minnesota Public Radio News, Minneapolis

Before joining MPR News, Hovland served as a multimedia producer at Sahan Journal, a nonprofit digital newsroom that covers Minnesota’s immigrants and communities of color. His photojournalism has also appeared in The Washington Post, Agence France-Presse, Reuters, NPR, the St. Paul Pioneer Press and the BBC.

SPECIAL STRAND

COMMUNITY JOURNALISM

BEYOND CAMPUS

Covering the federal surge into Minnesota This session will cover what the federal surge into Minnesota has looked like on the ground. How did reporters handle the lack of information from the federal government? How did reporters and photojournalists stay safe? What is the role of local journalists when your community is in the national spotlight? See Page 33 for more information about this session's special strand. with Jon Collins

11 a.m. Friday, Auditorium Room 1, Level 1

Boyd Huppert

Storytelling coach and reporter, TEGNA Inc., Minneapolis

Huppert produces and hosts KARE 11’s weekly “Land of 10,000 Stories” segment, while serving as national storytelling coach for the 49 newsrooms of TEGNA Inc., the media company that owns KARE. Huppert’s writing and reporting have been recognized with 26 National Edward R. Murrow Awards. He is also the recipient of a national Emmy for feature reporting, 168 regional Emmys, the Scripps Howard Award, and multiple Sigma Delta Chi and National Headliner Awards. Boyd was a 2023 inductee into the Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame. He was also selected to join the Emmy Silver Circle for career contributions to the television industry.

COLLEGE AND CAREER

Lessons from the land of 10,000 stories

In this session, one of America’s most awarded visual storytellers shares his stories and the secrets he used to tell.

9 a.m. Saturday, Auditorium Room 3, Level 1

A.J. Lagoe

Investigative reporter, KARE 11-TV, Minneapolis

Lagoe is an investigative reporter for KARE 11 in Minneapolis. His reporting routinely leads to criminal convictions, legislative hearings, and new state and federal laws. Lagoe is a multi-time recipient of journalism’s highest honors including Peabody and duPont Columbia Awards.

MULTIMEDIA BROADCAST

Words that hold power

This session covers the art of writing powerful narratives that drive change, hook readers and listeners, and make them care.

2 p.m. Friday, Auditorium Room 2, Level 1

Lemm is a senior editor at MPR News, leading the Native News initiative, which highlights stories and issues important to Native American communities in Minnesota and beyond. Lemm is a citizen of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.

DEI CERTIFICATE NEWSGATHERING

Building Native News

Join this session to learn about The Native News Project, a new initiative from Minnesota Public Radio. Discover how they cover the latest news about local and national Native American communities by highlighting stories and issues important to Native American communities in Minnesota and beyond. Native News coverage includes cultural events, policy updates, community stories and more to provide a platform for Native voices, perspectives and important news. Bring your questions about how you might highlight Indigenous communities in your school.

with Melissa Olson

10 a.m. Friday, Auditorium Room 3, Level 1

More featured speakers on Page 25.

Kristen

Ava

Margie

Rebecca

Nikolas Liepins

Founder and CEO, Ethography, Saint Paul, Minnesota

Liepins is a photographer, cinematographer and CEO of production company Ethography. For nearly seven years, he has produced content across events, editorial, higher education and entertainment. Liepins covers news and entertainment for clients including Shutterstock

Editorial and the Associated Press, with credits in TIME, The Washington Post, The Guardian, People and beyond. His coverage includes the aftermath of George Floyd's death, U.S. and foreign presidents, the Silicon Valley Bank collapse and the 2024 U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials. He is an alumnus staff member of The Rubicon at St. Paul Academy and Summit School in Minneapolis, under adviser Kathryn Campbell, CJE.

NEWSGATHERING

Concerts to Congress: "All access" as a student journalist Student press passes aren't learners' permits. They can be your keys to concerts, a press conference with the governor, the secretary of state's motorcade and stories that hold power accountable. Expand your definition of what's possible and become a strong self-advocate with actual strategies to unlock these spaces for yourself.

Noon Friday, Auditorium Room 3, Level 1

SPEAKERS FEATURED

Jasmine McBride

Associate editor, Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, Minneapolis

McBride serves as an editor at the Minnesota SpokesmanRecorder, the state’s oldest continuously operating Black newspaper, founded in 1934. In her role, McBride helps shape coverage that informs, uplifts and amplifies the voices of Minnesota’s Black communities. McBride works closely with writers to develop impactful stories, ensure journalistic accuracy, and highlight the issues, achievements and experiences that matter most to readers.

MARKETING AND AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT

Marketing and audience engagement for student journalists

This session will offer topics related to marketing, fundraising, branding, sales, publicity, public relations and audience engagement for student journalists. with Tracey Williams-Dillard 9 a.m. Friday, Auditorium Room 1, Level 1

Melissa Olson

Reporter, Minnesota Public Radio News, Saint Paul, Minnesota

Olson is a reporter for MPR News and the Upper Midwest Newsroom, focused on tribal nations and Native communities. She is also an essayist and community archivist. Olson’s work has received several awards and accolades, including multiple awards from the Indigenous Journalists Association, numerous Page One Awards from the Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists and an award of merit from the Midwest Broadcast Journalists Association’s Eric Sevareid for her work on North Star Journey. Olson is a citizen of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and lives in Minneapolis.

DEI CERTIFICATE NEWSGATHERING Building Native News

Join this session to learn about The Native News Project, a new initiative from Minnesota Public Radio. See Page 23 for full description. with Leah Lemm 10 a.m. Friday, Auditorium Room 3, Level 1

Jana Shortal News anchor, KARE 11-TV, Minneapolis

23. That’s how many years Shortal has worked as a journalist for KARE 11 in Minneapolis. In all of those years, Shortal has gone from a general assignment reporter to hosting Breaking The News, weeknights at 6:30 p.m. Shortal’s reason for journalism? Because the truth, still, has to matter. Shortal graduated with a bachelor’s in journalism from the University of Missouri, Columbia, and is an eight-time Emmy winner.

MULTIMEDIA BROADCAST Telling the truth still matters

Do you want to see more truth telling in broadcast media? Do you dream of being a news anchor? Do you want to bring your full humanity to the work? This Q&A session will be a conversation with a brave and honest news anchor. Bring your questions for Jana Shortal. She will field your questions about reporting in the streets, what the role of a news anchor entails, relationship building with an audience, building newsroom diversity, navigating politics, and whatever you are hoping to learn from this dynamic journalist who will tell it to you straight.

10 a.m. Friday, Auditorium Room 2, Level 1

Shirley Sneve

Senior producer, IndiJ Public Media, Lincoln, Nebraska

Sneve is the senior producer for the ICT newscast, a program of IndiJ Public Media. This weekly, halfhour newscast airs on the majority of PBS stations, as well as in Australia, Canada and several online streaming platforms, including Free Speech TV and YouTube. A member of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, Sneve is also affiliated with the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. She directed Vision Maker Media from 2004-2019, which is the largest U.S. funder of Indigenous documentary film projects for public broadcasting. She lives in Lincoln, Nebraska, and serves on the boards of The Circle Newspaper in Minneapolis; The Center for Rural Strategies in Whitesburg, Kentucky; the Near South Neighborhood Association in Lincoln; and Arts Extension Institute in Amherst, Massachusetts.

