The Journalism Education Association (JEA) announced that Kaylee Anderson, a Bryant High School senior, has been selected as the 2026 Arkansas Student Journalist of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes the top high school journalist in the state for their skill, dedication and leadership across various media platforms and journalistic categories.
Anderson was chosen from a competitive pool of nominees across Arkansas. The award celebrates a portfolio that demonstrates superior journalistic ability in areas including writing, editing, photography, design, broadcast, ethical and legal issues, team building and leadership.
Part of what stood out to judges was Anderson’s dedication to the power of journalism and student voice.
“She’s been a leader, advocate for press freedom and active on social media platforms,” Mark Hilburn, judge and former Nebraska Adviser of the Year, said.
During her time at Bryant High School, Anderson served two years as co-editor in chief of Hornet Yearbook. Her work has won numerous state awards including academic design of the year, student life photograph of the year, superior cover, and a host of other individual and group awards.
“When she was a sophomore, Kaylee learned about the journalist of the year award and decided that was a goal she had for her senior year. Since then, she’s worked to produce compelling stories, taken countless photos and worked to make our book the best it can be,” Justin Turner, Bryant High School yearbook adviser, said. “She knew broadcast was one of the categories, so she signed up for sports broadcast, not because she loves sports, but because she loves telling stories of all kinds.”
To enter the contest, Anderson had to create a website featuring her work and commentary explaining how each example matched the requirements of the rubric.
“I was so relieved to win because there was a lot of competition for it, and I wanted it really badly. I put a lot of work into it over the years, but it was really worth it,” Anderson said.
As the Arkansas Student Journalist of the Year, Anderson is now eligible to compete for the national title, the JEA National Student Journalist of the Year, which will be announced at the JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention in Minneapolis, MN in April. The national winner receives a scholarship and recognition as the top high school journalist in the United States.
About the Journalism Education Association (JEA)
The Journalism Education Association, Inc. is the largest scholastic journalism organization in the nation. JEA supports free and responsible scholastic journalism by providing resources and educational opportunities, promoting professionalism, encouraging and rewarding student excellence, and guaranteeing a free press for all students.