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PALO ALTO HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM PROGRAM NOTCHES INDIVIDUAL AND INSTITUTIONAL HONORS ON STUDENT PRESS FREEDOM DAY

The Palo Alto High School (Paly) Journalism program celebrated dual distinctions last week, coinciding with national Student Press Freedom Day . In a surprise classroom ceremony, senior Ava Knapp learned she was named the 2026 California Journalist of the Year , just as the program received word it has been honored with the prestigious First Amendment Press Freedom Award for only the third time in school history.

On Tuesday, Feb. 24, Principal Brent Kline interrupted the staff of The Paly Voice in the Media Arts Center under the guise of bringing students a "breaking news story" to announce that senior Ava Knapp, co-editor-in-chief of the The Paly Voice, had become California's "Journalist of the Year," securing the top spot in the Journalism Education Association’s state-wide competition.

Knapp’s portfolio was described by judges as an exceptional example of student journalism, showcasing a tenure marked by prolific output, collaborative mentorship, and a gusto for taking advantage of journalism as a front row seat on life:

Collaborative Spirit: Knapp has (so far) produced 57 bylines alongside 17 different story partners for The Paly Voice — one of the school’s dozen journalism publications and the only one to operate online-only. (See Knapp’s Voice portfolio here .)
Solo Grit: She has authored 12 solo stories, establishing herself in breaking news and investigative storytelling.
The Road to Nationals: As the recipient of the $1,000 Arnetta Garcin Memorial Scholarship from the Journalism Education Association of Northern California , Knapp’s portfolio now advances to represent California in the national JEA Journalist of the Year competition, with the winner to be announced at a national convention in mid-April in Minneapolis.

"Ava represents the very best of our program," her adviser, Paul Kandell, said. "She doesn't just chase the story; she brings her peers along with her, elevating the entire newsroom culture."

A Legacy of Freedom: The First Amendment Press Freedom Award

Furthering the week's momentum, the Scholastic Press Rights Commission of the Journalism Education Association notified the program on Student Press Freedom Day that Paly had, for the second year in a row, earned the First Amendment Press Freedom Award.

This honor is awarded to schools that actively support, teach, and protect First Amendment rights for their students and advisors. To qualify, schools must demonstrate that student editors have the final say in content decisions and that the administration refrains from prior review. This marks only the third time Paly has achieved this national recognition, placing it among an elite group of American high schools dedicated to true student press independence.

In addition to a broad array of publications deserving notice, and nearly 200 students enrolled in advanced journalism courses, this award also in part underscores the program’s recent legal and civic initiatives, including Knapp’s coverage of a pivotal student press case at the Superior Court of San Francisco and other journalism students covering a hearing at the San Jose Federal Court in another landmark case, Stanford Daily v. Rubio.

City of Palo Alto Hosting Listening Session

The City of Palo Alto is inviting community members to share their thoughts as it evaluates a possible temporary closure of the Churchill Avenue rail crossing at Alma Street.

A Listening Session will be held on Thursday, March 12, at the PAUSD Board Room, 25 Churchill Avenue, Palo Alto. This is your opportunity to weigh in directly as City staff conducts its analysis.

Can't attend in person? You can also share your thoughts via the City's online comment form.

👉 Learn more and share your feedback

Dr. Jeong Choe - CAAPLE District Office Administrator of the Year

Congratulations to Dr. Jeong Choe on being named the California Association of Asian and Pasifika Leaders in Education (CAAPLE) District Office Administrator of the Year!

We are incredibly proud of Dr. Choe for receiving this well-deserved recognition from the California Association of Asian and Pasifika Leaders in Education. This honor is a true reflection of the outstanding leadership and dedication she brings to our community every day.

Connecting Students to STEM and Work-Based Learning Events

Tesla hosted National Engineers Week and invited students from Fletcher’s sustainability program to participate in " Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day ", where they engaged in hands-on engineering activities, toured facilities, and connected with female engineers who shared their experiences to inspire careers in STEM.

At Gunn High School, Career Month launched with workshops and guest speakers representing a range of professions. Additional career-focused events will continue throughout the semester to help students prepare for summer work experiences.

CAC Sweethearts Awards

Last night, the Palo Alto Art Center was filled with gratitude and heartfelt applause as the annual CAC Sweetheart Awards ceremony honored more than 50 remarkable individuals who go above and beyond for students with special needs.

The Community Advisory Committee for Special Education hosted this beloved tradition, presenting awards to teachers, parents, paraprofessionals, and community members nominated by families, students, and colleagues who wanted to say thank you.

This year, 50+ honorees received a CAC Sweetheart Certificate, along with the nomination letters that inspired their recognition. Those letters, read aloud during the ceremony, are what make this evening so special. They carry the kind of genuine, unscripted gratitude that moves a whole room to tears.

This recognition has been a PAUSD tradition for more than 20 years, a Valentine's season reminder that behind every child's success is someone who showed up with patience, compassion, and heart.

Congratulations to all of this year's Sweethearts!

Friendly Reminder

Monday, March 9 — Local Holiday

Tuesday, March 10 — Staff Development Day

No school for students on both days.

Scratch-Cooked Spotlight: Arroz con Pollo

Did you know this week's menu featured a dish made from scratch right in our kitchen? Arroz con Pollo, a beloved, hearty one-pot meal from Latin American cuisine, brought together tender chicken, fluffy rice, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices, all slow-cooked to perfection.

Our secondary school students got the first taste this week, and the response was overwhelming; they loved it! The smiles in the cafeteria said it all.

The good news? Elementary school students are up next! Look for Arroz con Pollo on the menu next week. We can't wait for our younger students to enjoy this flavorful, nourishing dish.

Scratch cooking is our commitment to serving real, wholesome meals, and Arroz con Pollo is a delicious example of that promise in action.

PAUSD Middle Schools Earn California Schools to Watch Recognition

Palo Alto Unified School District is proud to celebrate a remarkable achievement: Greene Middle School and JLS Middle School have been officially designated as California Schools to Watch, and Fletcher Middle School has earned redesignation, a distinction that speaks to the school's continued excellence and commitment to improvement.

The California Schools to Watch program recognizes middle schools that demonstrate high academic performance, developmental responsiveness, and social equity. These designations reflect the dedication, innovation, and commitment of our students, teachers, staff, and administrators, who work every day to build engaging learning environments where all students can thrive.

PAUSD is deeply proud of the collaborative spirit across all three school communities. This recognition is a testament to the leadership, teamwork, and shared vision that continue to elevate opportunities for our students, and a reminder of what is possible when educators, families, and students work together toward a common goal.

Congratulations to the Greene, JLS, and Fletcher school communities on this well-earned honor.