The Minnesota High School Press Association is proud to present its 2008 Journalism Educator of the Year honor to Laurie Hansen of Stillwater Area High School and adviser to the Kabekonian yearbook and Stylus magazine. Hansen was honored at a faculty meeting at her school on June 9, 2008.
It is hard to find someone who has done more for high school journalism in Minnesota than Laurie Hansen. She has created opportunities for students through connections with professional organizations, summer workshops and write-off competitions. She has inspired and encouraged students in yearbook, newspaper and literary magazines around the state and around the country. In Minnesota, she has taught at the summer workshop held at the University of Minnesota and organized an arts writing day in cooperation with the Guthrie Theater.
Additionally, she mentors advisers around Minnesota. Glenn Morehouse Olson of St. Francis High School met her at a summer workshop. She wrote, “Laurie Hansen filled my bag with handouts, schedules and tips, she filled my head with strong advice and she filled my heart with the fire to jump feet first into the often-crazy world of scholastic journalism.”
Kathryn Campbell of St. Paul Academy and Summit School wrote in her nomination, “I can’t think of a student or adviser who has met Laurie that hasn’t been deeply influenced by her teaching and who does not feel a deep respect for her skill.”
As part of her recognition, Hansen will spend a day in the newsroom at the Star Tribune newspaper in Minneapolis, hosted by Executive Editor Nancy Barnes and Managing Editor Scott Gillespie.
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