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

Sponsored by Kansas Collegiate Media, the Jackie Engel award is given to top Kansas high school advisers who have demonstrated excellence in publications advising. Nominations for any Kansas Scholastic Press Association member advisers are welcome from advisers themselves, or from students, colleagues or administrators. The award comes with recognition at the Kansas Collegiate Media convention in April as well as the KSPA State Celebration in May, a plaque and a $250 cash prize, following a presentation at the adviser’s school.

Jacquelynn “Jackie” Engel was a long-time journalism educator, serving as journalism teacher and publications adviser at McPherson High School from 1966-1987. She then served as executive secretary of KSPA, with headquarters at the University of Kansas, until 1989. During that time, she was instrumental in passage of the Kansas Student Publications Act in 1992.

Jackie taught hundreds of high school journalists through her publications, classes, workshops and conferences. She was a state director for the national Journalism Education Association, which honored her with its Lifetime Achievement Award. She earned the Gold Key from Columbia Scholastic Press Association and the Pioneer Award from the National Scholastic Press Association.

Kansas Collegiate Media is the state organization serving student publications at colleges across the state. Our membership includes student publications at community colleges and at 4-year colleges and universities, including both public and private. The organization supports student journalism at all levels and is proud to sponsor the Jackie Engel award in recognition of the incredible work of high school journalism teachers across the state

The nominee should meet the following five criteria:

1. At least 5 years advising experience
2. Current KSPA member
3. Support First Amendment rights through teaching of the law and allowing student leadership and free expression
4. Regularly participate in local, state and national events (workshop or convention participation/presentation/judging etc.)
5. Make significant contributions to scholastic journalism