Who was recognized at the JEA/NSPA Spring Convention in April 2011?
Give’ em a hand
There will be lots of applause and cause to celebrate at the Herff Jones-sponsored Saturday adviser luncheon during the JEA/NSPA National Spring High School Journalism Convention in Anaheim in April. In addition to recognition of dozens of Certified Journalism Educators and Master Journalism Educators, a host of other awards will be presented by JEA.
The 2011 National Yearbook Adviser of the Year Competition
National Yearbook Adviser of the year, Sarah Nichols, Whitney HS, Rocklin, CA, who addressed those attending the awards luncheon, was the first honored on campus at Whitney on Jan. 19. Three long-time Herff Jones advisers were among the six others recognized in the Adviser of the Year competition. Mitch Ziegler, Redondo Union HS, Redondo Beach, CA and Charla Harris, Pleasant Grove HS, Texarkana, TX have both been named Distinguished Advisers and Meghan Percival, McLean HS, McLean, VA is one of three Special Recognition Advisers.
What was your proudest yearbook moment ever?
In 2005, we had an amazing year. It was the hundredth anniversary of our school and everyone rose to the occasion. The staff meshed in remarkable ways. Everything about the book just jelled. In the end, a staffer won the NSPA/Adobe Design of the Year contest and we set the standard for anniversary books.”
-Mitch Ziegler
Photo by Daniel Fallon
What makes Yearbook such an important and valuable learning experience?
Anyone who comes into the room can see what’s going on. The students find an idea and elaborate and expand. It’s creative...and they realize learning is fun. They get to tell amazing stories, and find new ways to present the information. Yearbook teaches skills that students cannot learn and practice anywhere else.”
-Charla Harris
Photo by Ali Burks
When did you first realize you were a yerd?
I’ve always loved yearbooks – my own little softcover elementary school books, my mom’s high school books from the ’60s and my older brother’s high school yearbooks – so when I received an “invitation” to join the yearbook staff during my freshman year of high school, I couldn’t believe my good fortune.”
-Meghan Percival
Photo by BIanca Vasquez
2011 Rising Star Award
Four Herff Jones advisers were presented JEA’s Rising Star Award, for advisers who have no more than five years of experience advising. The Herff Jones Rising Stars include the following:
Anastasia Harrison
Ponderosa HS
Parker, CO
My students make me proud every day. They make me feel like I picked the right profession; with their constant questions, creativity and insight, I am amazed by what they do every day.”
Tamra McCarthy
James F. Enochs HS
Modesto, CA
"Being an adviser affords many opportunities to connect with kids... We travel together, make decisions together, create, win, cry and deliver a product together that lives long after high school ends.”
Mark Novom
Brentwood School
Los Angeles, CA
"I have a proudest moment every year when we hand out the yearbook. After everyone gets a book, my favorite part is watching my staff walk around and watch all their friends looking at the yearbook.”
Liz Palmer
DuPont Manual HS
Louisville, KY
"My favorite part of yearbook is always the moment where someone shares a fantastic idea, and everyone is electrified with a feeling of creative synergy. I love the endless creative possibilities.”
Karen Wagner
Eaglecrest HS
Centennial, CO
"I love the moment when students discover their potential and ability to do something without the teacher actually telling them specifically what to do. While I provide the right setting for them to grow, they discover their independence and ability to speak and share their ideas with a large audience. So many students don't have the chance to discover this power, but in publications courses they can."
Discoveries Volume 15 Issue 3