Deadline

December 15, 2025

Past winners

View past winners list

The JEA Lifetime Achievement Award is presented annually to retirees for lifetime dedication to journalism education in the form of advising or other contributions to the profession.

Entry Criteria

Nominees can be either in their final year of teaching, set to retire that spring and/or already retired.

Scholastic press associations and individuals who are current JEA members are encouraged to nominate retirees in their state.

How to Apply

The online nomination application will be available on Submittable on or around Oct. 15 each year. Nominations are due by Dec. 15. 

Award Recognition

Multiple awards may be presented each year. Recipients will be honored at the Spring JEA/NSPA Spring National High School Journalism Convention adviser award luncheon. Recipients will receive one complimentary ticket to the luncheon.

More Awards

Candace and John Bowen Adviser First Amendment Leadership Award

Deadline: December 15, 2025
This annual award will go to a JEA member whose work has actively supported, defended and fought for the First Amendment rights of student journalists and their advisers on the local, state or national level. The winner will receive a $1,000 prize.
Learn More

Rising Star Award

Deadline: July 15, 2026
Rising Star trophies are given to advisers who are in their first five years of advising a media program and have shown great dedication to scholastic journalism and have had success advising at least one media program.
Learn More

Medal of Merit Award

Deadline: July 15, 2026
Medals of Merit are given to JEA members who have made significant contributions to scholastic journalism.
Learn More