DEI CERTIFICATE

NEWSGATHERING

Reporting on Indigenous issues

Learn four key elements of getting the story in Indian Country. With 575 federally recognized tribes, understanding the nuances of history, culture, protocol and developing sources will assist journalists in getting the story. A resource guide will set the stage for a discussion of reporting opportunities for American Indian and Alaska Native multimedia stories.

1 p.m. Friday, Room 200 HIJ, Level 2

Tracey Williams-Dillard

CEO & publisher, Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, Minneapolis

Williams-Dillard is the owner and CEO of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, Minnesota’s longestrunning Black-owned newspaper, founded in 1934 by her grandfather, Cecil E. Newman. Raised in the newsroom, she began working at the paper at age 8 and held nearly every operational role before becoming CEO in 2001 and owner in 2006. Under her leadership, the SpokesmanRecorder expanded into a multimedia platform with a strong digital footprint and was featured in Small Business Revolution. In 2015, its building became a Minnesota Historical Landmark and is now under consideration for National Historic Landmark status. Williams-Dillard currently leads the SpokesmanRecorder Nonprofit and advances communitycentered journalism.

MARKETING AND AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT

Marketing and audience engagement for student journalists

This session will offer topics related to marketing, fundraising, branding, sales, publicity, public relations and audience engagement for student journalists. with Jasmine McBride 9 a.m. Friday, Auditorium Room 1, Level 1

Commended Yearbook Adviser

Phillip Caston, CJE

WANDO HIGH SCHOOL

MOUNT PLEASANT, SOUTH CAROLINA

Distinguished Yearbook Adviser

Glenn Krake, CJE

WEST LINN (OREGON) HIGH SCHOOL

Carrie Rapp, MJE

LINDBERGH HIGH SCHOOL

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

Special Recognition Yearbook Adviser

Cody Harrell, CJE

EAST LANSING (MICHIGAN) HIGH SCHOOL

Anastasia Harrison, MJE

LEGEND HIGH SCHOOL

PARKER, COLORADO

Jennifer Parsons, CJE

GREENFIELD JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

GILBERT, ARIZONA

H.L. Hall

Yearbook Adviser of the Year

Carrie Faust

SMOKY HILL HIGH SCHOOL

AURORA, COLORADO

Linda S. Puntney Teacher Inspiration Award

Ellen Austin, MJE

BIRCH AVENUE CREATIVE ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS

Lifetime Achievement Award

Kathy Habiger, MJE

MILL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

SHAWNEE, KANSAS

Pete LeBlanc

ANTELOPE (CALIFORNIA) HIGH SCHOOL

Candace and John Bowen

Adviser First Amendment Leadership Award

Morgan Bricker, MJE

WEIR HIGH SCHOOL

WEIRTON, WEST VIRGINIA

Diversity Award

La Sana Groome

WEKIVA HIGH SCHOOL

APOPKA, FLORIDA

Recent certification and renewal recipients

Master Journalism Educator

Krystle Hoisington, Lindbergh HS, Missouri

Certified Journalism Educator

Elise Cruz-Aragon, Bloomingdale Senior HS, Florida

Daniel Langhorne, Sage Hill School, California

Carly Loyd, Leonard’s Studio, Florida

Corinne Molineaux, Harmony HS, Florida

Lori Schneider, University HS, Washington

Matt Thomas, Bishop Miege HS, Kansas

MJE renewals

Michelle Balmeo, West Albany HS, Oregon

Candace Bowen, retired, Kent State University, Ohio

John Bowen, retired, Kent State University, Ohio

Adriana Chavira, Daniel Pearl Magnet HS, California

Kristy Dekat, Gardner Edgerton HS, Kansas

Denise Green, Greenwood Community HS, Indiana

Mark Hilburn, Millard West HS, Nebraska

Aaron Manfull, Francis Howell North HS, Missouri

Leslie Shipp, retired, Johnston HS, Iowa

Susan Sutton, Archbishop Riordan HS, California

Jessica Young, Orange Glen HS, California

CJE renewals

Lindsay Benedict, McLean HS, Virginia

Dean Bradshaw, Adlai E Stevenson HS, Illinois

Kyle Carter, Westwood Baptist Academy, Missouri

Rachel Dearinger, Legacy HS, Texas

Katherine Dowdy, Jostens Inc., Virginia

Jessica Durbin, Bishop Kenny HS, Florida

Brian Eriksen, South Salem HS, Oregon

Charles Erikson, La Sierra HS, California

John Fitzgerald, Wilsonville HS, Oregon

Randy Griffitts, Wichita North HS, Kansas

Kathi Hopkins, Varsity Yearbook, Texas

Cindy Horchem, Journalism Education Association, Kansas

Kelly Johnson, Delta HS, Colorado

Debra Klevens, Clayton HS, Missouri

Matthew LaPorte, Southwest Career and Technical Academy, Nevada

Pia Longinotti, Freeman HS, Washington

Michael Malcom-Bjorklund, Burke HS, Nebraska

Vanessa Martinez, El Dorado HS, Texas

Natalie Owsley, Homestead HS, California

Carole Parrott, Varsity Yearbook, North Carolina

Kate Plows, Strath Haven HS, Pennsylvania

Teenie Reddeck, Varsity Yearbook, Florida

Daniel Reinish, States Newsroom, Washington, D.C.

Margaret Robertson, St. Mary’s Episcopal School, Tennessee

Kristen Rogan, Eureka HS, Missouri

Laura Schaub, Friesens, Oklahoma

Shelby Schmidt, Westview HS, Nebraska

Lisa Schwartz, Jostens Inc., Texas

Mitchell Schwartz, Dominion HS, Virginia

Margaret Sorrows, retired, Bryant HS, Arkansas

Kristin Untiedt-Barnett, Marion Senior HS, Virginia

Mark Webber, retired, Trevino School of Communications and Fine Arts, Texas

Callie Williams, Astronaut HS, Florida

These individuals will be honored at the adviser recognition luncheon, Noon Saturday, Room 101 FG, Level 1.

Learn more at jea.org/programs/certification.

CERTIFICATE DEI

Earn JEA’s DEI certificate by attending four out of 12 special breakout sessions geared toward diversity, equity and inclusion. Take the lead and put these sessions on your schedule so you can come away with new strategies and insights. If you attend at least four in the special strand and promptly submit the required online form for each, you’ll earn a certificate from JEA based on your participation. Sessions — and the certificate — are open to all! Those earning the special DEI certificate will receive it by May 2026. Please review NHSJC's rules of conduct (Page 5) before attending any convention events.

