MASPA Names Journalist of the Year, 9-Member All-State Staff

Ryan Martin of Franklin High School became the 2023 Massachusetts High School Journalist of the Year, MASPA announced Monday. The group also announced the nine members of the 2023 All-State High School Journalism Staff, its largest cohort yet.

Martin’s sports coverage for the FHS Pantherbook and other outlets showed range and energy, MASPA Executive Director Brian Baron said.

Martin now becomes the Massachusetts representative in JEA’s national High School Journalist of the Year Contest. JEA will name a national winner and runners up at its spring national convention in San Francisco in April, with scholarship money as prizes.

The All-State High School Staff awards recognize seniors at Massachusetts high schools who have compiled exemplary work in at least one area of journalism.

The nine members submitted portfolios of their work, resumes, and reflective essays as part of their applications, which were reviewed by a  three-member panel. One member of the All-State Staff will become the 2023 Massachusetts High School Journalist of the Year and represent the commonwealth in a national competition, with potential scholarship money as prizes.

The JOY winner and nine All-State High School Journalists for 2023, with links to their portfolios:

Alexa D’Amato, Masconomet Regional High School

Hank Guo, Wellesley High School

Abigail Hepner, Newton South High School

Tae Hong, Newton South High School

Serena Ibanez, Brookline High School

Erin Kim, Phillips Andover Academy

Suzie Kim, Wellesley High School

Ryan Martin, Franklin High School

Anya Rao, Brookline High School