Karla Shotts is the Colorado Student Media Association Adviser of the Year for 2024.
Shotts is the adviser at Englewood High School, working with the Pirate Log Yearbook, PirateTV, The Pirateer Newspaper, and thepirateer.com news website. She also serves as the Education Coordinator for the Colorado Student Media Association.
Shotts joined the advising world after a career in journalism. She brings many of the lessons form professional journalism to the classroom and workshop instruction. Shott had this to say in her nomination questionnaire. “As a working journalist for nearly three decades, I took part in state and national conferences speaking on guidance for young staff and using central characters to build solid stories in news. In the advising role, one of my favorite ways to give back to the journalism community is to create content for workshops. I have taught sessions on Broadcasting packages, writing to a listening audience, and adding a central character to stories to engage the audience.”
Thomas Rhode, an Assistant Principal at Englewood, speaks highly of her abilities within the classroom and the school. “I have worked with Karla for the past 6 years and have found that she is compassionate, creative and she wants the best for all of her kids. She has shown that she is an effective communicator and she works very hard to develop a rapport with students, colleagues, and parents. Ms. Shotts works to differentiate instruction in her classes to meet the learning needs of many different students working at various levels.”
Her students will tell you about the connections that they make with her. In her support letter, Abigail Norejko wrote “From the second I met Ms. Shotts, she welcomed me with open arms. Once Ms. Shotts saw my dedication to Journalism, she wholeheartedly put faith in me, and asked me to help her teach other students the journalism basics before we started doing any classwork. She saw the precision that I use when filming and editing, and helped me use it to my advantage when we started putting our newscasts and stories together. Anything I was confused about or didn’t understand she didn’t even think twice about helping me do, and even gave me tricks to help remember how to do it again in the future.”
Sheila Jones, a former adviser and current JEA mentor, recognizes the strength of Shotts work. “Under Karla, the Pirateer Media program has flourished and adapted to the changing 21st century world of scholastic journalism. The program currently includes print (both news feature magazine and the Pirate Log yearbook), broadcast, and online news platforms. In recent years, student-produced podcasts have also been a feature on thepirateer.com website. With each passing year Pirateer Media has garnered an ever-increasing number of student and publication awards from CSMA and recognition from SNO because ofKarla’s tutelage in the rudiments of journalism and her encouragement of student excellence in all aspects of reporting, editing, design, and editorial leadership.”
It is our pleasure to recognize Karla Shotts as the Colorado Student Media Association Adviser of the Year and we look forward to her continued work with the student journalists of Englewood High School and the State of Colorado.
Tyree Clark is the Colorado Student Media Association Administrator of the Year for 2024.
Clark is an Asst. Principal and Activities Director at Rock Canyon High School. In his time at Rock Canyon, Clark has built a relationship with student journalists and has consistently supported them in their work. He clearly recognizes the role of student journalists and supports their first amendment rights. In his own words, the “administrative team provides resources and guidance for student-run media, ensuring that they understand both their rights and responsibilities. We also encourage diverse viewpoints and support initiatives that promote open dialogue and respectful debate. By creating opportunities for students to express themselves while maintaining a focus on respect and constructive communication, we help ensure that student expression is impactful and in alignment with Rock Canyon’s mission and vision.”
In her letter nominating Clark, Kristi Rathbun, adviser at Rock Canyon, had these words about him. “Mr. Clark demonstrates a sincere desire to learn about our student journalists, their First Amendment rights and their work, while also supporting all clubs and activities at our school. I am excited to write on behalf of Ty because of the positive impact he’s had on our community and student media program. His understanding of student press law and his support of our students’ journalism excellence make him an ideal recipient of the Colorado Student Media Association’s Administrator of the Year.”
And most importantly, Clark has connected with the student journalists. Editors Sanaa Sow and Elly Brooks shared this about Clark and his support of student free expression. “There has never been an incident where Mr. Clark has ever tried to overstep. Instead he, and the rest of the administration, are well-educated on what it entails and always encouraged us to freely explore topics around the school. In this way, he has also become a great resource for interviews and information regarding the school when asked.”
CSMA is pleased to recognize Tyree Clark and hopes that his work continues to support the student journalists of Rock Canyon High School.
