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The Kansas Scholastic Press Association congratulates Heather Springer on winning this year’s Ad Astra Award. This award honors an adviser who has displayed a significant effort to continually improve his/her journalism program and make a significant contribution to the profession of advising in Kansas. This includes supporting First Amendment rights for students, contributing significant personal time and effort to improve the quality of scholastic journalism in his/her school and overcoming a considerable challenge or obstacle.

The judges for this award were impressed with the positive letters of recommendation which all emphasized Springer’s dedication to Olathe South students and its journalism program, to academic excellence, most importantly, to journalistic integrity and the Kansas Publications Act. It was clear to the judges that her students feel respected and empowered to publish fairly and fully because of Heather’s constant support and encouragement.

Words of nomination: 

Mya Roberts, The Eyrie newspaper co-editor in chief: 

Springer is one of the best people I have had the pleasure of learning from. She gives students a place to belong and a teacher to turn to. She has become such a role model to me and so many others. If someone is making fun of you or treating you differently because of something you have written she goes full “mama bear mode,” as she likes to call it. She has helped me learn what I want to do with my life and has supported me, as well as every other student she has the opportunity to teach, along every step of our journeys. She is someone that so many people can look up to. She is an adviser who cares about what she does and isn’t afraid to show it.

Makenna Aiello, The Eyrie newspaper co-editor in chief: 

Springer has always educated us on our rights under the first amendment, and has never tried to limit us on what we choose to publish. As an editor, I have never been restricted in what I choose to write or include in the newspaper. Before we begin teaching the staff how to write and design, Springer begins with lessons of the First Amendment and legal issues that we must consider as participants of the press, and answers all questions that editors and students have on legal matters. She gives editors complete control over content decisions.

Tracy Tuley, Walsworth Yearbooks: 

Under Heather’s guidance, Olathe South High School’s yearbook, Talon, and other publications—including the newsmagazine and the website The Eyrie—have flourished. Her students have earned numerous accolades, including Best of Show, Walsworth Gallery of Excellence, and All-Kansas honors. Heather’s ability to cultivate a collaborative environment where students are empowered to make decisions, create content, and build community speaks to her commitment to journalism education and student leadership.

Lindsey Skaggs, adviser at Olathe East: 

It’s not just her students to whom Heather provides support. Since I began teaching in the Olathe District in the 2020-2021 school year, we have replaced every journalism teacher across the 5 high schools, save Heather. She has acted as a mentor to each and every new adviser. Helping to bolster not just her school but our district as a whole. She has been instrumental in initiatives such as planning a district wide boot camp for students at the start of the school year, aligning curriculum and ensuring equitable access to equipment across the district.

The Kansas Scholastic Press Association extends our congratulations and highest praise to such an outstanding educator and adviser.