FRIDAY

SPORTS JOURNALISM

Women covering sports: Finding your position

Sports sections are often the most intimidating spaces in scholastic newsrooms, especially in a male-dominated field. This session will explore what it's like to cover sports as a young woman in high school journalism: How to earn credibility and choose stories that matter. Through real reporting experiences, this presentation gives student journalists effective and practical tools for building confidence, writing with authority and using empathy as a reporting strength rather than a weakness. While centered on women's experiences, the session is relevant for any student journalist navigating credibility, access and voice in traditionally gendered spaces.

Miley Pegg, West Chicago Community High School, West Chicago, Illinois

8 a.m. Friday, Room 101 H, Level 1

NEWSGATHERING, YEARBOOK

Tell the whole story: DEI practices for yearbook

This session examines how diversity, equity and inclusion improve accuracy in scholastic journalism. Students and advisers learn practical strategies for interviewing, story selection and visual coverage that reflect real school communities. Designed for middle and high school media staffs, the workshop emphasizes ethical reporting, representation and newsroom practices that help journalists tell fuller, more authentic stories. La Sana Groome, Wekiva High School, Apopka, Florida

9 a.m. Friday, Room 200 AB, Level 2

FEATURED SPEAKER

NEWSGATHERING

Building Native News

Learn about The Native News Project, a new initiative from Minnesota Public Radio. Discover how they cover the latest news about local and national Native American communities by highlighting stories and issues important to Native American communities in Minnesota and beyond. Their coverage includes cultural events, policy updates, community stories and more to provide a platform for Native voices, perspectives and important news. Bring your questions about how you might highlight Indigenous communities in your school.

Leah Lemm and Melissa Olson, Minnesota Public Radio

10 a.m. Friday, Auditorium Room 3, Level 1

NEWSGATHERING

Covering a mental health beat with MinnPost's Andy Steiner

Join Andy Steiner, MinnPost reporter and Pulitzer Center StoryReach fellow, for a deep dive into covering the mental health and wellbeing beat for a nonprofit local news outlet. Steiner will describe how she developed her beat, how she approaches sensitive stories, how she has cultivated sources over time, and how her latest project on the impacts of national health funding cuts on addiction treatment localized a global issue. Students will walk away with tips for developing their own mental health story ideas and reporting on them.

Hannah Berk, Pulitzer Center, Chicago; Fareed Mostoufi, Pulitzer Center, Washington, D.C.; Andy Steiner, MinnPost, Saint Paul, Minnesota

11 a.m. Friday, Auditorium Room 3, Level 1

Amanda Jones

FEATURED SPEAKER

LEADERSHIP & TEAM BUILDING

The importance of diversity and independent media

This session will discuss the need for diversity in media and how independent storytellers are becoming a key component in news dissemination.

Harry Colbert, Center for Broadcast Journalism, Saint Paul, Minnesota

Noon Friday, Auditorium Room 2, Level 1

FEATURED SPEAKER

STAFF MANAGEMENT

Reporting on Indigenous issues

Learn four key elements of getting the story in Indian Country. With 575 federally recognized tribes, understanding the nuances of history, culture, protocol and developing sources will assist journalists in getting the story. A resource guide will set the stage for a discussion of reporting opportunities for American Indian and Alaska Native multimedia stories.

Shirley Sneve, IndiJ Public Media, Lincoln, Nebraska

1 p.m. Friday, Room 200 HIJ, Level 2

NEWSGATHERING

Reporting with a mental health lens: Tools and strategies

Do you want to amplify stories focused on mental wellbeing in your community? How can you embed a mental health lens into your reporting? Join the Pulitzer Center Education team as we evaluate journalism by Pulitzer Center grantees from several news outlets on the intersections of mental health with topics ranging from education to LGBTQ+ rights to healthcare and addiction treatment. How can the strategies employed by these journalists support our own reporting, and how can we incorporate an emphasis on mental wellbeing into diverse stories?

Hannah Berk and Fareed Mostoufi, Pulitzer Center 2 p.m. Friday, Room 200 AB, Level 2

SATURDAY

ADVISERS

Revisiting the past to build trust for the future

Advising isn't easy, and it grows more difficult the more complex issues, identities and ideas become. This session is meant to help advisers build resilience by examining past coverage of marginalized groups and communities to help their staff develop stronger storytelling for the future, while also navigating the diverse systems they each work within now.

Patrick Johnson, Marquette University, Milwaukee 8 a.m. Saturday, Room 200 AB, Level 2

FEATURED SPEAKER

NEWSGATHERING

Culturally informed storytelling

Great storytelling begins with curiosity. Powerful storytelling begins with care. In this interactive session, attendees will learn what it means to approach reporting with cultural awareness, humility and intention — especially when telling stories rooted in communities you are not a part of. Through conversation, real-world examples and practical tools, participants will explore how identity shapes perspective — both the journalist’s and the source’s. Together, we’ll examine how to move beyond surface-level coverage toward storytelling that reflects complexity, context and care.

Kyndell Harkness, Infinite Voices, Minneapolis 9 a.m. Saturday, Auditorium Room 2, Level 1

LEADERSHIP & TEAM BUILDING

Inclusion is a radical idea: Supporting student media DEI efforts

This session will focus on how the post-George Floyd movement has resulted in the dismantling of DEI efforts of all types in schools and newsrooms. We will discuss where we are in the current media education landscape and how that's impacting student media.

Tamara Buck, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri

10 a.m. Saturday, Room 200 AB, Level 2

FEATURED SPEAKER

NEWSGATHERING

Inclusive storytelling: A guide for young reporters

This session situates the critical role of inclusive journalistic storytelling at a time when social and political divides and uncertainty around inclusive practices are intensifying. We will discuss why inclusive journalism matters as a tool to strengthen local communities, and how young reporters can do it well in practice. Using examples from ThreeSixty Journalism, we will highlight approaches for engaging young voices, amplifying underrepresented perspectives, and producing stories that reflect community diversity with accuracy and respect. This session will also address the challenges student journalists can face in pursuing inclusive storytelling.

Pechulano Ngwe Ali, ThreeSixty Journalism, University of St. Thomas, Saint Paul, Minnesota

11 a.m. Saturday, Auditorium Room 2, Level 1

NEWSGATHERING

Indigenous representation in journalism: Mascots and stereotypes

This session examines Indigenous representation in journalism with a focus on mascots and stereotypes, exploring how media narratives shape public understanding of Native communities. Participants will analyze historical and contemporary examples to identify patterns of misrepresentation, cultural harm and the responsibilities of journalists in ethical storytelling. The session encourages critical reflection and offers practical strategies for more accurate, respectful and community-centered reporting. Robert Hicks, Haskell Indian Nations University, Lawrence, Kansas

Noon Saturday, Room 200 AB, Level 2

HOW TO RECEIVE THE DEI CERTIFICATE

Each session in the DEI certificate strand will provide a QR code that links to the official JEA DEI Certificate attendance form. Please complete the form promptly after each session you attend. If you attend and submit for at least four certificate sessions, you will earn the certificate. Eligible participants will receive their certificate by May 2026.

Hello, friend. I’m Pictavo.

You’ve been trained to chase deadlines. What if you had just one for all your pages?

Build when inspiration strikes. Rearrange your ladder as life happens. Submit when you’re ready.

