Cheryl Pell, who retired from the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association in May after 25 years as its executive director, presented the Scholastic Journalism Division Honors Lecture at the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication’s annual convention in Chicago on Aug. 10. Watch the speech
The lecture annually recognizes an educator for their contribution to scholastic journalism.
“I am humbled by this,” Pell told AEJMC. “As the newsletter editor for the Scholastic Journalism Division for several years, I designed numerous issues that included the text of the speeches delivered by amazing journalism educators. I don’t feel as though I belong in that fraternity. I get embarrassed by these things, but it is certainly an honor.”
Pell has been recognized numerous times during her career, including AEJMC Scholastic Journalism Division Educator of the Year, Journalism Education Association Medal of Merit and the Columbia Scholastic Press Association James F. Paschal Award. She is also a member of the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame.
Although she has retired from MIPA, Pell continues to lead Michigan State University’s journalism education master’s program and coordinates MSU’s adviser training classes as a faculty member in the School of Journalism.
“We are so proud of Cheryl and thrilled that she continues to contribute to scholastic journalism in Michigan and nationally,” said Jeremy Steele, who succeeded Pell as executive director of MIPA. “Cheryl is the role model for so many journalism educators around the country.”
Pell’s speech, “Of Being Tired, But Mostly Inspired,” highlighted the challenges facing scholastic journalism – but also showcased innovations that are moving scholastic press forward and making journalism an essential part of school curriculum.
Watch Cheryl Pell’s AEJMC Scholastic Journalism Division Honors Lecture
2012 AEJMC Scholastic Journalism Division Honors Lecture from MIPAMSU on Vimeo.