2010 Elizabeth B. Dickey Distinguished Service Award Recipients

Joe Dennis
University of Georgia (Athens, Ga.)

While Joe Dennis may not be an adviser in the traditional sense, his nominator says that Dennis “has been a friend and advocate for not only my students and my personal development in the world of student publications, but rather he’s contributed greatly to empower student journalists and advisers.”

However, Dennis’s impact in our field goes beyond his assistance to the publications and students of his nominator’s school. As his nominator says, “He has been very helpful in taking a stand for student journalists’ rights of free speech in the state. He is vigilant in aiding advisers in issues of press rights, as well as being a frequent contributor to media outlets across the state to stress the importance of publication programs in schools.”

Not only has his work in his state been impressive, this recipient’s contributions to SIPA have also been tangible. As a member of SIPA’s Executive Board, he contributes ideas for planning and implementation for the convention, assists in judging and moderating competitions, teaches sessions, attends board meetings and the convention at his own expense, and, as Leslie Dennis, SIPA press manager, says, “is willing to do anything his little sister asks of him.”

“There is no doubt,” one nominator says, “Joe’s contributions to scholastic journalism during the last six years have richly supported students and advisers across the Southeast. His advocacy, respect for students and advisers, and selfless nature recommend him strongly for consideration for a distinguished service award.”

“So, why is Joe so special?” another nominator asks. “Well,” she says, “they only made one of him! Yep! Only one! Nobody on the face of this earth smiles that much, talks that gently, takes care of business with less fuss than anyone else I know, and is more loyal than my favorite dog! Maybe it's that Georgia boy thing? But, that isn't it! I'd rather think they made only one of him! He's just that special. And the most special thing about this guy is I got to know him and he even refers to me as a friend some days. He's just that special!”

Valerie Kibler
Harrisonburg HS (Harrisonburg, Va.)

Valerie Kibler's name is easily recognized by every adviser in her state. Her contributions to high school journalism on the state and national level and each day in her classroom have been recognized and awarded. The publication she has advised for more than 15 years, Newsstreak, and the students she has taught and advised have received state, regional and national recognition.

She is sought after to chair, direct and instruct at workshops and conventions. Her leadership and organization abilities are exceptional and recognized by all—whether student, parent, state or national organization. I daresay there is not another adviser in North America who has organized and participated in a Carribean cruise of current and alumina newspaper staff, their parents and friends.

A state colleague had this to say about her: “When you first meet her, you are so moved by her spirit and excitement. Even on a bad day, she finds a way to make you feel like there’s hope. This is what draws kids AND adults to her. As Director of VAJTA, she invites you in to be a part of something cool, and she makes everyone feel special. No matter how big or small your program, and no matter how long you’ve been doing journalism, she finds a place for you and makes you feel like you’re the next big thing. Every fragment of an idea that someone has, she encourages. She isn’t the kind of person who asks you to do something… she jumps in full of excitement and makes you want to join her.”

Her nominator added: “She is the living embodiment of “The Little Engine that Could.” I have seen her interact with her students, colleagues and parents. The size and scope of her program is phenomenal. The level at which her students and their parents revere her is unparalleled. Children of entire families become members of her staff. She challenges her students and pushes them to excel. She is a planter and nurturer who carefully tends to her student’s growing skills and leadership. She instills in them the belief that they can do exceptional work and they do. Every kid has the potential to be a star in her eyes, and she pushes them until they are that star.

She overcomes the negative and continues to move forward with her steady energy, quiet manner and constant smile. She remains able to see the bright spot in even the darkest hour, accomplishing her own work, reaching out to and inspiring others through her constant spirit and steady dedication."

Susan Newell is described as being devoted to and passionate about scholastic journalism and her students.

As one nominator said, “Susan is a known advocate for her journalism students. She has worked hard to make sure certain students attend scholastic events regardless of their socioeconomic background.”

As a veteran adviser and SIPA board member, Newell is always willing to lend a helping hand with state, regional and national conventions. She can always be counted on to serve in scholastic association officer roles and bring her students to as many conferences as she can.

Newell advises both newspaper and yearbook, which consistently display excellence in design and writing. “She has spent decades,” her nominator says, “teaching modular design, inverted pyramid and composition elements. Her willingness to do so has ensured the longevity of the middle and high school newspapers and yearbooks she has advised.”

Another nominator says, “As her roommate at SIPA events, I have thoroughly enjoyed discussing with her the activities in her classroom, the advice she gives her students and her philosophy of teaching aspiring journalists.”