Georgia Scholastic Press Association

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Georgia Scholastic Press Association

The Georgia Scholastic Press Association (GSPA) is the official high and middle school journalism or

07/23/2025

Nineteen scholastic journalists attended the Broadcast Journalism Summer Academy program last month Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Georgia.

Prof. David Lawson and Karmen Morrison (MA ’25) led the program. Working in small teams, the class produced a broadcast show. Participants took turns trying out each role, anchors, reporters, producers, camera operators and editors. They practiced doing the teleprompter, writing scripts and conducting interviews.

Students also learned best practices for mental and behavioral health reporting and about resources such as the Georgia Crisis and Action line, 988. They also visited to learn from professionals in the broadcasting industry.

Watch the newscast here: https://summermediaacademy.wordpress.com/broadcast-journalism-summer-academy-2025/

Youth Programs at the University of Georgia

04/29/2025

Ciara Whimbush, from at North Cobb High School, is the 2025 winner of the Behavioral Health Journalism Excellence Competition. Recognized for her powerful reporting on mental health and the experiences of Black women, Whimbush brings attention to the urgent need for awareness, empathy, and accessible resources.

“By calling out the stereotypes that constrict us from finding help, and also highlighting methods that can be helpful, I’m providing a thorough path forward for clarity and healing,” Whimbush wrote.

04/25/2025

The Pitchfork at Marietta High School is GSPA’s 2025 Community Service Award winner. Through initiatives like “Rock the Vote” and “The Big Give,” the staff has used journalism as a force for civic engagement and meaningful change.

“It is our goal to make students aware of the many opportunities that they have to better their school and community,” the nomination letter shared.

From voter registration drives to spotlighting local service organizations, The Pitchfork proves student publications have the power to lead and inspire.

04/21/2025

Lavar Hickerson, assistant principal at New Manchester High School, is GSPA’s 2025 Administrator of the Year. Recognized for his support of student journalism and media programs, Hickerson empowers students to lead, create, and innovate.

Hickerson’s commitment to empowering students, fostering a vibrant school culture, and embracing the power of modern media makes him a standout candidate,” Social Media Club adviser Serena Robertson wrote.

04/16/2025

Andrea Shupert, adviser of Green & Gold at Wesleyan School, is GSPA’s 2025 Adviser of the Year. Known for her high standards, care for students, and year-round dedication, Shupert continues to push her staff to new heights.

“Shupert truly cares for her students; she wants them to grow not only as journalists but also in their character as friends, classmates, and leaders,” Green & Gold editor-in-chief Lauren Tucker wrote.

04/14/2025

Nearly 330 student journalists and teachers from across the state came together at UGA’s Georgia Center on March 24 for our Spring Workshop and Awards. It was a day filled with inspiration, learning, and well-deserved recognitions. Swipe through these moments captured by 📸

04/03/2025

Congratulations to the staff and advisers of these news websites!

04/02/2025

Congratulations to our 2025 newsmagazine winners!🏅

04/01/2025

Congratulations to the staffs and advisers of these newspapers! 🏆

03/28/2025

Congratulations to Broadcast winners!! 🏆

03/12/2025

Congratulations to Audrey Lyons and Brennan Fritts of Midtown High School’s on being named the 2025 Georgia Junior Champion Journalist of the Year Runners-Up. Both Lyons and Fritts serve as Associate Managing Editors of The Southerner.

In a personal narrative statement, Lyons reflected on her growth as a writer: “Over the past three years, my detailed, curious brain has become my superpower,” she wrote. “My ability to come up with a multitude of ideas and angles, coupled with my clear, accessible writing style, has helped me write engaging stories that are always my ‘best one yet.’”

Fritts shared how her journey in journalism shaped her love for impactful storytelling: “That feeling of accomplishment—of creating something meaningful and thoughtful—is what drives me,” she wrote.

Both students will receive a $500 monetary award and will be recognized at the GSPA Spring Workshop and Awards. Congratulations!

03/11/2025

Congratulations to Peter Atchley of ’s on being named the 2025 Junior Georgia Journalist of the Year. Atchley will receive a plaque and a $750 monetary award, supported by the Carolyn McKenzie and Don E. Carter Chair for Excellence in Journalism .

In a personal narrative statement, Atchley reflected on his journey as a journalist: “I call myself a collagist because what makes me a creative individual is how I take information and my writing to create something I am proud of,” he wrote. “As a journalist, I am all about uplifting others’ voices and pushing myself farther so I can continue to grow.”

Atchley will be recognized at the Spring Workshop and Awards on March 24. Congratulations!

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Athens, GA

Website

http://www.ugagspa.org/

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