JEA honors Landon D’Alessandro of Florida as 2024 Aspiring Young Journalist

- Skilled and creative use of media
- Inquiring mind and investigative persistence
- Courageous and responsible handling of issues
- Variety of journalistic experiences
- Sustained and commendable work with school media
Finalists
Jack Gillin

Award finalist Jack Gillin’s adviser nominated them for stories that exhibited curiosity, creativity and courage.
“As a sixth grader, Jack wrote about parents not listening to their children’s mental health troubles, interviewing a middle school student, anonymously, as well as the president of a mental health association, leaving every parent who read the story to wonder, ‘Do I listen to my child?’” wrote adviser Athena Simmer of Summit-Questa Montessori School in Davie, Florida. “Jack knows you must touch hearts, to change minds. They possess the rare gifts of subtlety and sensitivity. Reading Jack’s articles can feel like an inner evolution, as you start to question your thoughts, you start to connect, you start to care about someone or something you did not know before.”
Award juror Kaitin Edgerton, MJE, of Michigan, noted Gillin’s ability to connect with both subjects and readers alike.
“Having read your articles, it is evident that you possess the ability to truly see people, a wonderful trait at your young age,” she said. “I believe this quality resonates throughout your portfolio submissions. Your work is marked by curiosity and tenacity, both essential traits of a good journalist.”
In their application, Gillin thanked Simmer for guiding their journalism journey and explained an important goal as a storyteller.
“Along with my journalistic endeavors, I am a fighting advocate for equality and nonbinary representation,” Gillin said. “I have pushed myself out of my comfort zone to make sure I am treated with respect in my school and local community. I will continue to fight for my community and share my words with the world, in hopes for a more inclusive future.”
Lexie Metheny

Finalist Lexie Metheny’s photojournalism caught the eye of judges, just as it has captivated her adviser and helped her find success and build confidence at Bryant (Arkansas) Junior High School.
“One of Lexie’s greatest strengths is her optimism and tenacity,” said adviser Meag Abo, CJE. “She approaches every project with enthusiasm and a willingness to go the extra mile. Her positive energy is contagious and motivates everyone around her to strive for excellence.”
Kershaw said Metheny’s knowledge and enthusiasm shine through in her work.
“Her creativity within her photography is outstanding, and it is great that she is stepping outside of her comfort zone to produce the best possible story; a must within all forms of journalism,” Abo wrote.
Metheny said her journalism career started with “photoshoots of my dogs” and advanced to photos taken with professional cameras and lighting. Still, she admitted there is much to learn.
“Even with everything I’ve learned and done, I know there is still room for me to grow,” she wrote. “As I continue down the path of journalism, I want to get even better at photography, improve my caption writing, learn how to write news stories, meet more people on trips and continue doing what I love.”
I am passionate about journalism,” she continued, “and being able to capture these little moments to be immortalized in history. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next.”
All three honorees are planning to continue their journalism studies in high school.
The Aspiring winner and finalists were announced April 6 at the National High School Journalism Convention in Kansas City, Missouri. During that event, JOY coordinator Joe Humphrey, MJE, also recognized Tiffany Hutcheson, the 2020 Aspiring winner who this year represented Arizona as its state journalist of the year.
“Tiffany is the first Aspiring winner to represent her state as a high school senior, and I thought that was worth a nod from the stage,” Humphrey said. “With the caliber of work Aspiring winners have produced in recent years, hopefully she won’t be the last.”
Joe Humphrey, MJE, Journalist of the Year Coordinator