Justin Daigle, MJE, of Brighton (Colorado) High School has been named the 2024 H.L. Hall National Yearbook Adviser of the Year.
JEA Executive Director Veronica Purvis and 2023 H.L. Hall National Yearbook Adviser of the Year C. Dow Tate surprised Daigle with the announcement at Brighton High School during a Dec. 9 staff meeting with the help of principal Kerry Chisnall and some local JEA members.
The H.L. Hall National Yearbook Adviser of the Year program is designed to honor outstanding advisers and their exemplary work from the previous year, as well as throughout their careers.
For the first time this year, the Yearbook Adviser of the Year committee chose to recognize three applicants as Commended Yearbook Advisers. This award allows the committee to recognize outstanding advisers who have received Distinguished Adviser in the past and have submitted exemplary portfolios in this year’s Yearbook Adviser of the Year competition. Those advisers are:
- Carrie Faust, Smoky Hill High School, Parker, Colorado
- Leland Mallett, CJE, Legacy High School, Mansfield, Texas
- Tamra McCarthy, CJE, James Enochs High School, Modesto, California
Additionally, JEA is recognizing six other yearbook advisers.
Distinguished Yearbook Advisers:
- Tucker Love, Shawnee Mission South High School, Overland Park, Kansas
- Andrew Young, CJE, Woodland Junior High School, Fayetteville, Arkansas
Special Recognition Yearbook Advisers:
- Emily Everett, Potomac Falls High School, Sterling, Virginia
- Alicia Merrifield, CJE, The Village School, Houston, Texas
- Mary Prichard, CJE, North Kansas City (Missouri) High School
- Carrie Rapp, CJE, Lindbergh High School, St. Louis, Missouri
The H.L. Hall National Yearbook Adviser of the Year will receive a personal $1,000 prize. A $500 award for the winner’s school, and $500 awards for distinguished yearbook advisers’ schools may be used to buy equipment for the yearbook classroom or to fund student scholarships to summer workshops.
The National Yearbook Adviser of the Year is presented each year by the Journalism Education Association. The program is underwritten by Balfour Yearbooks, Jostens Inc., Varsity Yearbook and Walsworth Yearbooks.
The following stories about the winners include quotes and excerpts from their application.
2024 H.L. Hall National Yearbook Adviser of the Year
Justin Daigle, MJE, 2024 H.L. Hall National Yearbook Adviser of the Year.
Justin Daigle, MJE, started teaching at Brighton High School in 2004 and began advising the Reflections yearbook in 2006.
2024 Reflections Editor-in-Chief Gabriella Polliard is the youngest of three siblings who all took yearbook with Daigle.
“Our yearbook would not be what it is without his guidance. We wouldn’t be who we are without him. I know I wouldn’t be,” Polliard said. “He changed my life just like he changed my brother’s and sister’s. Everything he does is to better a person and our yearbook and none of it goes unnoticed. I am only one student out of hundreds who would agree that Mr. Daigle is the most caring, hardworking and inspiring teacher there is out there.”
2017 Reflections Co-Editor-in-Chief Isaac Bugarin said he uses the the same skills he learned as a student in Daigle’s class in his career now – Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, writing, story-telling and interpersonal communication.
“His confidence in me that I could create something out-of-the-box is something I still think about as the marketing director for the Kalamazoo Growlers — all of my ideas have to be eye-catching and unique,” Bugarin said. “Those leadership skills that started as an upperclassmen on the Reflections Staff paved the way for me to my current position.”
Daigle’s impact extends beyond the Brighton campus. He teaches at workshops across the nation, has served three terms on the board of the Colorado Student Media Association, and is now the vice president of JEA’s board of directors.
2010 H.L. Hall National Yearbook Adviser of the Year Sarah Nichols, MJE, first met Daigle at a JEA Advisers Institute in Las Vegas, where he rapped and danced while leading a yearbook session. They worked together more than a decade later at National Scholastic Press Association yearbook Pacemaker judging. It was then that she encouraged him to run for the JEA board of directors.
“In his first term as vice president, Justin has demonstrated his leadership to JEA as an open-minded listener, engaged and patient team player, and solution-oriented volunteer,” Nichols said. “He sees the big picture and seeks to understand all viewpoints. Justin isn’t looking for attention or ownership of a successful outcome. He’s simply invested in the good of the association and what’s best for teachers and their students.”
2021 H.L. Hall National Yearbook Adviser of the Year Mike Simons, MJE, spent two weeks during each of the last two summers teaching with Daigle at workshops.
