Lori Keekley has been named associate director for Quill and Scroll at National Scholastic Press Association/Associated Collegiate Press.

She will focus on Quill Scroll membership, activities and contests in the new position, which begins July 18.

“We are so excited to have Lori join us as part of the team,” Executive Director Laura Widmer said. “Her experience makes her a natural fit for what we need to focus on here at Quill and Scroll, NSPA and ACP. Her insight will enable us to continue to provide Quill and Scroll members with exceptional services and contests.” 

Quill and Scroll’s merger with NSPA was official on July 1.

Since 1921, NSPA has trained, honored and empowered thousands of student journalists, and its Pacemakers are the nation’s preeminent recognition for student media.

Since 1926, Quill and Scroll has inducted student journalists into its honor society at more than 11,300 high schools in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and 30 nations.

Keekley had served as a journalism teacher and newspaper adviser at
St. Louis Park High School (Minnesota) since 2002. Her teaching and journalism experience includes Plymouth Middle School (Minnesota) and Portage High School (Indiana). 

She also returns to NSPA/ACP. She was director of national contests and critiques from 1998 to 2000. 

“I’m very excited to come in and reimagine some of the possibilities we have within our organizations and serve our members,” Keekley said.
“I will work hard to understand the inner workings of Quill and Scroll. I want to be available to work with them and help in any capacity I can.” 

Keekley has taught at numerous journalism conventions and workshops across the country. She has served as scholastic press rights director and curriculum leader for Journalism Education Association. In 2016 she was named the Dow Jones News Fund National High School Journalism Teacher of the Year. She also has been awarded the Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Key and the NSPA Pioneer Award. 

Keekley will consult with former Quill and Scroll executive director Jeff Browne and administrative assistant Judy Hauge as she works on membership services, contests and traditions. 

“It’s an honor to continue the leadership others have provided before me,” Keekley said. “I’m looking forward to working with the great leadership team at NSPA and to further what Quill and Scroll offers. 

“This position is about providing the best journalism support services to students, teachers and media advisers both nationally and internationally,” she said. “In order for us all to grow, we need to continue to listen and to ask questions.”