Senior Alice Scott, Shield co-editor in chief for the past two school years, has been named the 2024 Journalism Education Association National Journalist of the Year. JEA Journalist of the Year coordinator Joe Humphrey announced Scott as the winner at today’s award ceremony at the close of the NSPA/JEA Spring National High School Journalism Convention in Kansas City.
To win the national award, Scott had to complete a portfolio documenting her work as a journalist. Winning Texas Journalist of the Year made Scott eligible for the national competition. On Thursday at the beginning of the national convention, she was named one of five national finalists.
“While this was an incredibly lengthy process, it was also incredibly rewarding,” Scott said today after the award ceremony. “These past four years have not been dull — there was rarely a day without something making news headlines. Being able to report on some of these events while at McCallum has inspired me to pursue a career in journalism.”
On its website, JEA shared publicly the judges’ statements about Scott’s portfolio, which she titled, “Stories Matter.”
“You’ve worked tirelessly to develop your journalism skills in so many areas,” Ava Butzu of Michigan said. “No matter where you go or what you decide to do, you’re going to be a star, and [your] portfolio is proof of that.”
Alyssa Boehringer of Texas agreed.
“I love that your video stories function as much more than event coverage or marketing,” she said. “These stories are about people in your community and those are the best types of stories.”
Erinn Harris of Virginia said simply: “I wish I could spend a hundred years with your writing. You’ve got a gift!”
Scott said that a highlight of her weekend in KC was getting to know the other JOY finalists: Clare Kirwin of Harrisonburg High School in Harrisonburg, Va.; Nadia Knoblauch of Hagerty High School in Oviedo, Fla.; Clara Martinez of The American School in London; and Ben Shapiro of Conestoga High School in Bewyn, Pa.
“Everyone I met was so talented and kind,” Scott said. “I have no doubt that they will all go on to do incredible things. Journalism matters now more than ever and these state winners serve as a reminder of just how valuable the student press is now. I am honored to be in their company.”
Scott is the eighth Texas journalist to win National Journalist of the Year. Texas has enjoyed more winners than any other state. The title of National Journalist of the Year comes with a $3,000 scholarship.
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Lily • Apr 18, 2024 at 2:20 pm
Congratulations Alice!! This was such a fun article to read, your hard work really paid off!