GPS junior high yearbook advisers earn national honors

Two Gilbert Public Schools yearbook advisers have received national recognition for their work in scholastic journalism.

Jennifer Parsons of Greenfield Junior High School earned the Special Recognition Yearbook Adviser award from the Journalism Education Association as part of the 2025 H.L. Hall National Yearbook Adviser of the Year program.

The honor highlights her role in helping students build technical skills and confidence as they prepare for advanced study in digital communications.

Jeanette Lockwood, who advises the yearbook programs at Desert Ridge Junior High and Desert Ridge High School, was named a 2025 JEA Rising Star.

The award recognizes early‑career advisers who have shown significant progress in developing strong journalism and digital communications programs. Lockwood’s work emphasizes storytelling, organization and student-centered collaboration.

Both the Desert Ridge and Greenfield junior high yearbook programs were named finalists for the 2025 National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker award, one of the top honors in scholastic journalism.

They also were selected as finalists for the 2026 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Crown Awards.

Greenfield Junior High’s program has earned national recognition annually since 2015.

“The success of these advisers demonstrates how CTE Digital Communications programs prepare students not just for the classroom, but for careers — combining technical training, creativity and industry-aligned experiences that open doors for students long after graduation,” said Doug Daley, the district’s career and technical education director.

The district’s Digital Communications program offers students experience in journalism, public relations and media, including graphic design, writing and editing.

Students also may earn certifications in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator.

More information about digital communications and other CTE programs is available at gilbertschools.net/cte.