Jason Davis serves as Apache Junction Unified School District yearbook advisor
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
Jason Davis has been honored with the ‘Special Recognition Adviser’ title by the Journalism Education Association.
Mr. Davis serves as the Apache Junction Unified School District yearbook advisor.
This prestigious acknowledgment is a testament to Mr. Davis’ outstanding contributions to the field of journalism and his dedication to nurturing the talents of young students, AJUSD officials say.
The Journalism Education Association annually recognizes individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their roles as advisers, according to a press release.
Among the accolades bestowed by JEA are the Yearbook Adviser of the Year, Distinguished Advisers, and Special Recognition Advisers. Mr. Davis joins the distinguished ranks of ‘Special Recognition Advisers’ for his work throughout the past year and his enduring commitment to journalism education.
Mr. Davis stands out as the sole Arizona adviser to receive this recognition since 2002 and only the third in the state since the inception of the awards in 1995. This achievement reflects not only his individual accomplishments but also the high standards set by the journalism programs at Apache Junction High School and Cactus Canyon Junior High.
Jason Davis serves as Apache Junction Unified School District yearbook advisor
Under Mr. Davis’ leadership, the Cactus Canyon yearbook has emerged as one of the premier student journalism programs in the nation, AJUSD officials say.
The last five volumes of the student-produced Oro have consistently been named finalists for both the National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker and the Columbia Scholastic Press Association Crown awards — a national honor in student journalism.
Now in his second year of advising at Apache Junction High School, Mr. Davis says he is on a mission to expand the program to cover more grades.
“I can teach them journalism skills, and they will improve with practice,” he said in a prepared statement. “But I’ve found that the best part of the yearbook program is giving students a place to feel at home and successful at school.”
Mr. Davis will be celebrated at the National Journalism Convention in Kansas City in April.
