While JEA has centennial activities and programs planned throughout 2024, the in-person celebration will take place in Kansas City during the JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention.
All JEA members are invited to attend the spring convention April 4-6 for a JEA reunion recognizing current and former members, leaders, award winners and program participants. Everyone planning to attend must register for the convention.
Centennial activities:
Thursday welcome reception
9-10:30 p.m. Thursday, April 4
Join us for the party of the century with food, friends and fun. JEA members and former JEA leaders, award winners and program participants are especially encouraged to attend the Thursday welcome reception for a JEA reunion with multi-generational group photos and giveaways.
“We are planning one of the most exciting adviser receptions ever,” JEA President Val Kilber, MJE, said. “You will want to get there as soon as the keynote speaker wraps up Thursday evening. It’s going to be the celebration of the century!”
Interactive photo mosaic and photo booth
Grab some friends for a photo to help create a 10-by-6-foot photo mosaic celebrating 100 years of scholastic journalism. The photo mosaic will be on display throughout the convention weekend with the photo booth open 1-7 p.m. Thursday, April 4; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, April 5; and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 6, or until the mosaic is filled. Advisers and students not attending the spring convention will also have the opportunity to contribute to the mosaic by tagging us on social in mid-March — more details will be shared in the coming weeks.
Other convention activities not to miss:
Thursday opening ceremony and keynote
7-9 p.m. Thursday, April 4
World-renowned photographer Jim Richardson will join us as the Kansas City keynote speaker. Richardson has photographed more than 50 stories for National Geographic Magazine. He has photographed from the tops of volcanic peaks to below earth’s surface. ABC News Nightline produced a story about the long process of assembling a National Geographic coverage by following Richardson in the field and at National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C. He is co-founder of Eyes On Earth, an educational collaborative seeking to inspire next generation environmental photographers.
During the opening ceremony JEA will also recognize 2024 First Amendment Press Freedom schools and 2024 Journalist of the Year finalists.
Volunteer by presenting a session or judging a contest
Friday or Saturday
JEA members volunteering their time and expertise during the convention are eligible for complimentary registration if they present one breakout session and judge a NSMC contest.
Most National Student Media Contests on-site categories compete from 4-6 p.m. Friday. Judging occurs at 6 p.m. Friday with most judges from most categories finished by 8:30 p.m. Some NSMC broadcast categories compete and are judged Friday morning. NSMC online categories are judged between March 11-28. The National Journalism Quiz Bowl qualifying test takes place at 8 a.m. Friday with scoring to follow. The live finals take place from 8-10 a.m. Saturday.
Sessions are 45 minutes including Q&A time. Here is a list of topics we are looking to feature, but we are open to others. Sessions are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6. You would indicate your availability when you volunteer for a session. Visit our speaker portal to learn more about our convention and guidelines for educational sessions.
Adviser recognition luncheon
Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 6
Let us celebrate changemakers and enjoy a meal. JEA will honor spring award and certification recipients. NSPA will honor Pioneer Award winners. Speakers include 2023 Yearbook Adviser of the Year C. Dow Tate, Shawnee Mission East, Prairie Village, Kansas. Tickets are $45 and must be reserved in advance during convention registration.
Awards ceremony
3:30-6 p.m. Saturday, April 6
The convention comes to a close with the Saturday awards presentations. JEA announces the 2024 Journalist of the Year and National Student Media Contests winners. NSPA recognizes Pacemakers for Innovation, Literary Arts Magazine, Online and Yearbook as well as Best of Show.
We look forward to seeing you at the spring convention as we kick off our in-person JEA Centennial festivities and celebrate this incredible milestone.
Visit the JEA Centennial website for more.