Weir High Student Reporters Win Prestigious National Journalism Award
For the second consecutive year, student reporters from Weir Student Media (WSM) have been recognized with the First Amendment Press Freedom Award, a prestigious honor presented by the Journalism Education Association (JEA), National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA), and Quill and Scroll International Honor Society for Student Journalists. This award celebrates schools that respect, honor, and actively practice First Amendment freedoms, particularly through their student media programs.
Behind the Achievement
Rigorous Application Process – Led by WSM Advisor Morgan Bricker, students, the principal, and Bricker herself had to submit detailed applications demonstrating Weir High’s commitment to press freedom.
Commitment to Journalism – WSM reporters cover news through video, print, and digital platforms, broadcasting announcements, producing an annual senior video, editing the yearbook, and even assisting with promotional content.
Real-World Impact – WSM students played a key role in passing the New Voices Law (2023), which protects student journalists from censorship and safeguards advisers from retaliation.
Student Manager Hailey Hans emphasized the importance of these protections, stating:
“Just knowing that we’re able to speak our truth and not get censored… we just want to know that we’re protected.”
What’s Next?
This April, five WSM student journalists will travel to Seattle, WA, to attend the 2025 JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention, where they will be honored on stage during the opening ceremony.
