Honors

2026 Nominations

Stratton Award

The Iowa High School Press Association presents its coveted STRATTON AWARD annually at the Fall Conferences to an individual or organization for their support of scholastic journalism. The award was named in honor of the late Kenneth Stratton, longtime publications adviser at East High School, Des Moines, Iowa. Stratton also authored Press Time, a well-known journalism textbook for high school journalists. He served two terms as IHSPA president during two different periods of his teaching career. For detail, click the link: Award criteria

Administrator of the Year Award

ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR is given to outstanding school administrators to acknowledge their support of journalism education within their schools or districts. The award is presented annually at the fall conferences. For detail, click the link: Award criteria

Rod Vahl (teacher) Award

IHSPA annually presents the ROD VAHL AWARD to acknowledge excellence in teaching and advising. At the option of the judges, one winner and two honorable mentions may be recognized during the Fall Conferences. The award is named in honor of Rod Vahl, national high school teacher of the year and long-time IHSPA officer and newspaper adviser from Davenport. For detail, click the link: Award criteria

Richard Johns Lifetime Achievement Award

This honor celebrates retired advisers whose leadership, dedication, and passion have left a legacy in scholastic journalism. Through decades of mentorship and advocacy, these individuals have shaved generations of student journalists, instilling the values of integrity, curiosity, and excellence. Their impact continues to elevate the standards of student media and inspire future storytellers across Iowa and beyond.

Entry Forms

Award nomination

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Student honors

Iowa JEA Journalist of the Year