Jackie addresses the Journalism Education Association/National Scholastic Press Association

November 2007

Some comments on the conference from attendees

You have many young journalists reading your story and keeping you in their prayers -Thanks for all you have done and all you will do!

--Mrs. Marsha Kalkowski, MJE
Marian High School, Journalism Adviser


Just wanted to say thank you for your heartfelt, honest speech the other night at the JEA/NSPA conference. I'm a high school newspaper adviser, and one of my editors this year is considering a career in journalism -- she's deeply curious, driven, honest -- all the things you want in a young journalist. Watching the intensity on her face as you spoke was one of the highligts of the weekend for me. Thanks!

--Brian Baron
The Lion's Roar
Newton South (MA) High School



The response for our attendees to your presentation was outstanding. The convention evaluations overwhelming mention your presentation as the highlight of the convention. Your comments were moving and so strong in terms of what good journalism is all about. You were wonderful. 

How cool that you and Jenny came to a JEA/NSPA convention when you were in high school. 

That's coming full circle. Thank you so much for your time, for your wisdom and for your willingness to share with our young journalists.

--Linda Putney, JEA executive director

I also wanted to thank you--again--for making such a poignant keynote address at our convention. I can't say it enough how moving, authentic and deeply eloquent your personal reflections were. And, as I mentioned before, as an Army retiree (and military journalist you mentioned about) who has indulged in more than my share of people speaking or writing for and against the Iraq/Afghanistan wars, I've simply not come across anything from ANYONE who could convey its meaning and affects as deep and intimately as you did.

In a word, "Wow!"

--Reginald R.W. Ragland, CJE
Director, D.C. Journalism Education Assn. (DCJEA)
Member, JEA Multicultural and Middle Schools Commission
Washington, D.C.