JEA recognizes Michigan’s Francis Badalamente as 2026 Aspiring Young Journalist

“People always say ‘don’t judge a book by its cover.’ You should do the same for middle school journalists.”

Those are the fitting words of Francis Badalamente, an eighth grader at Clague Middle School in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Francis, advised by his mother, Sara-Beth Badalamente, CJE, was recognized on April 18 as the 2026 JEA Aspiring Young Journalist. 

“Through my experiences reporting, I have learned that middle school students can inform those around them, including those who can vote, and share people’s voices through reporting,” Francis Badalamente said. “Middle school journalism is important because we can have just as much impact on our community as anyone else.”

Judges also recognized Maya White of Bak Middle School of the Arts in Boynton Beach, Florida, as the Aspiring Young Journalist runner-up, as both students exhibited the criteria for the award given to outstanding middle school/junior high journalists:

• Skilled and creative use of media
• Inquiring mind and investigative persistence
• Courageous and responsible handling of issues
• Variety of journalistic experiences
• Sustained and commendable work with student media

“Going into seventh grade, Francis found a passion for political reporting. In the spring of 2024, Ann Arbor Public Schools announced a $25 million deficit,” his adviser, Sara-Beth Badalamente, wrote. “Francis found himself photographing board meetings and picket lines. After each event, he would talk to me about how he didn’t understand why people didn’t just talk to each other more.”

Although he’s a “behind the scenes” kind of guy, Francis Badalamente stands at 6 feet 1 inch at just 13 years old, and has a professional resume about as big as he is, having already led his staff to earning national recognition in the Best of Show website competition, Best of Show print newspaper, and in their first year of submitting, was a NSPA Pacemaker Finalist and CSPA Crown Finalist.

“Francis has an impressive variety of experience for a middle school journalist,” contest judge Brit Taylor said. “His ability to gather information is clearly a strength that will only grow in the future. He did a commendable job of taking a story with a lot of information, notably the education funding story, and turning it into a digestible piece that explained the core of the issue.”

Francis is Clague’s third Aspiring winner in four years. Francis is headed to Huron High School where he intends to keep it in the family with his mom and adviser.

JEA honors runner-up Maya White of Florida

Runner-up Maya White, of Bak Middle School of the Arts in West Palm Beach, Florida, is advised by Shannon Owens. Contest judge Leslie Thompson, CJE, of Colorado offered high praise for White’s work.

“Your video editing and reporting are excellent,” she wrote. “In the news package about the Coco Market, you did a good job getting a variety of voices to provide complete, interesting coverage. Your voiceover work was quite good. I enjoyed your storytelling very much.”

White wrote of her deep respect for the journalistic process.

“My love of journalistic and creative expression does not end at school,” she said. “In my free time, I continue to write my own journal articles, fiction books, songs and elaborate stories, just as I did when I was a child. My passion and drive keep me working hard every day to express myself and to deliver stories, at school and home, with enthusiasm and authenticity.”

Adviser Shannon Owens praised White’s diverse experiences ranging from directing and anchoring a live television news show to creating print articles, photos and layouts for both newspaper and yearbook. 

“Her stories go beyond just reporting facts, as she delivers impactful journalism, which connects emotionally with audiences, encouraging them to see the world differently, understand complex issues and often take action or engage in dialogue,” Owens said. “Her dedication to the craft, combined with her outstanding skills and unwavering work ethic, make her an ideal choice for this prestigious recognition.”