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 2024 honorees:
- Amherst County
- Justin Faulconer, Amherst News-Era Progress
- Culpeper County
- Culpeper Media Network
- Cumberland County
- Brian Carlton, The Farmville Herald
- Falls Church City
- Nick Benton, Falls Church News Press
- The Lasso, Meridian High School Newspaper
- Fredericksburg City
- Jamar Billingsley, Fredericksburg Free Press
- Joey LoMonaco, Fredericksburg Free Press
- Gloucester County
- Melany Slaughter, Gloucester/Mathews Gazette Journal
- WXGM 99.1 Radio Station
- Halifax County
- Miranda Baines, Gazette-Virginian
- Hampton City
- Ricky Matthews, WAVY-TV/FOX43
- Harrisonburg City
- Ashlyn Campbell, Harrisonburg Daily News Record
- Henry County
- Monique Holland, Martinsville Bulletin
- Highland County
- Tammy Minnigh, The Recorder
- 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
- Kristi Higgins, The Progress-Index
- Prince George County
- Michael Campbell, Prince George County Public Schools
- Pulaski County
- Mike Gangloff, The Roanoke Times Newspaper
- Mike Williams, The Patriot Newspaper
- Thomas Mundy, WSLS News
- Radford City
- Heather Bell, Radford News Journal
- Smyth County
- Linda Burchette, Smyth County News & Messenger
- Stephanie Porter-Nichols, Smyth County News & Messenger
- Stafford County
- Joseph Olmo, NBC4 Washington
- Martin Davis, FXBG Advance
- Steve Waters and Tiffany Kay, WFLS Radio
- Suffolk City
- James Robinson, Suffolk News Herald
- Surry County
- Stephen Faleski, The Smithfield Times
- Terry Harris, Sussex-Surry Dispatch
- Winchester City
- Molly Williams, The Winchester Star