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It's contest season! Download the flyer below for everything you need to know about PSPA's Fall Regional Student Journalism Contests. If you have any questions, please contact PSPA Contest Chair, Paul Fantaski, at [email protected]. 
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On Monday, April 29, PSPA Board President Aaron Fitzpatrick, Board Member Cyndi Hyatt, and 2024 Pennsylvania Student Journalist of the Year Ben Shapiro offered testimony in support of the Student Journalism Protection Act at an informational meeting of the Pennsylvania House Education Committtee. Fitzpatrick's remarks follow below. Please watch the linked video for remarks by Hyatt and Shapiro. Learn more at the New Voices website. Chairman Schweyer, Chairman Topper, and members of the House Education Committee: Thank you once again for inviting us here today to speak about the Student Journalism Protection Act.
My name is Aaron Fitzpatrick. I am a master journalism educator, the president of the Pennsylvania School Press Association, 2018 Pennsylvania Journalism Teacher of the Year, and a New Voices legislation advocate. As a teacher at Freedom Area High School in Beaver County, I’ve advised the newspaper and yearbook for the past 12 years, and the broadcast program for the past nine. In that time, while my students and I have been fortunate to have had the support of our school board and administration, particularly during my tenure serving on the PSPA Board of Directors, I’ve met many advisers and students across the state who, unfortunately, haven’t been so lucky. I’m here today for them and on behalf of the student journalists and advisers who struggle each day to choose between telling the stories their school communities deserve to hear and avoiding possible conflict with school officials to avoid unpleasant confrontation or even to protect their advisers’ jobs. The work these student journalists and advisers do is among the most heavily scrutinized in our entire education system. While a typical student’s work is viewed and evaluated by a single teacher, student journalists’ work is published, distributed to their district communities, and viewed by their classmates, teachers, parents, administrators, school board members, and beyond. To say that this is a weighty responsibility is quite the understatement, yet it’s a responsibility they take very seriously. These students aren’t just our future professional journalists; they’re our engineers, healthcare professionals, creatives, teachers, and business owners. These students develop writing, editing, photography, marketing, design, teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills, all while keeping their communities informed, so long as they have the support to do so. In the seven years since I first began advocating for this legislation, I’ve spoken with a number of legislators, journalists, and media organizations to explain why we need the Student Journalism Protection Act. One of the most common questions we get from those conversations is if we have examples we can share of students being censored and if we can share the article or work in question. Unfortunately, while I’d argue even one such example would be too many, I tell them we have a number of examples from across our state, some we learned about through word-of-mouth; others through surveys we’ve conducted, and a couple that have even made national news, ironically due to the censorship itself. Still, I remind them, this bill is as much for those who HAVE faced censorship as it is for all of those who have gone out of their way to self-censor to avoid conflict, and student journalists and advisers to come who, without House Bill 1309 to protect them in their roles, may decide not to get involved in the first place. And we NEED them to be involved and tell these stories. By “we,” I don’t mean journalism advisers. Our communities need them—especially now when our students cover so many areas that our shrinking local and regional media outlets are unable to cover. School board meetings, policy changes, sporting events, student life, and most things that take