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The Kansas Scholastic Press Association congratulates Andover Middle School student Jalynn Chan on winning the 2025 Mary Patrick Aspiring Young Journalist Award. This award encourages Kansas junior high/middle school students to continue with journalistic studies in high school and rewards their hard work while in a middle school program.

The judges also awarded two runners-up: Addison Sharlow, a student at Gordon Parks Academy,  and Stella McAllister, also a student at Andover Middle School.

Jalynn’s impressive entry distinguished her from the other applicants for its deep consideration of the role of journalism in today’s world as well as excellent reflections on her work in design and photography. Jalynn is in her second year on the yearbook staff and currently serves at co-editor. She is always involved in W.E.B, Math Relay and volleyball at Andover Middle School.

One judge had this to say about Jalynn’s entry: “Analysis is excellent and her communication is excellent. She shared some very personal experiences in her application letter, and I appreciated how she learned to face tough situations and sees how that affects her relationships with others.”

In her application letter, Jalynn expressed what she has learned about journalism in her short time as a middle school journalist: “Journalism helped me realize that in the journalism world, nothing can be done without a voice. You have to have one. When you use your voice, you build connections and tell stories; ones that can truly impact others’ lives and even your own. As an aspiring journalist, I am dedicated to using my words responsibly, aiming to uplift and inspire rather than harm. I believe that, through journalism, I can make a difference in the world, one word at a time.”

Jalynn was honored at a surprise celebration at her school. She will receive a scholarship to a local summer journalism workshop to help prepare her for high school journalism and beyond.