The National Scholastic Press Association, the nation’s largest association serving scholastic media, has named approximately 1,300 high school journalists as the first recipients of the new Leadership Award in Scholastic Journalism.

The Editor-in-Chief of the Talon News, Ashley Henderson, was among the students honored.

“NSPA is pleased to honor such a distinguished group of student journalists,” associate director Gary Lundgren said. “The leadership demonstrated by these students during their two years working on high school media will serve them well for careers in journalism or any future endeavors.”

Students were nominated by their adviser based on their journalistic excellence and staff leadership while maintaining ethical standards in the NSPA Model Code of Ethics. Henderson spent both her junior and senior years on The Talon’s staff while in good academic standing. 

“Ashley is the definition of leading by example,” adviser Caroline Robertson said. “She chases a story and never gives up until it’s perfect. She has been invaluable to us in Talon this year, and we are so thankful for her leadership. I’m so proud of her!”

Henderson is eligible to wear the NSPA Leadership in Student Journalism teal honor cord at graduation and will be listed on the NSPA website and on the pages of the Best of the High School Press.

“It’s an honor to be included among the best high school journalists across the country,” Henderson said. “Leadership is a great responsibility, but I have enjoyed every moment. Journalism means everything to me, and I wouldn’t trade my experience with The Talon for anything.”