place within district walls would go unreported if it weren’t for these incredible individuals. To truly support these students in their important work, we also need to support and protect their advisers. Being a journalism adviser isn’t for the faint of heart. Any adviser can attest that it’s a demanding role that requires countless hours outside of what is contractually expected, and at a time when teacher shortages are at an all-time high, it’s more important than ever to support and protect these tireless, hardworking individuals any way we can. House Bill 1309 can do just that. So, on behalf of Pennsylvania’s current student journalists and advisers and all those yet to come, I’m asking you to support the Student Journalism Protection Act. Thank you, again, for allowing us this time to testify for HB 1309.  Pennsylvania School Press Association's 2024 Student Journalism Competition Finals took place on Wednesday, April 3 at Penn State University's main campus. Students who previously qualified at regional events participated in a press conference with Sarah Higgins, Penn State University's Assistant Athletics Director, who spoke about her career path and her work in creative content and branding. Students then competed in writing, design, photography, and video categories based on the themes of the conference. The afternoon featured roudtables with Penn State University students in the Bellisario College of Communications, as well as a presentation by Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year Ashlie Crosson. Student representatives shared information about the campaign for New Voices legislation in Pennsylvania. The following publications were recognized as the Clyde F. Lytle All-State Awards: Literary Magazine: Winchster Thurston School | Plaid Literary Magazine Yearbook: Kiski Area High School | Campus Newspaper: Conestoga High School | The Spoke Website: Strath Haven High School | The Panther Press The 2024 Pennsylvania Student Journalist of the Year, Ben Shapiro of Conestoga High School shared remarks about his path in journalism, and the 2024 Journalism Teacher of the Year Mr. David Weikert accepted a certificate of recognition. The following students earned first place ranking in their their categories at the 2024 Student Journalism Competitions. Click each student journalist's name to see the winning entry. 1Y | Yearbook Caption Writing | Charlotte Horetsky | Strath Haven HS 2Y | Yearbook Copywriting | Claudia Caruso | Perkiomen Valley HS 3Y | Yearbook Sports | Olivia McMinn | Altoona Area HS 4Y | Yearbook Spread Design | Norah Carver | North East HS 5N | News Story Writing | Alexis Behrens | Southern Lehigh HS 6N | News Feature Writing | Gabe Meyers | Emmaus HS 7N | Newspaper Sports Writing | Andrew Woods | Blackhawk HS 8E | Editorial Cartoon | Molly Kuhar | Lake-Lehman Jr./Sr. High 9E | Editorial Writing | Laila Warrick | Franklin Learning Center 10L | Literary Magazine Poetry | Haley Zeller | Kiski Area HS 11L | Literary Magazine Artwork | Leah Gonzalez-Diaz | Strath Haven HS 12B | Broadcast News Writing | Sarah Brosius | McDowell HS 13YP | Yearbook Photography | Brennan Moore | Kiski Area 14NP | News Photography | Ruby Morris | North Allegheny 15BF | Broadcast Feature | Katie Heimbach and Jared Reinhard | Palmerton Area 15BN | Broadcast News | Kaitlyn Over, Jacob Zambito, and Nora Reiner | Northeastern 16BL | Makenzie Closson | Altoona Area 17POD | Podcast | Elsa Hoderewski | Parkland Photography contestants took so many excellent photos, we've also compiled the "best of" SJC Finals: PSPA is grateful to our hosts at Penn State University and the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications for the organizational and on-site support. Final details for the 2024 PSPA Student Journalism Contest finals were delivered to all advisers of qualifying students on Monday, March 18. Please click the image below to access the itinerary for Wednesday, April 3, an important adviser to-do list, all contest details and rubrics, and more.   The Pennsylvania School Press Association (PSPA) is proud to announce the 2024 Journalism Teacher of the Year, David Weikert of Northeastern High School.
