Fern Valentine Freedom of Expression Award
Fern Valentine Freedom of Expression Award
This award is presented to a WJEA member who has advocated student free press rights in Washington State. The award includes a check for $500 to be spent at the adviser’s discretion, and is presented in the interest of promoting fair, accurate, responsible and uncensored journalism in Washington State.
Qualifications
The recipient of this award will be a WJEA member who has worked beyond the call of duty for student free press rights, and may have risked reputation, professional standing and/or career to advocate such rights.
Nomination
An adviser may self-nominate, or may be nominated by a student or colleague. A nomination consists of a letter, email or telephone call to the committee chair (see contact information below). When the nomination deadline is passed, the committee chair will contact the nominees for more information. This additional information may include a statement written by the nominee describing the nominee’s work and risks taken in the interest of student free press rights, letters of recommendation, examples of student work, professional media coverage of controversies, etc.
Submit nomination: WJEA Headquarters | PO Box 24389, Seattle, WA 98124
Kathy Schrier | [email protected] | 206-979-3234
Deadline: Nominations are due on or before February 15
Previous Recipients
2022 —
2019 – Chris Twombley, Mercer Island High School
2014 – no nominations; prize donated to the Student Press Law Center
2013 – Kevin Smyth, Emerald Ridge High School
2012 – Michael Smith, Ballard High School
2011 – no nominations; prize donated to the Student Press Law Center
2010 – no nominations; prize donated to the Student Press Law Center
2009 – Susan Holihan, Mount Si HS
2008 – Jeff Nusser, Wenatchee HS
2007 – Kathy Schrier, Washington News Council
2006 – Deb Kalina, Everett High School
2005 – Lois Gibbens, Ephrata High School
2004 – Logan Aimone, Wenatchee High School
2003 – Hilari Anderson, Renton High School