ESD Journalism Instructor Receives Edith Fox King Award

April 15, 2024

Every year, the Interscholastic League Press Conference bestows the Edith Fox King Award upon advisors who have made significant contributions to scholastic journalism, honoring the legacy of the former journalism instructor and student publication advocate. The 2024 award will be presented to ESD journalism instructor Ms. Ana Rosenthal on April 20 in Austin, Texas, heralding her distinguished contributions and outstanding devotion to scholastic journalism education in Texas. 

Although the curriculum is a significant reason ESD’s journalism program is highly renowned, we all know that great teachers make great schools. More than 25 years ago, the journalism program was established by beloved teacher Barbara Meiers, who dedicated much of her career and life to the progression of student publications. With yet another proud accolade to add to ESD’s press publications wall, Rosenthal continues to execute the vision of those before her by helping students compose outstanding publications packed with critical thinking, reflection, and creative expression. 

“I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this recognition. What makes it truly special is that my colleagues in the field nominated me for this award,” Rosenthal expressed. 

Beginning in Journalism I, students are introduced to the basics, such as the history, ethics, principles, and practices of journalism. Following the introductory course, students choose Advanced Journalism Newspaper, where they contribute to six Eagle Edition issues throughout the year, or Advanced Journalism Yearbook, where they design the annual Carillon book. Once they begin working on their respective editions, each publication pitches their ideas, delegates stories, edits written copies, utilizes various design platforms for layout, and has numerous deadlines to meet throughout the process. In many ways, these courses are not only demonstrative of their specialized fields but also highly impactful on the whole person being taught, from instilling confidence to building character. 

“Even if they do not end up going to journalism school, all the skills that they learn in this class are just so helpful for their life after high school,” Rosenthal noted. “They learn to talk to adults, interview them, and hold them accountable for their actions. They learn how to write in a much more concise manner, how to organize themselves and their time because they have so many deadlines to meet, and how to work as a team.”

As with all courses at ESD, topics are always taken beyond the classroom. From Beginner to twelfth grade, our students develop an educated conscience through exposure and application. They cannot report on world events without being immersed in the world around them, which is why it is paramount for students to be informed, involved, and insightful.

“My whole idea when I’m teaching is, my students are going to be covering the events and any news that take place here on campus, but part of strong journalism program is also looking at our outside world and saying, how events taking place, either at the state, national, or international level, how that affects us as well,” Rosenthal explains. “So we bring those stories to ESD, but of course, talking to people who are being affected by those events here at ESD.”

According to Rosenthal, ESD’s journalism program wouldn’t be what it is today without consistent transparency, support, and communication on behalf of the school’s administration.

Scholastic journalism can be particularly challenging due to overarching representation, but at ESD, that transition is relatively seamless. Due to the support and synergy of administration, faculty, staff, and students, the Eagle Edition newspaper and Carillon yearbook have consecutively won award after award dating back to 2008. 

“This recognition goes far beyond what I do with my students in the journalism room. It’s a testament to ESD’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that our students understand the vital role journalism plays in our community and in a democratic society,” Rosenthal said.