One deadline changes everything. And, it’s backed by the largest printing company in the industry.

Established. Not experimental.

Smarter. Not louder. Control. Not chaos. A step up. Not a startup.

At the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, you don't just study media – you live it. From news to TikToks, sports broadcasts, photo stories, political debates and more, you'll create real content, for real audiences.

Located in downtown Phoenix, Arizona State University's Cronkite School sits in the heart of it all. Just steps away from pro sports teams, network news, the state Capitol and the local arts scene, you can do it all.

The world needs journalists. We shape them.

Whether your dream is to call the game, build a brand, cover breaking news or create your own podcast, we help you turn your dream into your reality.

to learn

BE THE DIFFERENCE WITH JOURNALISM THAT MATTERS.

From Milwaukee neighborhoods to global newsrooms, our students are doing journalism that matters before they ever graduate. Here, you don’t just study the press — you become part of it from day one.

LEARN MORE

STRANDS SPECIAL

SPECIAL STRAND: CIVIL UNREST, SOCIAL CHANGE IN MINNESOTA

THE LOCAL CONVENTION COMMITTEE ORGANIZED THIS SPECIAL SESSION STRAND TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL INSIGHT INTO NAVIGATING SENSITIVE, HIGH-STAKES BREAKING NEWS, WITH A FOCUS ON STUDENT-LED REPORTING. ALL SESSIONS WILL TAKE PLACE IN AUDITORIUM ROOM 1, LEVEL 1.

Covering immigration enforcement and protests on live TV

This session offers a facilitated panel of local journalists who will provide professional insight, examining the complex challenges for news organizations providing live television coverage of volatile events, focusing on immigration enforcement and protests. Live broadcasts demand real-time decisions on safety, privacy and editorial balance. The discussion will explore how the immediacy of live coverage can shape the narrative, potentially sensationalize events, and affect the security of journalists and subjects. There will be a few minutes at the end for Q&A.

Facilitated by Wendy Paulson, Minnesota Broadcasters Association

10 a.m. Friday

Covering the federal surge into Minnesota

This session will cover what the federal surge into Minnesota has looked like on the ground. How did reporters handle the lack of information from the federal government? How did reporters and photojournalists stay safe? What is the role of local journalists when your community is in the national spotlight?

Jon Collins and Ben Hovland, Minnesota Public Radio News, Minneapolis, Minnesota

11 a.m. Friday

Legal and ethical challenges of Operation Metro Surge reporting

This session offers a facilitated panel of local journalists who will provide professional insight into navigating legal and ethical challenges when covering high-stakes, breaking news events like Operation Metro Surge. The conversation will dissect the complexities surrounding the First Amendment rights of journalists, particularly when covering law enforcement operations. Panelists will share professional insights on how to balance the imperative to inform the public with the legal risks inherent in documenting these events. There will be a few minutes at the end for Q&A.

Facilitated by Jane Kirtley, Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Minnesota; Panelists include Anna Kaul, Ballard Spahr; Andrew Mannix, ProPublica

1 p.m. Friday

ICE, Annunciation: The role of Minnesota student journalism

Students know students best; what does a national media outlet know about Minnesotans’ experiences?

Recently, Minnesota has made headlines, from increased immigration enforcement to the Annunciation Catholic Church shooting. This session explores how student journalists localize national and state news by centering the impact of these events on students’ and community members’ daily lives. Learn why student-led reporting on conflict remains essential despite major national outlet presence, safety concerns and discouragement.

Thomas Chen, Amanda Hsu, Sonia Kharbanda and Elizabeth Tuttle, St. Paul Academy and Summit School, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Lynn-Clara Tun, Edina (Minnesota) High School

9 a.m. Saturday

Community journalism when ICE is in the community

Local journalists are positioned to leverage existing community trust to thoroughly document people’s experiences during critical moments. This facilitated panel discussion will feature Twin Cities-based journalists with a history of reporting within and for their communities, and will discuss their reporting of Operation Metro Surge. The panelists will discuss the journalist’s role versus that of non-journalistic observers documenting events. There will be a few minutes at the end for Q&A.

Facilitated by Gayle Golden, Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Minnesota; Panelists include Brian Arola, MinnPost; Jon Collins, Minnesota Public Radio News; Shubhanjana Das, Sahan Journal

10 a.m. Saturday

The role of photojournalists when everyone is recording

This session offers a facilitated panel of local journalists who will explore the evolving role of photojournalists in an era saturated with user-generated content, focusing on the visual reporting of “Operation Metro Surge.” As nearly everyone possesses a recording device, the panel will examine how traditional photojournalism’s values — such as verification, ethical framing and professional access — are challenged and redefined, as told by some of Minnesota’s talented photojournalists. There will be a few minutes at the end for Q&A.

Facilitated by Regina McCombs, Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Minnesota; Panelists include Ben Hovland, Minnesota Public Radio News; Dylan Jacobson, KSTP-TV; Lewis Karpel, WCCO-TV

11 a.m. Saturday

STRANDS SPECIAL

SPECIAL STRAND: MEDIA LAW CENTRAL

SESSIONS IN THIS SPECIAL LAW & ETHICS STRAND ARE HOSTED BY THE STUDENT PRESS LAW CENTER AND THE JEA SCHOLASTIC PRESS RIGHTS COMMITTEE IN ROOM M100 E, MEZZANINE LEVEL.

How to get information through public records

Getting good information is key to good reporting. We'll talk about the ins and outs of public records requests, how/where that pesky FERPA excuse applies (it usually doesn't), and what to do if you're being given the runaround.

Jonathan Gaston-Falk, Student Press Law Center

8 a.m. Friday

Student press freedom 101

What are your rights as a student journalist? Hear from a Student Press Law Center attorney about the major court cases that have helped define the First Amendment protections that apply in public schools, as well as practical guidance for maintaining a free and responsible press.

Mike Hiestand, Student Press Law Center

9 a.m. Friday

Get help with censorship: SPRC open forum

Facing censorship issues or prior review? Just have legal or ethical questions? Come discuss them with members of JEA’s Scholastic Press Rights Committee and the Student Press Law Center.

Mike Hiestand, Student Press Law Center; Andrea Negri, MJE, Cypress Woods High School, Houston

10 a.m. Friday

New Voices: Advocating for student press freedom

Eighteen states have laws against the censorship of student journalists — and it’s all because students and advisers spoke up. Is your state next? Join us to learn about the New Voices campaign, as well as other steps you can take to advocate for student press freedom in your district or state before a law passes.

Morgan Bricker, MJE, Weir High School, West Virginia; Grayson Marlow, Student Press Law Center

11 a.m. Friday

The ABCs of L-I-B-E-L

While just saying the word aloud can bring shivers down a journalist's spine, the basics of libel law — and the keys to avoiding it — are actually fairly simple. Join the Student Press Law Center to clear the fear.

Mike Hiestand, Student Press Law Center

Noon Friday

Covering protests safely and effectively

Covering a walkout, rally or demonstration can be exciting — and risky. Do you know your rights if administrators tell you to leave? You’ll also learn what to expect when dealing with police and how to respond if tensions rise. In this session, an SPLC attorney and a veteran adviser will share legal insights and practical strategies so you and your staff can report safely, fairly and confidently when the stakes are high.

