Jeffrey Welch, Wichita South High School’s journalism adviser, has been named the 2020 winner of the Jackie Engel Award, which recognizes the top Kansas high school teachers for their excellence in publications advising. Welch has advised Wichita South’s student magazine, “The Torch,” and yearbook, “Sceptre,” since 2007. He is also…...
Announcing the 2020 All-Kansas publications
Congratulations to the following KSPA-member staffs for earning All-Kansas status for their news publications, news websites and video news publications. This year, our judges critiqued a total of 29 news publications, 12 news websites and four video news publications. 19 of those publications were awarded with All-Kansas distinction. Completed electronic…...
2020 KSPA Board Elections
The voting for KSPA board positions finished April 20 with eleven candidates competing for the six open board positions. Three new members of the board will be joining KSPA’s leadership in August 2020. Please see the list of elected representatives below: Area 1: Jessica Augustine of Hays High School …...
Congratulations to the March monthly contest winners!
With nine awards each Blue Valley Northwest High School and Shawnee Mission East High School tied for most awards received in March. Lawrence High School was right behind earning eight awards. Video 1st Place: Sydney Holmes, Brady Hoyt, Madeline Wilkinson from Maize Career Academy 2nd Place: Mia Robinson from Lawrence…...
State Contest: Welcome to the contest!
Advisers: I am so inspired and excited! At a moment when the world is on lockdown, the KSPA State Contest GREW this year! What an amazing tribute to your energy — and your students’ energy — for journalism, even at this challenging time! This year’s contest has 1,283 entries. Wow! This post will focus…...
Derius Mammen named 2020 Friend of KSPA
Derius Mammen has been named winner of the 2020 Friend of KSPA Award, an honor created to celebrate professionals and others who have contributed t0 our organization’s support of scholastic journalism. Mammen is a yearbook representative for Jostens. He has worked closely with students and advisers to help develop their…...
Sterling High School students win Courage in Journalism Award
The Kansas Scholastic Press Association congratulates Madison Lackey, Ashlyn Spangenberg, Riley Richter, Megan Roelfs, Abby Riffel and Courtney Ball of Sterling High School. They have earned the second annual Courage in Journalism Award from KSPA, an award founded in 2019 on the 50th anniversary of the monumental Tinker v. Des…...
Chris Botts named 2020 Administrator of the Year
Dr. Chris Botts has been named KSPA’s 2020 Administrator of the Year, which recognizes secondary school administrators who have stood up for the First Amender and his/her students. Botts is principal at Maize High School in Maize, Kansas. Students and Maize staff spoke highly of Botts’ support of the journalism…...
Heather Springer wins 2020 Sunflower Award
Heather Springer has been named the 2020 winner of the Sunflower Award, which recognizes a new adviser who shows enthusiasm and dedication to building a strong journalism program. Springer currently advises newspaper and photojournalism at Olathe South High School, where she has been since 2018. In her time at Olathe…...
