Kelly Wilkerson (Photo by Stephanie Chang)
The California Journalism & Media Affiliates recently presented the 2017 Nick Ferentinos Award for Advising Excellence to Kelly Wilkerson, journalism adviser at Davis High School.
The award recognizes leadership and support that goes beyond the journalism program and has impact across campus, community and local or regional associations. It is named for the late Nick Ferentinos of Homestead High School in Cupertino, who was a nationally honored journalism educator and mentor to educators.
CJ&MA delegate Steve O’Donoghue, director of the California Scholastic Journalism Initiative, presented the award to Wilkerson on May 8 during the Sixth Annual Sacramento Journalism Network awards, held at the Sacramento County Office of Education.
The nomination heralded Wilkerson for running an outstanding journalism program that leads the way on important stories with all components represented. She is not afraid to experiment with platforms and emerging technologies.
Wilkerson also has shown leadership in the community by hosting events, participating in community dialogue and creating change. The honoree has organized and hosted journalism days for area schools for several years.
Wilkerson’s students have gone on to do global journalism projects, while she continues to offer guidance to advisers in need and serves as an informal coach or mentor.
The California Journalism & Media Affiliates comprise leaders of California campus media associations. Previous educators of the year nominate current contenders for awards at the university, community college and high school level. The awards are funded by the California Press Foundation.
