Medals of Merit are given to current JEA members who have made significant contributions to scholastic journalism. JEA members are encouraged to nominate deserving individuals. Several awards may be presented each year.
Entry Criteria
Nominator and nominee must both be current JEA members. The following materials will be needed:
- A letter of recommendation from the nominator explaining your relationship with the JEA member you are nominating. Describe the candidate’s significant contribution to JEA and scholastic journalism on a national, regional, state and/or local level, when applicable.
- A short bio (65-100 words) about the nominee that can be used in the awards ceremony. Include recent work history, awards and other career highlights.
- Up to three letters of support for the nominee.
- Copies of or links to articles about or by the nominee (limit four pages).
- High-quality color headshot of the nominee.
- High-quality candid photo of the nominee teaching or working with students with relevant caption.
How to Apply
The annual application will open on or around May 15. All nominations must be submitted by July 15.
Judging Criteria
In evaluating nominees, the Awards Committee will consider service to the national JEA, to other national organizations, to state and local organizations, and to scholastic journalism. The committee may select multiple recipients each year.
Award Recognition
Recipients will be honored at the Saturday awards luncheon during the Fall JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention. They will each receive one complimentary luncheon ticket.
Please note that convention travel, lodging and registration are not covered as part of this award. If winners would like to attend convention events outside of the luncheon, they can visit this webpage to learn how to get involved to earn discounted or complimentary registration.