MASPA recognized 12 outstanding seniors as its 2024 All-State High School Journalism Staff Thursday, and also named Newton South senior Bella Ishanyan as the 2024 Massachusetts High School Journalist of the Year.
The 12 members of the All-State staff submitted portfolios of their work, resumes, and reflective essays as part of their applications, which were reviewed by a four-member judging panel — JEA Massachusetts director Brett Zinger, JEA New Hampshire director Tim Cain, JEA Connecticut director Dave Fortier, and Lian Parsons-Thomason, professional journalist and president of the Boston chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association.
The depth and breadth of Ishanyan’s writing, design, and leadership on her school paper, The Lion’s Roar, impressed judges, as well as her reporting for professional publications, MASPA Executive Director Brian Baron said.
Ishanyan 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 Kansas City in April, with scholarship money as prizes.
The JOY winner and 12 All-State High School Journalists for 2024, with links to their portfolios:
Paige Ablon, Wellesley High School. Amanda Brown, adviser
Jeffrey Asaredanquah, Weston High School. Kate Lemons, adviser
Ezra Kleinbaum, Brookline High School. Lindsay Wise, adviser
Evan Michaeli, Brimmer and May. David Cutler, adviser
Tyler Mignault, Nashoba Regional High School. Melissa Foley-Procko, adviser
Daniel O’Toole, Malden High School. Ryan Gallagher, adviser
Nola Patty, Oakmont Regional High School. Mark Nevard, adviser
Miles Pearlman, Newton South High School. Sam Lee, adviser
Grace Tucceri, Franklin High School. John Leighton, adviser
Hadjar Yousfi, Malden High School. Ryan Gallagher, adviser
Emma Zhang, Newton South High School. Ashley Chapman, adviser
