Free State High School’s journalism adviser has been recognized by the Kansas Scholastic Press Association for his zeal for building a strong program.
Jared Shuff has been advising the journalism program, including the student-run Free Press, for two years.
Under the pretense of needing a fresh staff photo, Shuff’s students gathered with him on the school’s main staircase on Thursday morning.
He became emotional after a countdown led to a “Surprise!” and he learned he’s the 2025 KSPA Sunflower Award winner.
“Being part of this program has been fantastic, and my job is made easier by having wonderful, amazing, talented students that are just always on top of things,” Shuff said. “You make being here — even as a K-State grad living in Lawrence — you make it an amazing experience.”
Barb Tholen, outgoing Lawrence High School journalism adviser and incoming KSPA executive director, brought Shuff a gift and read aloud messages from colleagues and students.
She said she’s impressed with the way he’s taken ownership of his role and progressed the program so quickly, especially after coming in during a midyear transition.
“He empowers his students to make decisions, and then backs them up,” Tholen said. “He gives them new opportunities, and he’s definitely an all-star adviser.”
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Maya Hodison (she/her), equity reporter, can be reached at mhodison@lawrencekstimes.com. Read more of her work for the Times here. Check out her staff bio here.
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