Sunflower Award
The Sunflower Award recognizes a new adviser who shows enthusiasm and dedication to building a strong journalism program and aims to encourage the adviser to remain in the profession. The recipient of the award will receive a student scholarship to a Kansas summer media workshop and a plaque presented at the State Celebration in May, following recognition at the adviser’s school. One award will be presented each year.
NOMINATIONS ARE CLOSED FOR 2025.
The nominee will be judged on the following four criteria:
- Has five or fewer years advising experience.
- Demonstrates commitment to journalism education.
- Supports First Amendment rights through teaching of the law and allowing student leadership and free expression.
- Shows improvement in journalism program during advising period.
Nomination requirements:
- A primary nomination letter that includes the nominator’s relationship with the nominee and detailed examples of how the nominee meets the award criteria.
- One letter of recommendation from another source who can give examples of how the nominee meets the award criteria.
Sunflower Winners:
- 2011 — Michelle (Wilmes) Huss, Ottawa High School
- 2012 — Brandi Stout, Kansas City Washington High School
- 2013 — Barbara Tholen, Lawrence High School
- 2014 — Robert Bovaird, Louisburg High School
- 2016 — Dan Loving, Maize High School
- 2017 — Spencer O’Daniel, Wichita West High School
- 2018 — John Walter, Junction City High School
- 2019 — Jeni Daley, Shawnee Heights High School
- 2020 — Heather Springer, Olathe South High School
- 2022 — Tucker Love, Shawnee Mission South High School
- 2023 — Madison Loomis, Maize South High School
- 2024 — Aurora Farmer, Halstead High School
- 2025 — Jared Shuff, Free State High School