Student Journalist of the Year
We are pleased to announce that the Missouri Student Journalist of the Year is Vincent Hsiao of Ladue Horton Watkins High School.
Hsiao is a fourth-year journalism student who, through teaching sessions at national conventions, has learned that “people weren’t there to judge, they were there to learn. Merit mattered more than identity. And I found that I love giving away what I know because it strengthens student journalism beyond one school. I’m proud of the balance I try to hold: staying teachable while still sharing what I’ve learned.”
He currently holds the position of Ladue Media’s Photo Editor-in-Chief and plans to study photojournalism at the University of Missouri-Columbia.
In his personal narrative, Hsiao stated the following: “In eighth grade, I wrote down a Helen Thomas quote I later forgot and just recently returned to when I was looking at my old work for my portfolio: ‘We don’t go into journalism to be popular. It is our job to seek the truth and put constant pressure on our leaders until we get answers.’ I surprised myself realizing that back then, I had already thought of photography as a medium of truth. Today, I still believe it can be. Now with all I’ve been through, I’ve learned that truth isn’t only what a camera captures, it’s also what the trained journalist chooses, verifies, explains and sometimes decides not to publish … As I prepare to pursue photojournalism at the University of Missouri and beyond, I’m carrying a clearer purpose than the freshman who simply wanted to see what he could do for the paper. My goal isn’t to be ‘King Vincent.’ I strive to be dependable, to document truth in a way people can trust, to represent a community accurately, with dignity. To keep earning access through integrity. I want to keep building relationships along the way, whether it’s newsroom peers or story subjects, because they make the job worth it even if I’m at my lowest. Though I’m entering this field at a time when journalism is under pressure, with layoffs, technological changes and public skepticism, I remain optimistic. It convinces me the industry needs people my age who are willing to adapt, stay rigorous and keep showing up anyway. I still love the adrenaline of the perfect moment — peak action, beautiful lighting, a split-second expression. But what drives me now is deeper: using visual journalism to make people pay attention to each other, to create a rough draft of history and to tell stories that aren’t just seen, but understood.”
His adviser, Sarah Kirksey, said, “I have been teaching and advising student publications for 12 years now, and I have never met another student as talented and knowledgeable behind the camera as Vincent. I personally have learned a lot from just hearing him talk about cameras, and I was the photo editor of my own school newspaper. He has been an absolute catalyst for photography within our publication staff; students strive to learn more about the cameras and how Vincent does what he does, and Vincent is always the first to offer advice and ideas. He will work with newer and veteran photographers on the field, helping them to get their settings correct and directing them on where to stand. He will help them download their images onto their computer, often offering up his own card reader that he always keeps on him. He will help them edit their photos in Lightroom and Photoshop, teaching them his tricks, shortcuts and troubleshooting the process … Because of Vincent, my other students know what student journalists can do if they just put in the effort and time to get it done, and I cannot imagine a greater legacy for Vincent Hsiao. When I think about this incredibly talented, thoughtful, and driven young man, and the fact that he is choosing to go into photography as a career, I feel a little bit of hope for the future of journalism. I trust Vincent’s opinion, his decision making, and obviously, his eye for detail. I am so grateful that I got to work with him, travel with him all over the country, and that I got to know him as a person. He has a great sense of humor. I am proud to call him a friend. I cannot thank him enough for what he has done for Ladue Media throughout his tenure in high school, and I am so looking forward to following his career. I imagine I’ll get to say things like, ‘I had this kid on my newspaper staff!’ when I see his photos published, and I look forward to continuing to brag about my friend and his beautiful pictures.”
You can read more about Vinvent and see his work here: https://joyportfolio.vincentedwardh.com/
Rising Star Winner
We are happy to announce that Hickman High School adviser Ryan Tolbert is the 2026 MIJA Rising Star winner.
In her recommendation letter, Hickman High School principal Mary Grupe wrote, “Ryan has helped build a newsroom culture where students do real work for a real audience. He teaches students how to report with care by prioritizing verification, multiple perspectives, and clear writing. He also holds students to professional expectations by coaching them through revisions and strengthening their decision-making, so the final work reflects accuracy and credibility. In his first year, Ryan has successfully guided students through complex topics, including administrative and teacher staffing issues, facilities improvement proposals, and the role of AI in classroom learning and student work. These are not easy subjects for students to cover well. Ryan has helped students approach these topics with maturity and responsibility by insisting on strong reporting habits and thoughtful framing. Students are learning to take on real issues without avoiding them or losing the integrity that journalism requires. Ryan also understands the rights and responsibilities of student journalists under the First Amendment. He teaches students press freedom alongside accountability. He empowers student editors to make responsible editorial decisions and uses coaching rather than control. That balance protects student voice while strengthening the ethics and professionalism that sustain public trust.”
Additionally, Tolbert’s ELA department chair T. Leia Brooks said, “As his colleague, I have been constantly energized by the joy Mr. Tolbert brings to teaching. He has said multiple times, ‘I can’t believe I am getting paid to live my dream.’ This authentic attitude has reminded me of why this profession is valuable and what a gift it is to spend time with young people. Mr. Tolbert’s students know he enjoys work every day, and they know he will support them as they achieve their goals. Whether he is helping students craft a scholarship letter, brainstorming possible angles to tackle a news story about a new head coach with zero experience in the sport, or tutoring students who have In-School Suspension, Mr. Tolbert advocates for every student to be able to communicate effectively.”