Jonathan Gaston-Falk, Student Press Law Center; Tripp Robbins, MJE, Eastside College Preparatory School, California

1 p.m. Friday

Protecting source identities

Times have changed, and journalists' policies may need to change with them. If you're thinking about doing stories about undocumented immigrants and granting them anonymity, there are serious issues to consider and steps to take. We'll discuss legal and ethical considerations and answer any questions. This is deep-end journalism, and you need to be well-prepared if you're wading into it.

Jonathan Gaston-Falk, Student Press Law Center; Tripp Robbins, MJE, Eastside College Preparatory School, California

2 p.m. Friday

I have a New Voices law, now what?

Eighteen states have laws against the censorship of student journalists, but what happens after you pass a law? Hear from the West Virginia JEA state director about how stakeholders in the Mountain State are collaborating to ensure their New Voices law is followed. Come learn about your student press rights and leave with advice and resources from SPLC that you can use to help put your New Voices law to good use.

Morgan Bricker, MJE, Weir High School, West Virginia; Grayson Marlow, Student Press Law Center

9 a.m. Saturday

Chilling effects and self-censorship concerns

Ever wondered if you should cover a walkout, publish a bold opinion, or report on something your school or government doesn’t want in the spotlight? That hesitation is called the “chilling effect” — when fear of backlash keeps journalists from publishing stories that matter. In this session, an SPLC attorney and a veteran student media adviser will walk you through real scenarios, share strategies for handling pressure and give you tools to stand strong when deciding what to print (or post).

Jonathan Gaston-Falk, Student Press Law Center; Tripp Robbins, MJE, Eastside College Preparatory School, California

10 a.m. Saturday

Get help with censorship: SPRC open forum

Facing censorship issues or prior review? Just have legal or ethical questions? Come discuss them with members of JEA’s Scholastic Press Rights Committee and the Student Press Law Center.

Jonathan Gaston-Falk, Student Press Law Center; Andrea Negri, MJE, Cypress Woods High School, Houston 11 a.m. Saturday

Invasion of privacy law

The law recognizes that every person sometimes has the right to be left alone — even by journalists. This session will help student media understand where the legal lines have been drawn. What stories should you avoid? What stories are fair game? What rights do photographers and reporters have in gathering the news?

Mike Hiestand, Student Press Law Center Noon Saturday

Copyright 101

It’s never been easier — and potentially more risky — to help yourself to photos, videos and music. Join the Student Press Law Center for a copyright primer and tips (and warnings) about finding truly free material that’s safe to re-publish.

Mike Hiestand, Student Press Law Center 1 p.m. Saturday

Private school challenges and strategies

Student journalists and advisers at private schools have unique legal and practical challenges and opportunities. We'll discuss some of them and strategies for making the best of them. We'll have time for questions if you have them. Join an attorney from the Student Press Law Center and a veteran private school adviser for some tips and encouragement!

Jonathan Gaston-Falk, Student Press Law Center; Tripp Robbins, MJE, Eastside College Preparatory School, California

2 p.m. Saturday

SPECIAL STRAND: COMMUNITY JOURNALISM BEYOND CAMPUS

Interested in moving beyond the journalism classroom to make a larger impact on your local town or community? Or maybe you're curious about the best ways to increase awareness about national, regional or community issues back at school? Sessions in this strand aim to help student journalists and their advisers discover new ways to expand the potential of student media beyond campus.

Check out the wide range of sessions in this strand using the convention mobile app. Look for the Community Journalism Beyond Campus tag or filter by track in the program schedule tab. Learn more about the app on Page 5.

ENTERTAINMENT STUDENT

FRIDAY NIGHT FUN: COMEDY SHOW

AND GAMES

7 p.m. Friday

Comedy show, Room 200 FG, Level 2 Game room, Rooms 200 E, Level 2

Students, join us Friday night for a special performance by an Emmy-award winning comedian, David Harris. Or, if you're looking for a quieter evening, stop by the game room to play some board games like Apples to Apples, Bingo and Codenames. Friday Night Fun activities are available to all convention attendees at no additional cost, on a first-come, first-served basis.

MEET DAVID HARRIS

David Harris is an Emmy Award-winning comedian and actor who has been entertaining audiences for over 30 years. He regularly appears at top clubs, theaters, colleges, and corporate events across the U.S. and Canada, including the New York Comedy Club, the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno,

Goodnight’s Comedy Club in Raleigh, Second City in Chicago, and the Hollywood Improv Lab in Los Angeles. David has worked with acclaimed comedians like Cathy Ladman, Louie Anderson, Beth Stelling, and Amir K, and his 2021 clean comedy special on Dry Bar Comedy has racked up over 300,000 views.

David has appeared at Minnesota’s 10,000 Laughs Comedy Festival three times, as well as the Colorado Springs Comedy Festival, the North Carolina Comedy Festival, the Fargo Comedy Festival, Rubber City Comedy Festival, and the Loons on the Lake Comedy Festival. David is loved by audiences far and wide for his self-deprecating, painfully relatable takes on family, relationships, and the inescapable anxieties that come with living in today’s world, and he loves to interact with his audiences to make each show completely unique.

On-screen, David has won two regional Emmys for his sketch television show “Nate on Drums,” and has since starred in several award-winning online videos and TV commercials, including recent spots for Slumberland, Robert Half and Panchero’s Mexican Grill. In addition to his on-stage comedy work, David is also a talented magician, having performed highly entertaining comedic magic for 15 years before focusing solely on comedy. No matter the audience, David will dig into his most neurotic, embarrassing stories to make people laugh.

E.W. SCRIPPS SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM

OHIO UNIVERSITY

DEDICATED FACULTY >> Our school consistently ranks as one of the top schools in the nation. Learn journalism in a beautiful setting and engage with faculty who know your name.

REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE >> Students can get to work right away at student-run media outlets, includng The Post, The New Political, Thread magazine, Backdrop magazine, ACRN radio and WOUB Public Media. Students can also join the professionally managed advertising agency NEXT, interacting with national brands.

Creativity doesn’t wait for permission.

• Find Possibilities at the Walsworth booth and learn how to reserve a copy

• Enter to win a photography backdrop & lighting kit

• Connect with yearbook experts who know your world Neither should you.

thepossibilitiesstart with

new volume of inspiration has

620 schools 1,431 examples 412 pages Come experience for yourself . volume

• Real examples from award-winning yearbooks • Teaching tools you can use right away • New downloadable lesson plans and classroom resources • Expert guidance from journalism pros

Adviser Academy

Join us this summer for three full days of adviser-only yearbook training designed to meet you where you are. Earn 18 professional development hours while customizing your learning through focused tracks built for every experience level.

Classroom Training June 24-25

Tech Training Aug. 3 walsworthyearbooks.com/adviser-academy

Elite Weekends

Ready to build an award-winning book? Bring key staff members and work alongside leading yearbook instructors as you develop your theme package, strengthen your team and return home ready to lead with confidence.

