JEA Future Administrator Scholarship Diala Chaney Oxford (mississippi) High School, mugshot of Diala

The Journalism Education Association has awarded Diala Chaney of Oxford (Mississippi) High School the Future Administrator Scholarship.

This $1,500 scholarship is for current advisers who intend to earn a secondary administrator’s license and seek a position in administration.

Chaney has advised student media at Oxford High School since 2016. She is a National Board Certified Teacher in CTE for journalism. Additionally, she was recognized as Mississippi High School Newspaper Adviser of the Year for 2016-17 and 2018-2019, as Mississippi High School Yearbook Adviser of the Year for 2017-18, and as a CSPA Special Recognition Adviser in 2022.

“As an administrator, my journalism advising experience will play a huge role with my work with student media and the public,” Chaney said. “I have learned how to teach students to delicately handle sensitive issues, how to write objectively, and cover both sides of issues. The knowledge I have gained from teaching these skills will help me use them myself as an administrator.”

During her 10 years in the classroom, Chaney has taught under six different principals.

“I have had exceptional principals and not-so-exceptional principals,” Chaney said. “I would love to take what I have seen and what I have learned and help bring structure and organization into schools that lack this quality. I would also love to encourage and promote journalism programs in Mississippi schools that may not have them as well.”

Recommender Shenita B. Key had Chaney as a mentor through their school district.

“I am extremely appreciative of Mrs. Chaney’s willingness to share her journalistic expertise with me,” Key said. “Throughout my employment with Oxford School District, she has aided me with the task of creating proficient scales for standard-based learning. She has fostered my understanding of media court cases and the democratic society. Furthermore, Mrs. Chaney has been extremely accommodating towards my efforts to provide the student body with a more sophisticated middle school yearbook.

“Without a doubt, Diala Chaney’s passion and enthusiasm for the field of journalism has transferred to me. Her mentorship has truly been a blessing to me throughout the years. I can honestly say I am a better teacher because of Mrs. Diala Chaney.”

Louisa Avery, MJE, JEA awards chair

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