Teacher of the Year
We are pleased to announce that the MIJA Journalism Teacher of the Year is Kyle Carter of Westwood Baptist Academy. Carter teaches business, journalism, English, PE and computer classes along with having advisory roles with yearbook, FBLA, Quill and Scroll and SLC (Student Leadership Council).
Carter was nominated by student editor Allie Corlew, who said, “Through my years of middle and high school, Carter taught me everything I needed to know about photography and design, while also helping me to put my love for writing to use. He showed me the purpose and the process behind the production of a yearbook, and helped me to put together my own work. Thanks to his guidance and support, I became a very successful photographer and editor, going as far to win national journalism awards and even recognition from the United States Congress. To top it off, Carter also provided me many opportunities to travel, taking me to new places and unique experiences to capture from behind the lens. From professional bull riding to New York City, I explored the world, learned about journalism, and created art and memories that I will never forget and will always credit to Carter’s love for his job and his journalism students.”
Administrator of the Year
We are happy to announce that Eureka High School associate principal Dr. Sarah Goodman is the 2026 MIJA Administrator of the Year.
Goodman was nominated by Eureka High School adviser Kristen Rogan, who said, “Dr. Goodman demonstrates respect for our student journalists by always taking time to read and watch their published content, and seeking students out to compliment them on their work. She also promotes a student led journalism environment and recognizes the importance of amplifying student voices. When tackling tough topics and sensitive content, Dr. Goodman stresses to our editors the importance of a free press. She truly ‘walks the walk,’ which has an enormously positive influence on our journalism program. Students feel empowered and confident, and that has led to improved quality of journalism, with more and more students earning awards and recognition at the state and national level. Dr. Goodman also advocates for students to have the resources they need to develop their skills, whether that involves encouraging students to attend workshops and conventions or supporting funding for equipment and tech needs. Even when the school’s budget is tight, Dr. Goodman works to find financial resources that benefit the journalism program.”
Student journalist and editor Caleb Pickens wrote in his recommendation letter, “Dr. Goodman has prioritized protecting the essential functions of a successful scholastic journalism program by protecting the first amendment rights of students, when concerns of prior review were threatened by district administration. I brought my concerns to Dr. Goodman and she quickly prioritized my concern, even with her extremely busy schedule, she was able to use her role to communicate the importance of adhering to free press guidelines and protecting students’ voices. When Missouri politicians restricted the use of cell phones during instructional periods Dr. Goodman worked with our program to give students permission to utilize their cell phones to record interviews. Then worked with district technology specialists to get resources in the classroom to replace the functions of students’ personal cell phones. Often Dr. Goodman uses her unique view of Eureka to help pitch story ideas to students that they might not have been able to observe themselves. She is quick to brag on student journalists when interacting with community members or introducing new staff. Dr. Goodman invited a panel of student journalists to Eureka’s new staff training to provide a student perspective of the culture of Eureka; she chose to highlight student journalists because she believes in strengthening their communication skills while advocating for every opportunity to do so.”
Taft Award
We are pleased to announce that Liberty High School adviser and MIJA board member Jamie Muñoz is the 2026 MIJA Taft Award winner.
In her nomination, MIJA board member Christina Manolis wrote, “Over the last several years, Jamie has stepped up to take on large roles within MIJA when no one else did, and much of what she has achieved and contributed often goes overlooked by its members. When MIJA was left without a president, Jamie volunteered to take the reins even with advising so many of her own publications. She not only dedicated hundreds of hours to almost single-handedly planning, organizing, and running JDay, but she implemented new ideas to make JDay more enjoyable and beneficial for our members at the expense of her own free time. When the contests ran into some massive issues during the 2025 JDay, once again Jamie volunteered to take on this role to improve it for the next year, spending hours of her limited free time reworking contests, writing rubrics, checking through BetterBNC for accuracy, and so much more. When contest submission time came around, she was assisting with BetterBNC issues as if it were her full-time job, emailing members back quickly, troubleshooting their issues, and working rapidly to offer them a solution. Not only that, but she always takes the time to respond with kindness and take other’s opinions and ideas into account. She is the type of person who truly listens to what others have to say, even if it means more work for her to implement it. What most members don’t know is that in the last three years, much of what they love about JDay would not have been possible without Jamie’s dedication. Furthermore, she did this all as a volunteer. She, as well as many on the MIJA board, know that we still have improvements and issues that need to be addressed, but Jamie is one of the first to actually take those steps to make MIJA better for our state journalism programs, and her contributions to the organization over the last few years have made a huge impact in helping us to become better.”
Contributing Media Award
We are happy to announce that Mehlville School District Multimedia Communications Specialist Hunter Robinson is the 2026 MIJA Contributing Media Award winner.
In her nomination, Mehlville High School adviser Erin Moeckel wrote, “Hunter Robinson goes above and beyond as a multimedia communications specialist. His content and coverage of the students in the Mehlville School District set a high standard for student journalists to observe. Additionally, he serves as a resource to the high schools in the district. Currently he is mentoring a student journalist at Mehlville High School. He serves as her coordinating teacher and takes her out in the community to report and photograph. Robinson works with her in the MyPath program to allow her opportunities that expand the curriculum. Beyond that, Robinson shares his content with students so they may use it for educational and promotional purposes such as creating game day graphics and more. Robinson is compassionate, hardworking and dedicated. In a time where student athletes and high schools are seeing less coverage of their events, people like Robinson are stepping up to provide quality coverage. In doing this, he also shows students what quality photography and writing looks like at the local level.”
