TAJE

10/09/2026

Congratulations to contest director Andrea Negri, one of the hardest working people in scholastic journalism. We are so proud of you, Andrea!

Meet the 2026 Pioneers: Andrea Negri

Andrea Negri, MJE, is in her third year of advising the student media programs at Cypress Woods High School in the greater Houston area. This is her 18th year of teaching.

Before becoming a teacher, Negri attended the University of Texas at Austin and majored in journalism. She interned on the copy desk at several professional publications, including the Austin American-Statesman, Idaho Post Register and The Washington Post. While she enjoyed her media experience, her role as the University Interscholastic League’s journalism intern for three-and-a-half years made her decide she wanted to become a teacher.

“Our kids are smart,” Negri said. “They are more capable than many adults give them credit for. And they’re paying attention to what’s happening in their communities and around the world — even when we think they aren’t. … Without journalism education, I don’t know what or who I’d be.”

Read more: https://studentpress.org/nspa/2026-pioneer-class/

10/07/2026

Happy National Yearbook Week!!! What are you and your staff doing to celebrate??

10/06/2026

Fall Fiesta 2026 wrapped up yesterday by celebrating the school winners of Sweepstakes and Best of Show and student write-off contests. All info will be on TAJE.org soon. Big congrats to all of the winners!

10/05/2026

It's Monday and that means the last day of Fall Fiesta. Our keynote speaker today is Sam Owens. She is a San Antonio Express-News and a former high school photo editor and yearbook editor. Owens received a George Polk Award in 2024 for her investigative series exposing the predatory sales tactics an deceptive lending practices in the rooftop solar industry. Owens has also covered the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, TX and the Hill Country flooding.

10/04/2026

Fall Fiesta wraps tomorrow and we end with Sam Owens as our keynote speaker. Meet us at 9:00am at Lila Cockrell Theatre. Owens is a photojournalist at the San Antonio Express-News.

Administrator of the Year and Student Press Rights Advocate of the Year will be recognized along with prize drawings and awards will be handed out for contest winners.

10/04/2026

Wait, there's one more contest for your kids while we're at Fall Fiesta!
Team up with three students and create a 60-90 second promotional video for Fall Fiesta. Be sure they advertise the benefits of attending the convention.

You may use any available equipment/editing software. No pre-registration is required and no fee to participate.

TOPIC: Real Stories
SUBMISSION: Completed entries should be uploaded somewhere publicly accessible (YouTube or other social media).
Entries will be submitted at https://bit.ly/2026ffpromo
DUE: Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 6:00pm
CHECKLIST: addresses topic, high video quality, showcases convention attendees, attention to framing and editing technique

10/04/2026

Put your brain in gear and let's 🪅Fiesta🪇 at Nacho Average Trivia Night!! We'll be in room 004 ready to make some noise, have some snacks and have plenty of FUN🎉🪅. The party starts at 8:00pm and wraps at 9:00pm.

Thank you Photo Texas Photography for sponsoring the good time.

10/04/2026

Congratulations to the award winners at Fall Fiesta who were honored at our adviser luncheon hosted by Jostens.
Lifetime Membership
Margaret Edmonson

Friend of Journalism
Larry Roskens, Prosper
Bao Ong, Houston Chronicle

Trailblazer
Lanie Catuogno, Westwood High School
Jenny Dial Creech, St. Mark's School of Texas
Sydney (Skye) Duncan, Sabine High School
Kimber Smith, Union Grove Junior/Senior High School

Pathfinder
Daniel Ryan Carr, Ray Braswell High School
Josette Coker, VR Eaton High School
Kendra Wallace, Crandall High School

Texas Treasure
Wayna Polk

10/04/2026

Thank you Jostens for sponsoring the adviser luncheon where we recognized so many who have advanced high school journalism.

10/04/2026

Full day today at Fall Fiesta!!
💫Classes run until 11:25am with a break for lunch and will resume at 1:30pm. Check out the schedule on line or in your booklet.
🎉Adviser luncheon at 11:30am in toom 004 hosted by Jostens. TAJE will present the Trailblazer, Pathfinder, and Friend of Journalism and Texas Treasure Awards. No ticket is needed.
💫Don't forget to check your adviser email for your onsite critique time!
🎉TAJE membership meeting is today at 4:00pm in room 007A.
🪅It's Trivia Night!! Join us for fun and games at Nacho Average Trivia Night in room 004 from 8:00-9:00pm
💫It's Journalism TikTok or Reel day for socials. Use the hashtags and to entered to win a pinata filled with all types of sweet treats!!🪅