Providing support and leadership in scholastic journalism

Kansas Scholastic Press Association
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Providing support and leadership in scholastic journalism

Kansas Scholastic Press Association
Providing support and leadership in scholastic journalism

Kansas Scholastic Press Association

Ad Astra Award

Nominations for the 2026 honors should be submitted by March 13, 2026. Apply here.

This award honors an adviser who has displayed a significant effort continually improve his/her journalism program and make a significant contribution to the profession of advising in Kansas. Submit nominations here.

Award requirements:

  1. At least five years advising experience and a commitment to continued advising with consistent (not necessarily consecutive) membership in KSPA and/or JEA. 
  2. Regular participation in KSPA regional contests, fall conferences, and/or summer workshops to improve student skills and advising abilities. 
  3. Support of First Amendment rights through teaching of the law and allowing student leadership and free expression. 
  4. A significant contribution of personal time and effort to improve the quality of scholastic journalism in his/her school OR the profession of advising in Kansas. 
  5. Overcoming a considerable challenge or obstacle (such as but not limited to: budget constraints, low enrollment, socio-economic disadvantages in the district, multiple teaching assignments and sponsorships, legislative or administrative opposition to scholastic journalism, etc.).

Nomination requirements:

  1. Letter from primary nominator with examples which are pertinent to the candidate based on requirements (limit one nominee per school district)
  2. One letter of recommendation from a student or former student, colleague, a publication representative, a parent, member of the professional press, or an administrator with examples of requirements

Winners will be honored at the State Celebration in May with a $250 prize and a plaque.
Heather Springer, 2025 Ad Astra Award winner, celebrates with her students and KSPA members.

Ad Astra winners include: