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Disha Kumar, co-editor-in-chief for The Messenger newsmagazine at Northview High School in Johns Creek, Georgia, has been named the 2023 Georgia Champion Journalist of the Year by the Georgia Scholastic Press Association. The award recognizes the top high school senior journalist in the state. Melanie Frick, co-editor-in-chief for Cedar Shoals High School’s BluePrints Magazine, was the runner-up in the competition. In a personal narrative statement, Kumar described having a passion for social justice. “Whether through a graphic to report on Hinduphobic, anti-Indian rhetoric in my community or a piece on community mental health amid racial violence, I have recognized that it is our job as journalists to amplify the voices of those around us,” she wrote. “In college, I will continue to wield the power of the pen to report on my community and effect change.” Kumar will receive a plaque and a $1,000 monetary award, supported by the Carolyn McKenzie and Don E. Carter Chair for Excellence in Journalism at the University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. She also advances to represent the state in the Journalism Education Association’s National Journalist of the Year Competition. In addition to the senior-level Georgia Journalist of the Year contest, GSPA honors the top high school junior journalist in the state. Maya Clement, print managing editor for Clarke Central High School’s ODYSSEY Media Group, was selected as the Georgia Junior Champion Journalist winner. Anna Shaikun, digital editor for Clarke Central’s ODYSSEY Media Group, was the runner-up. All winners will be recognized during the GSPA Spring Awards and Workshop on Monday, March 27 at the University of Georgia’s Center for Continuing Education in Athens. Read the full story here.
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