• Kansas City Sept. 11-13

• Dallas/Fort Worth Sept. 18-20

• Orlando Sept. 25-27

• Anaheim Oct. 2-4 walsworthyearbooks.com/elite-weekend

Everything you need – all in one place. Discover our curriculum and photography hubs, access free and relevant lesson plans and train your staff with bite-sized videos and That Yearbook Podcast walsworthyearbooks.com/training Comprehensive Curriculum

ADVISERS FOR

NEW ADVISER CONVENTION ORIENTATION

More information on Page 14.

6-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Room 101 A, Level 1

ADVISER WELCOME RECEPTION

More information on Page 14.

9-10:30 p.m. Thursday, Room 101 CDE, Level 1

ADVISER LOUNGE

Meet with your colleagues from across the country. Refreshments provided. Sponsored by Ohio University. 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Room M100 F, Mezzanine Level

Certification test for CJE and MJE candidates

More information on Page 15.

3-6 p.m. Friday, Room 202 A, Level 2

JEA National Student Media Contests judges' dinner and judging

Those who have agreed to judge JEA’s contests are invited to dinner before judging begins. Please check in at the door.

6-9 p.m. Friday, Room 101 CDE, Level 1

Photography and broadcast judging take place earlier in the day (information available on Page 43).

Adviser recognition luncheon

More information on Page 16. Sponsored by Varsity Yearbook. Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Room 101 FG, Level 1

JEA CERTIFICATION STRAND

Do you plan to take the CJE or MJE exam in the near future or just want to be more knowledgable about scholastic journalism education topics? These sessions will highlight topics in the JEA curriculum and prepare advisers for JEA certification. Learn more at JEA.org/certification.

GET CERTIFIED: LAW & ETHICS

Do you plan to take the CJE or MJE test? Or maybe you just want to be more familiar with legal and ethical issues in student media? If you want to know landmark court cases or understand the importance of your publication's forum status, join us here.

Sarah Nichols, MJE, Whitney High School, Rocklin, California

9 a.m. Friday, Room 200 E, Level 2

GET CERTIFIED: WRITING & EDITING

One of several study sessions for advisers who are either taking the Certified Journalism Educator exam or are considering doing so. This session will focus on journalistic writing and editing.

RJ Morgan, MJE, University of Mississippi, Oxford; Larry Steinmetz, MJE, Bullitt East High School, Mt. Washington, Kentucky

10 a.m. Friday, Room 200 E, Level 2

GET CERTIFIED: BROADCAST

This session is mainly for advisers considering taking the CJE or MJE test, but it is open to all. We'll talk about how to best prepare for the broadcast section of the CJE exam as well as best practices in the teaching and advising of a broadcast program.

Rod Satterthwaite, MJE, Palo Alto High School, California 11 a.m. Friday, Room 200 E, Level 2

GET CERTIFIED: DESIGN

This session is designed for advisers preparing for certification testing, but is open to all (including students) willing to dialogue about the fundamentals of design.

Timm Pilcher, MJE, Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa 1 p.m. Friday, Room 200 E, Level 2

GET CERTIFIED: PHOTOJOURNALISM

This session is mainly for advisers considering taking the CJE or MJE exam, but all are welcome. We'll be going over ways to best prepare for the CJE exam as well as best practices in the teaching of photojournalism.

Rod Satterthwaite, MJE, Palo Alto High School, California 2 p.m. Friday, Room 200 E, Level 2

700

We look forward to seeing advisers at our centennial celebration during the Thursday evening adviser’s reception.

UPDATED!

Members-only area for advisers with active student members that has bell ringers, lesson plans and a library of Gallup Award winners.

Contests

Contests for all types of student media. All schools with a charter are eligible to enter.

Chapter Activities

Active chapters could have leadership positions, which can be highlighted on college and scholarship applications.

Support

Membership ordering guide to help from member identification through induction.

Scholarships

Scholarships for senior members and contest winners majoring in journalism.

Recognition

Members can buy graduation honor cords, patches, stickers and diploma seals to commemorate their accomplishment.

STUDENTS FOR

BREAK WITH A PRO

Kick off your morning with tailored, small-group discussion sessions with journalism professionals in traditional and specialized areas. Media professionals will share information about their work and backgrounds. Preregistration was required. Please check your ticket for your assigned time. Session categories include:

Broadcast sports

Communications and marketing

Copy editing

Design and creative direction

Feature writing

Music, arts and culture reporting

News writing

Opinion writing

Photojournalism

Podcasting

Social media

Sports writing

TV news

Videography

9 and 10 a.m. Friday, Room 101 CDE, Level 1

FRIDAY NIGHT FUN: COMEDY SHOW AND GAMES

Students, join us Friday night for a special performance by an Emmy-award winning comedian, David Harris. Or, if you're looking for a quieter evening, stop by the game room to play some board games. More information on Page 35.

7 p.m. Friday, Room 200 E & FG, Level 2

JEA NATIONAL JOURNALISM QUIZ BOWL

A quiz bowl-style competition with questions related to current events, pop culture, journalism and civics will be part of the learning and fun at the convention. Preregistered teams will first take a qualifying test. The test scores will be used to seed the top teams that will compete in the live buzzer rounds Saturday morning. The list of qualifying teams will be posted by 11 a.m. Friday outside Room 203 B (Level 2) and in the mobile app.

QUALIFYING TEST

Registered four-person teams will first take an online qualifying test to seed the top teams. 8 a.m. Friday, Room 200 HIJ, Level 2

FINALS

Four-person teams will compete in the live buzzer rounds. Come cheer on your school as a member of the audience.

8-10 a.m. Saturday, Room 200 HIJ, Level 2

JEA Curriculum

JEA supports free and responsible scholastic journalism by providing resources, professional development and educational opportunities.

Find the curriculum and regular updates and subscribe to the podcast Curriculum Chat at:

jea.org/curriculum

“Over the years, I’ve worked to provide regular content to connect the fantastic JEA journalism curriculum to classroom teachers just like you.”

— Jim Streisel, MJE

JEA Curriculum Specialist

Our core program is the JEA curriculum Over 500 lesson plans across 11 content areas. Resources include learning outcomes, assessments, evaluation guides, models and alignment to standards to support high school journalism classrooms.

Design

Editing

Law & Ethics

Leadership

Marketing

Multimedia

News

Photography

Web

Writing

Digital Media Library

JEA’s Digital Media Library is a comprehensive resource for high school advisers and students, offering tools and training to enhance digital storytelling. It covers key topics like website management, podcasts, broadcast techniques, and social media strategy, with templates, guides, and realworld examples to simplify the process.

nsmc

national student media contests

Advisers: Check in at the National Student Media Contests desk in Exhibit Hall B, Level 1, to pick up students’ contest ID labels. Make sure students have their contest ID labels before their contests are scheduled to meet. Note the contests that begin early Friday morning and ensure students have their ID labels at least 20 minutes prior. The NSMC desk is open 1-7 p.m. Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Friday. Name substitutions must be made by noon Friday. Between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Friday, ID labels may be picked up in the NSMC office, Room 203 B, Level 2.