The PSPA Awards Committee unanimously voted for Mr. Weikert after a thorough review of this year’s nominees. In addition to teaching various certification classes including Linux and computer repair, Mr. Weikert also oversees the video and news media production courses. As evidenced by his devotion to student journalism through his various contributions to state-level organizations and competitions, Mr. Weikert is a pillar for student journalism in Pennsylvania. Mr. Weikert's commitment is clear through the testimonies of both administrators and students acknowledging his exceptional contributions to the student journalism field. "If it had not been for Mr. Weikert’s program, I would not have chosen to go into my major of Broadcast Journalism,” Grace Riek, one of Weikert’s former students, wrote. “His program let me get the hands-on experience that let me realize what I now know is what I want to do for the rest of my life." Mr. Weikert’s impact on alumni from his program has been apparent to his administration and colleagues for some time. “There is a reason that students who come back to NHS to visit after graduation often make it a point to see Mr. Weikert,” noted Mr. Mathew Gay, Weikert’s principal of 15 years. “They recognize his commitment to them and his deep investment in their success.” Mr. Weikert's devotion to his students is evident through his personal reflections on teaching. “I’m here because I want to be here. I want to be someone who inspires students. I want to be someone students and colleagues can depend on…” Weikert wrote. “I want to impact students the way my teachers impacted me: with enthusiasm and energy, with grace and forgiveness, with patience and understanding, for second, third, and fourth chances, and with a ‘never give up’ attitude.” The Pennsylvania School Press Association originated in 1924 and stands as one of the oldest scholastic journalistic organizations in the country. The organization supports K-12 student journalism statewide through journalism competitions, summer critiques, awards and recognition, mentorship for advisers, and other resources. To nominate advisers for the 2025 PSPA Journalism Teacher of the Year, visit the PSPA website to submit applications for any active member of the organization by November 30, 2024. Nominations can be submitted by any teacher, administrator, student, or media professional.  The Pennsylvania School Press Association is pleased to announce that Ben Shapiro of Conestoga High School in Berwyn is the 2024 Dr. Jane Blystone Pennsylvania Student Journalist of the Year. "This honor motivates me to continue striving for excellence in journalism, to uncover truths and to shed light on the issues that matter most. I'm grateful for the recognition and inspired to keep pushing boundaries in pursuit of informing and engaging audiences,” Shapiro said. Shapiro is the Editor-in-Chief and a four-year staff member of The Spoke, Conestoga’s student-run newspaper. He previously served as News Editor and Copy Editor. During his time as a student journalist, he has been recognized for his reporting and writing by the Pennsylvania Newsmedia Association Foundation, Quill and Scroll and the Pennsylvania Federation of Press Women. As for his future plans, Shapiro is attending Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University in the fall where he will study journalism. In her recommendation letter, broadcast journalism teacher and co-newspaper adviser, Alison Ferriola, says Ben is “the model for student journalism at Conestoga High School,” and co-adviser Laura Howard adds that “he’s constantly searching for the truth both within our school community, as well as our regional community and the world at large. He tackles sensitive topics with grace, while still teaching our readers about themselves.” Student Journalist of the Year candidates submit comprehensive portfolios which are judged on categories of the Journalism Education Association’s curriculum, including News and Reporting, Law and Ethics, Leadership, Photojournalism, Broadcast Journalism, Commitment to Diversity, Web and Social Media, Audience Engagement and Design. A panel of judges evaluates the portfolios and provides specific feedback to the student entrants. Not only is Shapiro a model student journalist at school, he is also an advocate for student press rights. One judge noted “If anyone in this state has been more involved with ethics, law and real news literacy, I need to meet them. From an in-school leader to an outspoken community leader Ben's fight for the rights of High School Journalists is unwavering.” Shapiro will submit his portfolio for national SJOY consideration, where his work will be judged alongside other current winners from across the country. The national winner and runners-up will be announced April 5 at the National High School Journalism Convention in Kansas City. Shapiro will also be honored at the PSPA state finals April 3 at Penn State University, where he will be presented with a $500 scholarship. PSPA also congratulates honorable mentions, Angie Wang of Germantown Academy and Eden Savoy of Berwick High School, with commendations to Tanisha Agrawal of Conestoga High School, Zorian Edwards of Saegertown High School, Ethan Kurtz of Lower Dauphin High School and Vanessa Stauffer of Parkland High School. Dear advisers,
