The Journalism Education Association will honor three individuals as Friends of Scholastic Journalism at the JEA/NSPA Fall National High School Journalism Convention in Orlando, Florida, Nov. 14.

This award is given to a professional journalist, professional media outlet or other individual or group making a significant contribution to scholastic journalism.

Angela Filo of Palo Alto, California, is the co-founder, with her husband, David, of Yellow Chair Foundation, which funds nonprofits working on scholastic and public interest journalism, civil liberties, educational equity and environmental protection. She is a member of the Stanford Graduate School of Education Advisory Council and was recently elected to the Stanford University Board of Trustees.

“While Angela and the Yellow Chair Foundation’s financial support has been astounding and invaluable,” JEA Mentor Program chair Linda Barrington wrote, “we have also benefited from her advice, direction and personal support. Without that, the Mentor Program would not exist as it does today.”

Wendy Wallace directs the high school journalism program at The Poynter Institute, a school for journalists in St. Petersburg, Florida. Wallace, once a scholastic journalist at Kirkwood (Missouri) High School, primarily serves at Poynter’s grant manager, but also has spent the past decade ensuring the institute keeps its high school outreach alive and well.

“She is always willing to help in any way possible, and her summer program has benefited hundreds of students,” said Louisa Avery, adviser at H.B. Plant High School, Tampa, Florida, said, “Each year, past attendees come back to assist with the program, and some who attended years ago come to speak about their careers in journalism. Wendy’s efforts have made a significant impact on the future of journalism.”

Vicky Wolfe, CJE, formerly the yearbook marketing director for Herff Jones, began her interest in scholastic journalism as a yearbook student in eighth grade and continued it through her tenure as editor-in-chief at the University of Virginia. Later, she served as a publisher’s representative and workshop presenter and director. Columbia Scholastic Press Association honored her with a Gold Key.

“Vicky Wolfe has been an amazing supporter of yearbook journalism for nearly three decades. Whether it’s been her job or not, she’s trained, mentored and supported advisers and coached editors to success,” said Linda S. Puntney, MJE, JEA’s former executive director. “She’s shared her passion and her knowledge with others. She’s an innovator who knows that caring about the students and the process yields results.”