Photo of Sergio Yanes, MJE that reads Sergio Yanes, MJE Arvada (Colorado) High School, JEA Diversity Award

“With a goal of making his classroom (and journalism classrooms across the country) a place where equity, diversity, access, inclusion and belonging are inseparable from institutional excellence, Sergio Yanes, of Colorado, is a rightful recipient of JEA’s Diversity Award,” said Scholastic Journalism Week Coordinator PJ Cabrera, MJE.

Yanes, MJE, has been teaching since 2006 and advising student media since 2011. He currently teaches journalism and advises the news site, broadcast and yearbook programs at Arvada (Colorado) High School. He also serves as a director-at-large and mentor for JEA and was selected as a 2022 Special Recognition Yearbook Adviser.

Cabrera said Yanes is the epitome of why this award exists.

“He’s at the forefront of promoting diversity in the scholastic media arena and has taken purposeful steps to break down walls of misunderstanding and ignorance,” Cabrera said.

Arvada Assistant Principal Hannah Doran said when Yanes sees that there are voices not at the table, not represented in spaces where they should be, he takes immediate action.

Sergio Yanes, MJE, teaches a mini-lesson on caption writing to a group of Spanish language reporters as they develop a photo gallery for their written articles about a recent toy drive event in the community. The lessons are an opportunity to help the multilingual learners who are still developing proficiency in English. “I introduce more English language as the year goes on until they feel comfortable publishing a story in English, but the ultimate goal in the room is to cover what happens in our community in ways that include all of our audiences,” Yanes said. “This means creating content that is relevant to them, but more importantly that is also accessible to them.” Photo by Cosmo Pecor, 2023

Sergio Yanes, MJE, teaches a mini-lesson on caption writing to a group of Spanish language reporters as they develop a photo gallery for their written articles about a recent toy drive event in the community. The lessons are an opportunity to help the multilingual learners who are still developing proficiency in English. “I introduce more English language as the year goes on until they feel comfortable publishing a story in English, but the ultimate goal in the room is to cover what happens in our community in ways that include all of our audiences,” Yanes said. “This means creating content that is relevant to them, but more importantly that is also accessible to them.”
“One of Sergio’s notable contributions to meeting the needs of our diverse school population is committing to teach a dual language reporting class,” Doran said. “This commitment not only showcases his dedication to promoting inclusivity but also has had a lasting impact on helping all students feel like they belong at our school.

“Our Spanish language content has grown beyond our news site into our Instagram and YouTube channel. Most recently, students and staff have pushed to add a Spanish version of our weekly video announcements (to begin in January) so that students with little-to-no-English proficiency might also get regular information and feel more connected to our school community.”

Nominator Katie Merritt, MJE, said Yanes’ leadership extends beyond his classroom. He has initiated workshops and training sessions at the local, state and national level that focus on cultural sensitivity and understanding, as well as working on diversity initiatives with the JEA board of directors.

Scholastic Press Rights Director Kristin Taylor, MJE, has seen this in action through her role on the board.

“In our board meetings, Sergio centers DEIB efforts across all aspects of our work, from budgeting priorities to curricular resources,” Taylor said.


Yanes worked with past president Sarah Nichols, MJE, to implement the All In: Diversity Audit project and helped foster a partnership with the Diversity Pledge Institute. Additionally, Taylor has been impressed with Yanes’s ability to put “nervous newcomers at ease” during national conventions.

“Sergio meets people where they are, and they know their voices are important to him,” Taylor said. “It’s one thing to tell people they belong; it’s another to actively create that sense of belonging.”


Founded in 1924, JEA supports free and responsible scholastic journalism by providing resources and educational opportunities, promoting professionalism, encouraging and rewarding student excellence and teacher achievement, and an atmosphere which encompasses diversity yet builds unity. It is headquartered at Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas.

 

Louisa Avery, MJE, JEA awards chair

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