“I watched as Justin captivated audiences with inspiring examples and stories, leaving them both in stitches and awe as he showed them the very best of what yearbook journalism can be. Justin is gifted at providing staffs with immediate, open and honest feedback in a kind and supportively critical way that challenges assumptions and encourages growth in those lucky enough to work with him. Justin is the kind of adviser who makes me want to be a better adviser — a model to all of us for his engagement, enthusiasm, service and humility.”
Cover of the most recent Reflections yearbook.
Commended Yearbook Advisers
Carrie Faust
Carrie Faust has advised yearbooks for 22 years, and for the last 20 years has advised Summit at Smoky Hill High School.
Former student Tu Phan met Faust 17 years ago and said the time spent watching kinetic typography videos in her room during lunch is a core memory.
“In that yearbook room, I learned to appreciate the nuances of design and storytelling. She instilled in me a passion to see the world through a creative lens when so many others pushed me into math and science,” Phan said. “Picas and pixels became my second language, and to this day, I approach my work as an associate creative director at Uber with the same principles she imparted. Inspired by her mentorship, I now give back by teaching aspiring creatives at Miami Ad School, hoping to pass on the encouragement and warmth that she shared with me.”
2024 Summit Editor-in-Chief Jaya Castaneda said Faust is her mentor and lifelong friend.
“Working alongside Faust has shown me her extraordinary work ethic and her unwavering support she has for her yearbook crew,” Castaneda said. “No matter what the problem was, Faust had an inspiring drive to find the root of the issue in order to figure out the best way to solve it; that is the one thing I will forever admire about her.”
Colorado Student Media Association Executive Director, Jed R. Palmer, CJE, said Faust’s greatest quality is her ability to work with and on behalf of her students.
“Carrie has been a fierce champion for those students and has found ways to ensure that her students have every opportunity possible to participate in events and have access to resources,” Palmer said. “She fights for their First Amendment rights. She chases funding to get them equipment. She counsels them through difficult life situations with compassion. She celebrates their accomplishments.”
Leland Mallett, CJE
Leland Mallet, CJE, has advised publications since 2000, and has taught at Legacy High School since 2007.
Interscholastic League Press Conference Director Alyssa Boehringer said she loves visiting Mallet’s classroom.
“Not only is the atmosphere inviting and just plain fun, he’s left no detail out,” Boehringer. “Sit down at any computer in the lab, and you’ll see a small note attached to each monitor with the parts of a caption. It’s such a simple touch, but it’s small things like this that not only provide good reminders for yearbook students, but help students learn that aspect of yearbook storytelling. The environment is entirely student centered and conducive to learning.”
Rachel Dearinger, CJE, who also advises publications at Legacy High School, said Mallet is a “natural motivator.”
“His quirky personality is like a magnet,” Dearinger said. “I truly believe he has a gift for connecting with students. He sees potential in almost anyone and encourages students and many adults to complete tasks that many didn’t think were possible. He holds his students at an incredibly high standard, but shows them the path of success in a way that doesn’t seem tough.”
2012 H.L. Hall National Yearbook Adviser of the Year Cindy Todd said Mallet is generous with his time, traveling around the country to present at workshops.
“When I left the classroom in 2016 and became the TAJE executive director in 2017, I was grateful I had Leland to depend on as our webmaster,” Todd said. “It was such a demanding position, and he did it despite a busy schedule advising yearbook and online media and teaching photojournalism and Journalism 1. He was a go-to for technical advice, and while he no longer serves on the board, he is still a terrific ambassador for Texas scholastic journalism.”
Tamra McCarthy, CJE
Tamra McCarthy, CJE, has advised the Wingspan yearbook at James Enochs High School since the school opened in 2006.
Former student James Tyner credits his time in McCarthy’s classroom for getting him to his current position as a product manager at the Los Angeles Times.
“Beyond hard skills, I learned a lot about responsibility and trust, about what people owe to each other,” Tyner said. “McCarthy trusted me to lead, even if I didn’t fully trust myself. She made us see things in ourselves that weren’t there before and sent ripples through our entire lives. Nothing about my life today would’ve happened this way without her, and for that, I will be forever grateful.”
Former student Merri Hansen said McCarthy taught her the importance of integrity and compassion, which is a lesson that sticks with her as she continues her professional career in communications.
