Alan Tai, a senior at Monta Vista High School and co-editor-in-chief of El Estoque, has been named the 2025 National High School Journalist of the Year by the Journalism Education Association . The announcement was made April 26, at the JEA/NSPA Spring National High School Journalism Convention in Seattle.

JEA President Val Kibler, MJE, presented Tai with the award at a ceremony attended by El Estoque co-adviser Julia Satterthwaite, MJE, and over 3,000 journalism students and advisers. The honor recognizes Tai’s excellence in reporting, leadership and commitment to the values of scholastic journalism. The honor comes with a $4,000 college scholarship that Tai plans to use for his studies at Northwestern in the fall.

“Alan’s leadership and commitment to ethical, impactful journalism have elevated our entire program,” said Satterthwaite. “These honors are not just a reflection of his hard work, but of a team dedicated to telling meaningful stories.”

Tai was the 7th Californian to earn the top prize and second from Monta Vista High School. El Estoque co-editor-in-chief Anushka De won the honor in 2022 and is now studying at Stanford University.

Tai, who was representing his staff at the convention, also took home JEA’s First Amendment Press Freedom Award on behalf of Monta Vista High School, the National Scholastic Press Innovation Pacemaker; NSPA’s Online Pacemaker Award and its Best of Show, 1st Place for Newsmagazines.

Students of JEA advisers are eligible to enter the 2026 contest by placing first in the California contest. Portfolio preparation usually takes place during the first semester of the applicant’s senior year. More information is available on the JEA website.