More than 800 students and teachers from 49 Nebraska schools gathered Oct. 21 at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln to learn about journalism and media at the fall convention of the Nebraska High School Press Association.

The convention, co-sponsored by the university’s College of Journalism and Mass Communications, offers a variety of learning opportunities for students studying broadcasting, newspaper (online and print) and yearbook.

“We had a record number of attendees, which I think is a great indication that the state’s scholastic journalism is strong — and growing stronger,” said Michelle Carr Hassler, NHSPA executive director and associate professor of practice in journalism at Nebraska. “Nebraska is so fortunate to have such engaged journalism students and teachers, in addition to media professionals who are dedicated to helping them learn.”

The theme of this year’s convention was “Facts Matter. Real Journalism.” The daylong event kicked off with a keynote presentation by Lise Olsen, an award-winning investigative reporter and editor from Houston.

Olsen, a Husker alumna, recently joined Texas Observer magazine after serving as investigative reporter and editor at the Houston Chronicle. Her reports over 20 years in three states have contributed to the prosecutions of a former congressman and a federal judge, inspired laws and reforms, helped solve cold cases, restored names to unidentified murder victims and freed dozens of wrongfully held prisoners.

Olsen also presented a break-out session on investigative journalism. She was one of 40 media professionals and educators to present information sessions for students on a variety of media-related topics — from podcasting to social-media storytelling.

The NHSPA presented its 2019 Distinguished Adviser award to Erica Brockmoller, who teaches at Lexington High School and is active with the press association, including serving on its executive board. Hassler received the 2019 Friend of Journalism award, which honors someone who has significantly supported scholastic journalism.

The NHSPA also recognized high school student winners in its annual awards competition.

The following schools won the highest honor — the Cornhusker Award — in the yearbook category: Fremont (Black and Gold), Gretna (The Dragon), Lincoln Southwest (The Talon), Millard South (The Patriot), Millard West (The Prowler), Papillion-La Vista South (South Star), Pius X (The Thunderer), Scottsbluff (The Bluff) and Scribner-Snyder (The Trojan).

The following schools won Cornhusker Awards in the newspaper category: Fremont (The Rustler); Marian (The Network); Lincoln Southeast (The Clarion); Millard West (The Catalyst); Papillion-La Vista (The Scepter); and Scotus Central Catholic (The Rock Bottom).

Marian (The Network) and Westside (Westside Wired) won Cornhusker Awards in the online news category; and Marian’s M-Beat Broadcast won a Cornhusker in the broadcast category.

Major sponsors of the convention and awards include the Nebraska Press Association, Nebraska Broadcasters Association and School Newspapers Online Sites.

At an NHSPA adviser meeting, members re-elected Mark Hilburn of Millard West and David Stevens of Scribner-Snyder to the group’s executive board. Other board members are Brockmoller; Brandi Benson, Lincoln Southwest; Ranae Duncan, Omaha Bryan; Kristen Harris, McCook; Rod Henkel, Yutan; Lynn Hofmann, Shelby-Rising City; Marsha Kalkowski, Marian; Lori Larson, North Platte; Diane Schieffer, Elkhorn; and Angela Wolfe, Omaha Burke.

The NHSPA is open to all high school instructors of journalism and/or advisers of student publications in Nebraska. Learn more.