Illinois Press Association Director of Foundation Jeff Rogers (left) and CEO Sam Fisher (right) accept the Illinois Journalism Education Association’s Friend of Scholastic Journalism Award on Nov. 3, 2018 at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago.

The IJEA annually honors an individual or group that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to scholastic journalism. The IJEA selects honorees who have supported their mission by assisting IJEA in promoting high standards of scholastic journalism and elevating the status of secondary education media programs; supporting opportunities for interaction between students and professionals; and serving as a model for students.

The IPF was first named a Friend of Scholastic Journalism in 2005. Past recipients include Chicago Tribune Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Bruce Dold, Daily Herald (Arlington Heights) film critic Dann Gire, the Illinois High School Association and more.