All NSMC activities take place Friday, April 17

8:30 a.m.

44 Broadcast Anchor, Room 208 B, Level 2

49 Person on the Street orientation, Room 202 B, Level 2

9 a.m.

42 Video Package Editing, Room 202 A, Level 2

43 Online News Package orientation, Room 208 CD, Level 2

44 Broadcast Anchor presentations, Room 208 A, Level 2

46 Broadcast Package orientation, Room 208 CD, Level 2

10:30 a.m.

49 Person on the Street, Room 202 B, Level 2

1 p.m.

43 Online News Package, Room 208 CD, Level 2

46 Broadcast Package, Room 208 CD, Level 2

43/46 Online News Package & Broadcast Package VO room, Room 202 B, Level 2

4 p.m.

01 Newswriting, Room 200 AB, Level 2

02 Editorial Writing, Room M100 AB, Mezzanine Level

03 Feature Writing, Room 200 CD, Level 2

04 Sports Writing, Room 200 FG, Level 2

05 Review Writing, Room 200 E, Level 2

06 Editorial Cartooning, Room M100D, Mezzanine Level

07 Commentary Writing, Room M100 AB, Mezzanine Level

08 News Editing/Headline Writing/Current Events, Room 101 B, Level 1

09 Newspaper Layout critique, Room M100 C, Mezzanine Level

10 Newsmagazine Layout critique, Room M100 C, Mezzanine Level

11 Press Law and Ethics, Room 208 A, Level 2

12 Yearbook Copy/Caption: Sports, Room M100 GH, Mezzanine Level

Judges

Students: Please note the assigned time and room for your contest. While most contests begin at 4 p.m. Friday, some broadcast contests will meet earlier in the day. Bring required equipment and supplies, as explained in rules at JEA.org/contests, and your contest ID label to the assigned room. Most contests and critiques will last two hours. Check the convention mobile app in case there is a room change. Lead judges: Pick up materials between 1-3:30 p.m. Friday at Room 203 B, Level 2

Yearbook Copy/Caption: Academics,

Layout: Inside Pages critique, Auditorium Room 1, Level 1 18 Yearbook Cover/End Sheets critique, Auditorium Room 1, Level 1

19 Literary Magazine: Layout critique, Room 101 H, Level 1

20 Literary Magazine: Poetry, Room 101 I, Level 1

21 Literary Magazine: Illustration, Room 101 I, Level 1

22 Literary Magazine: Photography, Room 101 J, Level 1

23 Graphic Design: Logo critique, Room M100 E, Mezzanine Level

24 Graphic Design: Infographics critique, Room M100 I, Mezzanine Level

25 Graphic Design: Advertising critique, Room M100 E, Mezzanine Level

26 Graphic Design: Illustration critique, Auditorium Room 2, Level 1

27 Themed Photo critique, Auditorium Room 3, Level 1

28 Sports Action Photography critique, Auditorium Room 3, Level 1

29 Sports Feature Photography critique, Auditorium Room 3, Level 1

30 Feature Photography critique, Auditorium Room 3, Level 1

31 General or Spot News Photography critique, Auditorium Room 3, Level 1

32 Photo Story critique, Auditorium Room 3, Level 1

33 Portfolio critique, Auditorium Room 3, Level 1

34 Portrait Photo critique, Auditorium Room 3, Level 1

35 First-Year Photo critique, Auditorium Room 3, Level 1

36 Broadcast News Story critique, Room 200 HIJ, Level 2

37 Broadcast Sports Story critique, Room 200 HIJ, Level 2

38 Broadcast Feature Story critique, Room 200 HIJ, Level 2

39 Broadcast Commercial/PSA critique, Room 200 HIJ, Level 2

40 Videography critique, Room 200 HIJ, Level 2

41 Podcast critique, Room M100 J, Mezzanine Level

45 Broadcast Newswriting, Room 208 B, Level 2

47 Reporter Reel critique, Room 200 HIJ, Level 2

48 Person on the Street critique, Room 200 HIJ, Level 2

SCHEDULE FRIDAY

Exhibit Hall B

ONE Registration check-in, trade show, information desk, merchandise distribution, NSMC check-in, Best of Show desk

Room 101 A LEVEL ONE NSPA/Quill & Scroll advisory board meeting From inspiration to final design: Developing visual identity Legal challenges for entrepreneurial photojournalists

Room 101 B

Tips for yearbooks to be nationally competitive

ONE Journalism at a private school: When to stand your ground Adviser-to-adviser roundtable Story ideas: Where do you want to wake up tomorrow? How to get into good trouble as a student journalist Room 101 CDE

You’ve got the write stuff: Becoming a published author

Leading a creative yearbook staff when you’re not the “expert” Room 101 J

DJ Krakenn builds a Wordpress portfolio

Tackling student journalism at private schools

Design or decoration? How to make intentional visual choices

Yearbook specialty spreads that shine

SCHEDULE FRIDAY

Curating publication classroom vibes with DJ Krakenn

Community journalism: More stories to tell

Understanding color theory for yearbook themes

They say design like a pro: What do they mean?

Taking it to the streets: Covering protests

Authentic in-class experiences for intro to journalism

Organized, energized and on deadline: Build a thriving newsroom Three C’s of powerful images

You need this: Staff manual and policy 67 ways to bond Humans of [your school]

The age of AI: Expanding human-made art in publications

Covering local politics as a student publication

Review writing: How the Beatles taught me critical thinking

MSNBC: Middle School News and Broadcast Coalition Type? Oh!

Great expectations: Creating your staff manual

Feeds, not followers: Winning on social media in 2026

Beginning Photoshop Advise like a coach

The ABCs of L-I-B-E-L Covering protests safely and effectively

Strong teams come from shared leadership and trust

AI in the newsroom: What future journalists should know

JEA Mentoring Committee meeting

Protecting source identities

Adviser lounge

Walk the walk: Leading by example

The other stuff: Photographing the whole story

Building journalistic foundations in yearbook

Improving publication photography

Spice up your sports writing

Interview like a pro

Creating award-winning photography portfolios

This review is good: Effective review writing

NSPA Best of Show judging

NSMC 08 News Editing/ Current Events/Headline Writing

NSMC 14-15 Yearbook Copy/ Captions: Clubs & Student Life

NSMC 19 Literary Magazine: Layout

NSMC 20 & 21 Literary Magazine: Poetry & Illustration

NSMC 22 Literary Magazine: Photography

NSMC 02 Editorial Writing & NSMC 07 Commentary Writing

NSMC 09 & 10 Newspaper & Newsmagazine Layout

NSMC 06 Editorial Cartooning

NSMC 23 & 25 Graphic Design: Logo & Advertising critiques

NSMC 12-13 Yearbook Copy/ Captions: Sports & Academics

NSMC 24 Graphic Design: Infographics critique

NSMC 41 Podcasting critique

 SPECIAL EVENT

 MEETING

 CONTEST

 REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION

 FEATURED SPEAKER

 MEDIA LAW CENTRAL

 DIVERSITY CERTIFICATE

 GOOD FOR BEGINNERS

 ADVANCED TOPICS

 CIVIL UNREST, SOCIAL CHANGE IN MINNESOTA STRAND

Session descriptions and speaker information can be found in the convention mobile app (see Page 5 for details).

