Congratulations to Bellaire High School adviser Andrea Negri, MJE, for being a 2021 Medal of Merit recipient. Negri is one of two advisers the Journalism Education Association honored with the award, which recognizes individuals who had made a significant contribution to scholastic journalism.
“Andrea is one of the most dedicated advisers I have ever met,” Balfour representative Ryan Almon said. “Her commitment to assist other advisers with the many challenges they face each year has always impressed me.”
Negri, who has taught for 13 years, is the yearbook adviser at Bellaire High School in Bellaire, Texas. She serves as the contest director for the Texas Association of Journalism Educators as well as the secretary and newsletter editor of the Association of Texas Photography Instructors.
“On behalf of ATPI, we are so proud of the recognition that JEA has given to Andrea,” ATPI Executive Director Mark Murray said. “Andrea is one of the folks who can be counted on to go the extra mile or step up and take on a job that no one else wants to do. Her work with both ATPI and TAJE would keep a group of regular folks working full time, but she manages to do it all, and advise the yearbook at Bellaire, without breaking a sweat.”
In the nomination letter, TAJE’s Executive Director Cindy Todd praised Negri’s commitment to journalism.
“Thank goodness for Andrea Negri,” Todd said. “Andrea’s hard work provides countless opportunities for both students and advisers across the country. Here in Texas, she’s a special blessing.”
Negri and Mike Simons, MJE, from Corning-Painted Post High School in New York, will receive their awards at the JEA/NSPA Fall National High School Journalism Convention. For Negri, the news is still settling in.
“I looked at the list of past winners, and I’m familiar with Mike Simons’ work, and it’s so surreal to think about myself being in that group,” Negri said. “They’re all people who are legends to me and people I look up to.”
