The National Scholastic Press Association proudly announces the recipients of its highest honor, the Pioneer Award. The Pioneer recognizes journalism educators and advocates who have made long-term, significant contributions to scholastic journalism.

This year’s winners — Alyssa Boehringer, Adriana Chavira, Margie Mohtasham Raper, Rod Satterthwaite, Clint Smith and Barb Tholen — represent decades of dedication, innovation and mentorship. Their commitment has shaped student journalists and advisers nationwide, strengthening scholastic press freedom and ensuring the future of strong, student-driven media.

The Pioneer Award is presented annually to individuals who have provided outstanding service to student media through their leadership, mentorship and commitment to press freedom.

“These Pioneers embody the heart of scholastic journalism,” Laura Widmer, NSPA executive director, said. “Through their teaching, leadership and unwavering advocacy, they have inspired thousands of students and educators, ensuring that student media continues to thrive as a vital part of education and democracy.”

The honorees will be recognized during the National High School Journalism Convention in either November 2025 in Nashville or in April 2026 in Minneapolis.

Please join us at the JEA/NSPA Fall National High School Journalism Convention Nov. 13-16, 2025, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville.

The convention offers hundreds of instructional sessions, keynote speakers from national newsmakers, dozens of media critiques, JEA’s popular on-site media contests and the announcement of NSPA national winners for Pacemaker Awards and Individual Awards. NSPA also offers a convention Best of Show competition that celebrates current student media work.

Alyssa Boehringer

Alyssa Boehringer, journalism director for the University Interscholastic League and director of the Interscholastic League Press Conference (ILPC), has transformed the landscape of scholastic journalism in Texas and beyond. In her leadership role, she supports advisers and students across the state, organizes contests in multiple media categories, and directs major conventions and workshops that bring together hundreds of young journalists each year.

Before her statewide leadership, Boehringer spent 16 years advising at McKinney High School, where her students set a new standard of excellence. Her broadcast students earned six NSPA Pacemakers, while her yearbook staff captured five Pacemakers and five CSPA Crowns, four of them Gold. She also coached UIL journalism teams and served as UIL academic coordinator, proving her ability to elevate both individuals and entire programs.

Her colleagues describe her as a true force in scholastic media. “When you look up the definition of ‘rock star’ in the dictionary, you are likely to find a photo of Alyssa Boehringer,” Mark Murray said. 

“She is someone advisers and students naturally gravitate towards — to absorb her words of wisdom, appreciate her commitment to scholastic journalism, and yes, laugh along with her sarcastic, dry sense of humor.” Jeanne Acton added, “She is a pioneer and a trailblazer, and she has the foresight to see where journalism is headed. And lucky for us, she is generous enough to take us with her.”

Adriana Chavira

Adriana Chavira has championed student press rights throughout her career. A former newspaper reporter, she now advises The Pearl Post news magazine, website and yearbook at Daniel Pearl Magnet High School in Lake Balboa, California, where her students also produce a bi-monthly podcast. In 2022, she stood firm against district pressure to censor student reporting, refusing to compromise California’s student press freedom law. Her suspension was quickly rescinded after national outcry, but her courage further cemented her as a role model for advisers nationwide.

Beyond her school, Chavira is a leader in multiple organizations. She serves as president of the Southern California Journalism Education Association, sits on the boards of the California Press Foundation and the Student Press Law Center, and works as a JEA mentor to new advisers. She has organized conventions, workshops and webinars that have helped countless advisers strengthen their programs and protect their students’ rights.

Her colleagues describe her as fearless. “Adriana has been an ardent defender of student speech rights,” Mitch Ziegler said. “She stood up for her students’ rights to publish truthful stories despite demands to censor, and she provides a strong foundation for scholastic journalism in Southern California.” 

Sandra Coyer described her as fearless, strong, tenacious: all three of these words only begin to describe her and the impact she has made. “She epitomizes what the Pioneer Award exemplifies.”

Margie Mohtasham Raper

Margie Raper spent more than 23 years advising award-winning broadcast and publications programs in Texas, inspiring students and educators alike with her vision, energy and expertise. Most recently at Rock Hill High School, she launched a program that quickly rose to state and national prominence. Her students have earned Pacemakers, UIL Gold Stars and Lone Star Emmys while producing innovative and meaningful journalism for their school communities.