“Mrs. McCarthy not only taught me what it meant to be accountable to my team, she taught me what it meant to be accountable to my community,” Hansen said. “At the high-school level, she taught me the heart of journalism was to tell the stories that mattered and that would have real, meaningful impact on those who were represented and those who were reading.”
Former student Byron Ulloa Camacho said that the yearbook experience led him to switch his major to communication studies, with plans to add a minor in journalism.
“Mrs. McCarthy’s dedication goes beyond the classroom,” Ulloa Camacho said. “She always made time for students who were facing challenges, whether personal or about school, creating a safe and inclusive space for everyone. Her encouragement transformed my high school experience, inspiring me to step out of my comfort zone, join clubs, and take on leadership roles. She lit a fire in me that I didn’t know I had.”
Distinguished Yearbook Advisers
Tucker Love
Tucker Love is in his seventh year of advising at Shawnee Mission South High School.
Love got his start as an adviser as a student teacher at Shawnee Mission West with adviser Amy Morgan.
“I have been lucky enough to team teach with him at the NSPA Gloria Shields All-American Publications Workshop the past two summers, and it is one of my favorite weeks of the year as a result,” Morgan said. “His passion for the subject is obvious to everyone in the room. I always keep a notebook nearby so I can take notes when he is talking.”
Lee’s Summit High School adviser Jessica Flowers met Love through Journalism Educators of Metropolitan Kansas City. Love is president of JEMKC and served as the local chair of the 2024 Spring National High School Journalism Convention in Kansas City.
“Tucker is a person who loves what he does, and he also radiates love and kindness when he interacts with students and advisers from other schools,” Flowers said. “His passion for advising and people is what makes him absolutely exceptional. He loves what he does in such a genuine way that he wants to help others do the same. He lifts up those around them, and never says no when he is asked for advice or help.”
Parent Nathan Knust was able to see Love’s impact when his daughter was the editor-in-chief of the 2023 Heritage yearbook.
“T-Love has a remarkable ability to inspire students to express their creativity and share compelling stories through the medium of the yearbook,” Knust said. “I still remember my daughter coming home after long evenings of working to complete the yearbook to share multiple accounts of his innovative approach to teaching that not only engages students, but also fosters a strong sense of collaboration and teamwork.”
Andrew Young, CJE
Andrew Young, CJE, has advised The Round-Up yearbook at Woodland Junior High School for 11 years.
Little Rock Central High School adviser Beth Shull met Young at a yearbook camp when she noticed a “young and especially enthusiastic group” of students.
“I recall watching their adviser, amazed at how he remained unruffled by the cacophony of voices tumbling over one another,” Shull said. “He managed those kids like a veteran mom: equal parts gentle parenting and clear directives.”
Former student Ruby Templeton was on Young’s staff for two years.
“When I became an editor, Mr. Young not only taught me how to be a good journalist, but how to lead a team,” Templeton said. “He doesn’t dictate the staff, rather he works alongside the editors in order to develop concepts for the book and continues to let them lead the staff throughout the creation of the book. I found this very rewarding because I got to develop valuable leadership skills that I will use for the rest of my life. He showed me the importance of good character, listening skills, responsibility and respecting peers.”
Parents Tom and Adriane Hapgood have two daughters who were on Young’s yearbook staff.
“Mr. Young is, without question, one of the most approachable and supportive educators we have ever encountered,” they wrote. “He creates an environment where students feel comfortable seeking guidance, knowing they will receive encouragement and constructive feedback. He operates the yearbook program very smoothly and efficiently, no small feat given the many moving parts involved with children of that age and varying levels of ability. What truly sets Mr. Young apart, however, is his ability to inspire his students to push beyond their limits. He challenges them to strive for excellence, instilling in them the belief that they are capable of more than they ever thought possible.”
Special Recognition Yearbook Advisers
Emily Everett
Emily Everett has advised the Legacy yearbook at Potomac Falls High School since 2011.
Parent Liz Campbell has two children who took Everett’s yearbook class.
“She empowers all her students to be creative, take risks and find their passion,” Campbell said. “She mentors her students, nurtures their talents, instills confidence, and gives them the guidance and support they need to be successful. Her impact extends beyond mere instruction; she is a catalyst for personal and professional growth.”
Campbell’s daughter, Ellie, is currently attending James Madison University in the School of Media, Art and Design. Her son, Jack, works for a NASCAR race team, where he is responsible for their digital media content.
“Under Ms. Everett’s guidance, Jack discovered his passion for storytelling through photography, graphic arts, and videography,” Campbell said. “His success in this field is a testament to the foundational skills and inspiration he gained from Ms. Everett’s class.”
