North Central High School has been named a 2014 First Amendment high school, one of just six U.S. high schools to receive the honor.
The award recognizes public high schools that actively support, teach and protect First Amendment rights and responsibilities of students and teachers, with an emphasis on student-run media where students make all final decisions of content.
As in previous years, schools competed for the title by first answering questionnaires submitted by an adviser and at least one editor; those who advanced to the next level were asked to provide responses from the principal and all publications advisers and student editors, indicating their support of the five freedoms. In addition, semifinalists submitted samples of their printed policies.
Evans Branigan III, principal at North Central High School, is a JEA Administrator of the Year. Tom Gayda, an IHSPA Sengenberger recipient, is the publications adviser.
The schools will be honored April 10 at the opening ceremony of the JEA/NSPA Spring National High School Journalism Convention in San Diego.
