Reporters and local media outlets play an important role in public education. School division leaders rely on responsible reporting by local media representatives so that our community members receive timely information about division initiatives and programs. Considering the impact that media coverage can have on community attitudes and beliefs, the Media Honor Roll was created to recognize fair and balanced reporting about our schools and Virginia’s public education system.
The Media Honor Roll recognizes media representatives in four categories: print, radio, digital, and television. Criteria for honorees include the following:
- Makes the effort to get to know the superintendent and board chair.
- Understands the division’s mission and goals.
- Reports school news in a manner that is fair, accurate, and balanced.
- Gives a high-profile position to good news about schools.
- Regularly visits the schools, attends board meetings, etc.
- Maintains a policy of “no surprises” by sharing information with school representatives.
If you are working with a reporter who deserves Media Honor Roll recognition, your division can add their name(s) to the Media Honor Roll by passing a resolution (sample included in the guide) and submitting to the online form. Please note that in addition to submitting individual reporters, you can also submit entire stations or newspapers.
Later this year, VSBA will publish the Media Honor Roll in the VSBA Newsletter to recognize those honored through this program. We also will send you personalized certificates electronically that are suitable for presentation to reporters at a board meeting.
For additional information, please contact communications@vsba.org or 434-295-8722.
The deadline for submissions has passed.
Participation in VSBA initiatives and observances is optional. Any related materials from the Association are shared as suggested ideas and resources for implementation. Member school boards may choose not to participate locally.
Congratulations to our 2025 honorees:
- Alexandria City
- The Zebra Press
- Caroline County
- Taft Coghill, Jr.
- Culpeper County
- Allison Brophy Champion, Culpeper Star-Exponent
- Culpeper Media Network
- Ian Chini, I&L’s DJing & Event Production
- Cumberland County
- Chris Wood, WFLO Radio – 870 AM and 95.7 FM
- Peggy Love, WVHL Radio – Kickin Country 92.9 FM
- Richard LeSueur, WVHL Radio – Kickin Country 92.9 FM
- Falls Church City
- Christopher Jones, The Falls Church Independent
- Nick Benton, Falls Church News Press
- The Lasso, FCCPS Student School Newspaper
- Galax City
- Shannon Watkins, The Galax Gazette
- Gloucester County
- Melany Slaughter, Gloucester/Mathews Gazette Journal
- WXGM 99.1 Radio Station
- Henry County
- Taylor Boyd, The Henry County Enterprise
- Louisa County
- John Hajduk, The Central Virginian
- Kate Nuechterlein, NBC29
- Pam Garrison, 99.7 CYK
- Mathews County
- Charles Koenig, Gloucester-Mathews Gazette-Journal
- New Kent County
- Andre Jones, New Kent/Charles City Chronicle
- Rob Johnson, New Kent/Charles City Chronicle
- Petersburg City
- Joi Fultz, CBS 6 WTVR-TV
- Brendan King, CBS 6 WTVR-TV
- Carvell Phillips, 106.5 “The Beat” Radio
- Pittsylvania County
- Charles Wilborn, Danville Register & Bee
- Prince Edward County
- Brian Carlton, The Farmville Herald
- WFLO Radio, 870 AM and 95.7 FM
- WVHL Kickin’ Country Radio, 92.9 FM
- Prince George County
- Michael Campbell, Prince George County Public Schools
- Travis Carr, Prince George County Public Schools
- Pulaski County
- Lindsey Cook, WDBJ
- Patriot Publishing LLC/The Southwest Times
- Thomas Mundy, WSLS News
- Roanoke County
- Lily Kincaid, The Roanoke Times
- John Appicello, WSLS-TV
- Jermaine Ferrell, WFXR-TV
- Smyth County
- Jasmine Franks, Smyth County News & Messenger
- Stephanie Porter-Nichols, Smyth County News & Messenger
- Staunton City
- Patrick Hite, The News Leader