Former student Molly DeHaven took nine journalism courses with Everett during her four years of high school. She is now a marketing communications major at Emerson College.
“The four walls of Ms. Everett’s room is where I learned the skills that have shaped my current design endeavors,” DeHaven said. “I was taught the basics of magazine layout and design by her when I was 16; now, I work as a head designer at one of my college’s leading publications. My growth and discovery in this field would not have been possible without her guidance.”
Alicia Merrifield, CJE
Alicia Merrifield, CJE, has advised the Viking yearbook at The Village School since 2012, taking it from an after-school club to multiple journalism classes.
2025 Viking Editors-in-Chief Madeline Tautfest, Hala Sharf-Aldin and Samar Shere wrote that what they admire most about Merrifield is her genuine care for every student she
works with.
“She takes the time to get to know each yearbook staff member, helping us find our strengths and build our confidence,” they wrote. “Ms. Merrifield always ensures that every voice is heard, making our team feel like a family where everyone’s ideas matter.”
In addition to advising, Merrifield serves as the JEA Mentoring Chair and the Texas Association of Journalism Educators Private School Liaison.
Former mentee Melissa Perner was partnered with Merrifield when she entered teaching after spending nearly 20 years as a professional journalist.
“Alicia’s mentorship was invaluable,” Perner said. “She helped me with curriculum, lesson plans, classroom management and was just an ear to vent to when needed. Her dedication to the field of journalism and teaching is unprecedented.”
Head of School Bill Delbrugge said one of the many standout aspects of Merrifield’s work is her commitment to student press freedoms and the encouragement of independent, student-led journalism.
“Ms. Merrifield is not only an exceptional adviser, but she is also a true servant leader who goes above and beyond for her students and the entire school community,” Delbrugge said. “Her contributions have been instrumental to the success of our yearbook program, and her guidance has helped shape the next generation of thinkers and creators.”
Mary Prichard, CJE
Mary Prichard, CJE, has advised the Purgold yearbook at North Kansas City High School since 2010.
Former student Kaya Barringer stays in touch with Prichard even though she is no longer involved with journalism.
“Under Mary’s guidance and mentorship, I was able to build my skills in every journalism discipline,” Barringer said. “Mary helped me realize that my skills and creativity
were there, I just needed to bring them out. She saw potential where I thought there was none. Mary’s fire for journalism and connection to her students is evident. Her mentorship has turned into a friendship, and the skills I developed in her class have extended to my professional and academic life.”
Prichard is active in the journalism community aside from advising. She is on the board of Journalism Educators of Metro Kansas City as past president and she is the assistant contest chair coordinator for JEA National Student Media Contests.
2016 H.L. Hall National High School Yearbook Adviser of the Year Nancy Smith, MJE, works with Prichard in her role as JEA NSMC Chair.
“Mary truly takes her involvement to the next level,” Smith said. “Since I have known her, I’ve seen Mary ensure that anything she volunteers to do is taken care of not only in a professional manner, but at the highest level of quality. She is the adviser in the group that makes newcomers feel welcome and makes sure every working environment is filled with laughter and positivity.”
Carrie Rapp, CJE
Carrie Rapp, CJE, has advised the Spirit yearbook at Lindbergh High School for 11 years.
Current Spirit Editor-in-Chief Anna Waters said she feels fortunate to have been able to work closely with Rapp for three years.
“Mrs. Rapp has always been a teacher who is always there with a welcoming smile when you walk into the classroom, a supportive word when you are struggling through a deadline, and if needed, a comforting shoulder to cry on when things inside or outside of yearbook aren’t going your way,” Waters said. “If you have any questions, she is always happy to assist, although never just does the work for you because she cares about a student’s growth in her class. She is there to cheer you on to be the best yearbook staffer and person you could be. Mrs. Rapp sees potential in every student and provides the opportunity to show that potential that others don’t see.”
Former student Grace Herzog said Rapp is the reason she now studies journalism at Northwestern University.
“Rapp is an exceptional adviser because she instills confidence in her staffers,” Herzog said. “In my junior year — as the younger, less experienced EIC — I was hesitant on how to lead other yearbook editors and the staff. A large part of this was due to not having the confidence in my abilities. However, where I doubted myself, Rapp saw my skills, and she encouraged me to be vocal and proud. Rapp’s sheer belief in me made me believe in myself.”
Louisa Avery, MJE, JEA awards chair