Recognized nationally, Raper was named 2024 JEA Broadcast Adviser of the Year and has received the ILPC Max R. Haddick Texas Journalism Teacher of the Year, CSPA Distinguished Adviser, JEA Medal of Merit, and JEA Distinguished Yearbook Adviser honors. She has served as TAJE president, a JEA curriculum writer, NSPA/ACP board member and frequent workshop presenter. 

“Margie is, in every sense of the word, a rockstar,” Becky Tate said. “She elevates every program, project and person she touches.” 

Jeff Moffitt added, “Her gentle way of coaching her students to do better and be better proves she is more than a good adviser; she is a master teacher. Raper’s ability to empower both students and colleagues alike makes her a true Pioneer in scholastic journalism.”

Rod Satterthwaite

For nearly four decades, Rod Satterthwaite has been a guiding force in scholastic journalism, redefining what it means to advise and mentor. He credits advising student media with shaping his identity as an educator, allowing him to move beyond simple instruction to empowering students to create journalism that has a real impact on their schools and communities. His emphasis on trust, responsibility and ethical reporting has inspired generations of journalists. He currently advises The Campanile newspaper and its companion website, thecampanile.org, as well as the InFocus broadcast program at Palo Alto High School.

Satterthwaite’s leadership extends nationally, where he has mentored advisers and contributed to the growth of scholastic press organizations. He is known not just for his expertise but for his warmth and generosity, always making others feel supported and capable. His students have gone on to lead in journalism and beyond, carrying forward the lessons of responsibility, curiosity and service.

“Rod’s contributions aren’t just professional — they’re deeply personal,” Mitch Eden said. “He’s mentored countless advisers with steady, funny and compassionate guidance. He’s one of the best ship-steerers we’ve got, and our field is stronger because of him.” 

According to colleague, Brian Wilson, Rod’s students are well-versed in all aspects of journalism. “He understands print design, podcasting, video storytelling, opinion writing, news reporting, web journalism, and photojournalism, he said. “He’s advised just about every medium you can think of, and he’s also probably taught every type of summer journalism workshop class imaginable.”

Clint Smith

Clint Smith has spent two decades at Texas High School, co-advising Tiger Times Online and the Tiger yearbook while focusing on photography and convergent media. His students have earned Pacemakers, CSPA Crowns, UIL Stars, and recognition from the Association of Texas Photography Instructors as the state’s top program. His teaching blends newsroom authenticity with classroom instruction, preparing students for professional-level reporting and storytelling.

Smith is also a national leader in photography instruction. He has served as ATPI president, taught at workshops nationwide, and presented at conventions where his sessions consistently push both students and advisers to refine their craft. His emphasis on multimedia storytelling and strong social media integration has given his students — and those he teaches at workshops — a competitive edge in modern journalism.

Colleagues point to both his expertise and generosity. “Clint is an exceptional teacher — patient, clear, and willing to go above and beyond,” Charla Harris said. 

Bradley Wilson added, “Clint has consistently demonstrated his ability to inspire, challenge and elevate those around him. His influence extends well beyond his own newsroom, helping advisers and students across the country grow.”

Barb Tholen

Barb Tholen spent 15 years advising at Lawrence High School, where her students consistently produced award-winning journalism, including three Pacemakers and recognition for courageous reporting. In 2025, her students won the Kansas Scholastic Press Association’s Courage in Journalism Award for their coverage of AI surveillance, a testament to Tholen’s steadfast support for student press freedom.

Now serving as executive director of the Kansas Scholastic Press Association, Tholen continues to mentor advisers, teach at the University of Kansas, and direct the Jayhawk Media Workshop. She has been honored as a JEA Distinguished Adviser, Kansas Master Teacher and winner of the Jackie Engel Award, among others. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to student voice and to strengthening scholastic journalism at every level.

“Barb is all about free speech and believing the fight is worth it,” Susan Massy, said. “She is a passionate and effective voice for scholastic journalism as well as an adviser who teaches her students to be unafraid as they practice sustained good journalism.”

Her high school adviser, and now colleague, Becky Tate said, “For me, it’s been a privilege to watch her journey — from a student with limitless potential to a professional who fulfilled it, and then to a teacher and leader who has poured that experience back into her students and her colleagues. Barb has always been a pioneer. This award would not only honor her but also recognize the countless students, advisers, and programs she has strengthened along the way.”