Natalie Barnard, yearbook adviser at Mountain Vista High School in Douglas County, has been named the 2025 Journalism Adviser of the Year by the Colorado Student Media Association. This award has a 42 year history and is given to the top adviser of student media programs in the state.
Barnard received an unprecedented 14 nominations and numerous additional support letters. Her nomination packet included support letters from current students, former students, parents, and colleagues.
A colleague gave this insight to Barnard’s teaching. “Natalie’s resilience has been remarkable, especially as the program has experienced its share of challenges over the years. She has navigated these changes with grace and determination, ensuring that the quality of the yearbook does not falter despite the ebbs and flows that naturally occur in any creative endeavor. Her innovative approach and ability to adapt have not only revitalized the Vista yearbook program but also inspired her students to strive for excellence.”
A former student reflected on time spent in Barnard’s program. “Advisers like her are not common. Rather, she is a living, breathing example of what it means to educate and empower young adults with pride, grace and passion. She creates spaces in which her students can come as they are, with knowledge of who they are in the present and who they wish to become. Every student, idea, story and voice is of value. Natalie is an advocate, cheerleader and role model to her students. She does not want her students to “get by,” rather she wants them to thrive – to take hold of what matters to them and make the world their own. She gives endlessly, cares deeply, and inspires her students to aim for the stars.”
Judges noted the lasting impact that Barnard has had on students and on the program at Mountain Vista. They also noticed her commitment to quality instruction and the value of a student journalism program. Barnard had this to say about her philosophy on advising. “I approach my classes with the philosophy that I am teaching young adults the importance of their voice. I am leading them to understand that there needs to be people in our world who continue to focus on sharing unbiased, researched and accurate information. Advising media also enables me to guide my students to practice skills they will need for a lifetime. Understanding the importance of deadlines, learning to work collaboratively with peers, and conquering the fear of talking to new people (interviewing) are all skills they can carry past their years in high school.”
In addition to her work in the classroom, Barnard is a member of the CSMA Board of Directors and a frequent attendee at state and national events for student journalism students and advisers.
Barnard was recognized at the 2025 CSMA J-Day event held at Macky Auditorium on the campus of the University of Colorado, Boulder.