SCHEDULE FRIDAY

Auditorium Room 2

Covering culture in your community Legal and ethical challenges of Operation Metro Surge reporting

FRIDAY

SCHEDULE

From an editor’s POV: Collaboration and communication

The importance of diversity and independent media Beyond the newsroom: Founding your own media company Words that hold power

Concerts to Congress: “All access” as a student journalist 26+ yearbook ideas to start 2027 right

You be the food writer: Reporting through taste not hype

One million views: How to slay social media engagement

Teach students to become the teacher

Preparing for college journalism: New skills you should have

Reporting with a mental health lens: Tools and strategies

Amplify student voices through multimedia storytelling Life at the top: Advice from student yearbook leaders

A good girl’s guide to questions: Conducting interviews Get certified: Design Get certified: Photojournalism

Cohesive culture: Strategies for staff success The tool, not the creator: Use AI to assist, not create So you want to work for Nike? Brand media for bosses

How to circulate and expand your print media viewership

NSMC 16-18 Yearbook Layout critiques

NSMC 26 Graphic Design: Illustration critique

NSMC 27-35 Photography critiques

DIVERSITY CERTIFICATE

GOOD FOR BEGINNERS

ADVANCED TOPICS

CIVIL UNREST, SOCIAL CHANGE IN MINNESOTA STRAND

03 Feature Writing

Reporting on Indigenous issues The sportscaster’s playbook NSMC 04 Sports Writing critiques

SCHEDULE SATURDAY

SCHEDULE SATURDAY

Workshop: Pitch your story to a real news editor

Student journalism that connects with communities

Write right for a new era of journalism

One day at a time: Switching to chronological yearbook

glow up for yearbook

Hook

with stylized leads and the 300-word story form

Blocked, not broken: Normalizing the creative struggle

Readers and rankings: Reasons to add value to online content

The 85-lb beagle and the legless football player: Finding stories Let’s play the yes-or-no game: Good questions, good stories The journalistic importance of subject matter experts

Podcasting tools and techniques for scholastic journalism

Five practices for exemplary student leadership

Confident with color: Choosing colors with intention

SCHEDULE SATURDAY

Lobby Area

ONE

Auditorium Main

LEVEL ONE

Auditorium Room 1

LEVEL ONE

Auditorium Room 2

LEVEL ONE

Auditorium Room 3

LEVEL ONE

Room 200 AB

LEVEL TWO

Room 200 CD

LEVEL TWO

Room 200 E

LEVEL TWO

Room 200 F

LEVEL TWO

Room 200 G

LEVEL TWO

Room 200 HIJ

Read all about it: How to grow an audience

ICE, Annunciation: The role of Minnesota student journalism

Community journalism when ICE is in the community

Culturally informed storytelling Education reporting for students

With great power comes great responsibility Lessons from the land of 10,000 stories

Revisiting the past to build trust for the future

Next level interviewing

Creating with Canva: How design can upgrade your newspaper

Get your head in the game: Sports photography tips

Sharing your mission: Rewriting the staff bio

Elevating newspapers through narrative nonfiction

Yearbook, newspaper and broadcast can work together

The life of a leader: Yearbook version

Great conversations ensure captivating yearbook copy And the award goes to ...

LEVEL TWO JEA National Journalism Quiz Bowl finals

Room 202 A LEVEL TWO JEA Digital Media committee meeting

Room 203 B

LEVEL TWO

From the Yearbook Pacemaker judges

Inclusion is a radical idea: Supporting student media DEI efforts

For your Info(graphic)

Starting from static: Broadcast journalism on a budget

Overhauling your program’s offerings

Yearbook Adviser of the Year panel

National Student Media Contests and Quiz Bowl headquarters

Publication exchange

The role of photojournalists when everyone is recording

Inclusive storytelling: A guide for young reporters

SATURDAY

SCHEDULE

Let student voice be the star of your literary magazine

Advanced Placement seminar: Journalism, media and democracy

Trusted sources: A new approach to media literacy

Human resources in Yearbookland

26 free or almost free ways to build staff culture in 2026

AI and the future of media: Skills you’ll need to succeed

The evolution of Collegian Media through multimedia reporting

Buy the book: Marketing a yearbook culture at your school

Mandatory fun: Where the fun is required

Indigenous representation in journalism: Mascots and stereotypes

Two peas in a pod: Integrating two photography teams

Picture this: The art of photojournalism

Kids books and dad jokes: Learn about fonts and colors

26 yearbook hacks

Sports photography speedrun

Jump-start your journalism job journey

Trendy or tired? Design and yearbook themes for 2027

Building yearbook themes together: Engage your entire staff

Investigative journalism for social and policy change

Closing awards ceremony

 SPECIAL EVENT

 MEETING

 CONTEST

 REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION

 FEATURED SPEAKER

 MEDIA LAW CENTRAL

 DIVERSITY CERTIFICATE

 GOOD FOR BEGINNERS

 ADVANCED TOPICS

 CIVIL UNREST, SOCIAL CHANGE IN MINNESOTA STRAND

Leadership lessons from life

Lightroom workflow: Edit, organize and deliver fast

Producing reliable student news for social media

“Human swastika” at school: Reporting on controversial stories

Sports journalism by the numbers

Becoming a stronger designer: Branding your yearbook

Online harassment and privacy: What you need to know

How to lose a reader in 10 photos

How to create a great student-centered, student-run yearbook

National Student Media Contests and Quiz Bowl headquarters

Session descriptions and speaker information can be found in the convention mobile app (see page 5 for details).

ELEVATED SEATING

} Portable, telescopic risers feature elevated seating for up to 2,000

FREIGHT ACCESS

} 15’ wide covered loading bays (36), plus eight drive-in doors

} Natural gas is available at select points

} Electrical service features 120 volt, 208 volt, and 480 volt single- and threephase electrical service of amperage ranging from 10 to 400 amps

} Compressed air available from catwalk at various locations

} 87 column-free rooms handle up to 100 lbs. per sq. ft. LIGHTING

MAPS CONVENTION

} Truck marshaling area directly behind the Convention Center features 88,000 sq. ft. of fenced and lighted space

All Levels

} Dimmable LED lighting up to 40 footcandles with eight preset lighting configurations

MAPS CONVENTION

Level One

Level Two

The nation’s largest gathering of scholastic journalists, advisers and journalism teachers

The JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention offers hundreds of instructional sessions from industry professionals and educators, on-site contests and award presentations, publication exchanges and critiques, workshops, networking events, a scholastic journalism-centered trade show and college fair, and more.

share learn explore grow inspire celebrate here

Nov. 19-22, 2026

Orlando World Center Marriott

“I would recommend [NHSJC] to anyone involved in journalism because there is truly something available for everyone.”