MINNEAPOLIS – The Minnesota High School Press Association has presented its 2015 Journalism Educator of the Year honor to Kathryn Campbell of St. Paul Academy and Summit School and adviser to The Rubicon newspaper and its companion website.
Campbell was recognized at the school in St. Paul on May 21. At the recognition, Campbell cited her students as her inspiration. “My staff constantly surprises me with their inventiveness and creativity,” she said.
Kathryn Campbell and the staff of The Rubicon celebrate Campbell’s recognition as Minnesota Journalism Educator of the Year. Photo by Alex Loveland.
Selection criteria for the award include teaching/advising preparation, experience and ability; relationships with students and others; contributions to the profession; promoting appreciation for journalism and as a career; and support for the First Amendment.
Campbell has taught English and advised The Rubicon newspaper at St. Paul Academy and Summit School for eight years. She received a Bachelor’s degree from Concordia College in 1995 and an M.A. from Hamline University in 2005.
The Rubicon newspaper, which under Campbell’s tutelage expanded to an online news site, has been awarded with state and national recognitions, including placing in MHSPA’s Best of Show contest and ranking All American in National Scholastic Press Association’s publication critique service.
Campbell’s students and colleagues nominated her for the award. In their letters of support, they praised her creativity, skillful coaching and generous encouragement. Her current students emphasized that Campbell leads by example. Chief Visual Editor of The Rubicon Boraan Abdulkarim wrote, “She never talks down to us and isn’t afraid to laugh. She’s wordlessly taught us how to be efficient, organized, articulate, and passionate.”
Campbell’s colleague Tom Fones praised her talents in both teaching and journalism. “She facilitates the voices of so many diverse students and mentors these voices to serve so many audiences, both within and outside the school,” Fones wrote. “Kathryn has taken the publication to extraordinary heights, while continuing to serve the needs and the interests of the student body.”
Campbell’s work with the Minnesota Council of Teachers of English board and involvement with various journalistic judging bodies clearly demonstrates her commitment to bringing scholastic journalism, both state-wide and nationally, to new levels of excellence.
View the latest edition of The Rubicon here.
Campbell will be recognized at the MHSPA State Convention Oct. 6, 2015, which takes place at the University of Minnesota Twins Cities Campus in Minneapolis.