With the first half of the school year now behind us, I wanted to share some information and exciting opportunities with you and your students regarding the weeks and months ahead. PSPA REGIONAL STUDENT JOURNALISM CONTEST (SJC) RESULTS & STATE FINALS In recent weeks, Paul Fantaski (PSPA SJC Chair), emailed results and judges' feedback to advisers from schools who competed in our Fall Regional SJCs. Regional Site Coordinators are currently in the process of compiling students' actual entries from the contests to return to advisers, so students will be able to reference their work when reviewing their feedback. Keep an eye out for those emails in the coming days. Advisers of students who qualified for Finals: We're currently working with Penn State to develop an itinerary for the day, and I will be sharing all of those details with you as soon as they are finalized and available. In the meantime, as I'm aware many of you have begun the planning process for the trip, here's what we know so far: Who: Competing students (and their advisers/chaperones). Each school may bring up to five non-competing guests or students. If you need/would like to bring more than five non-competing guests or students, please notify us as soon as possible. What: 2024 PSPA SJC Finals Where: Penn State University, University Park | HUB-Robeson Center When: Wednesday, April 3 | ~9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Cost: There is no fee for Finals competition. Lunch: On your own. There is a food court in the HUB-Robeson center and a number of dining options along College Ave. within walking distance from campus. We're working on getting some information from Penn State on how to support students who may not have debit cards, since the HUB is all cashless dining. Please stay tuned. I hope that's enough for everyone to process travel requests; however, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me or Paul at any time. If you joined PSPA in the time since our Regionals, we hope to see you at next year's competitions! Be on the lookout for information on that, as well as other PSPA news and offerings, in the coming months. PENNSYLVANIA STUDENT JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR The Pennsylvania Student Journalist of the Year contest is officially open and runs through February 10. Please encourage any outstanding senior you have to apply. The PA winner wins a scholarship and advances to the national competition. If you have any questions, you can contact Cyndi Hyatt, PJOY chair/JEA State Director, a [email protected]. CALL FOR STUDENT WORK Scholastic Journalism Week (February 19-23) and Student Press Freedom Day (February 22) are quickly approaching, and the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association (PNA) wants to help us spread the word! Have your students write an opinion piece or produce a broadcast video explaining the importance of student journalism, in celebration of Scholastic Journalism Week and/or Student Press Freedom Day, and send it to me with the subject line "SJW Submission" by February 9 for a chance to be published in a Pennsylvania regional publication! If they publish their work on your school's website, feel free to send the link to the published work. PNA has offered to distribute student work to local media outlets and encourage them to publish these pieces in support/celebration of Scholastic Journalism Week and Student Press Freedom Day. I hope you'll encourage your students to take advantage of this awesome opportunity! Resources:
Sample Columns
That's all for now. If there's any way that PSPA can help you, your students, or your programs in any way, please don't hesitate to reach out. Otherwise, we'll be in touch in the coming weeks and months with further details for advisers of SJC finalists and the latest from PSPA. Until then, be well, everyone! Thanks! Aaron The Pennsylvania School Press Association is proud to announce the state finalists in its 2023-2024 Student Journalism Contests. Over 700 students competed in regional contests at Point Park University, Slippery Rock University, Penn State Behrend, York College, Juniata College, Temple University, Bloomsburg University, and Penn State Berks. The winners will compete for a state championship on April 3, 2024 at Penn State University. Please review the list of winners at the link. Congratulations to all of our participating student journalists and their advisers. We look forward to celebrating with you at the state finals. Watch for more details in early February. Congratulations to Evan Lu, of Conestoga High School, for winning PSPA's Student Journalist of the Year! Check out his impressive portfolio here.  |
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OUR MISSION
The mission of the Pennsylvania School Press Association is to promote excellence and responsibility in scholastic journalism through developing students who possess sound journalism skills, demonstrate ethical decision making and recognize, uphold, and advocate First Amendment rights through responsible citizenship and informed media consumption. |
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Questions? Can't find something on our site? Contact us! [email protected] Aaron Fitzpatrick - PSPA President [email protected] Jane Blystone - PSPA Vice President [email protected] Jonathan Bickel - PSPA Secretary [email protected] Beth Ann Brown - PSPA Treasurer [email protected] PSPA Mailing Address P.O. Box 385 Manchester, PA 17345 |
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