In August, upper school journalism director Whitney Huang ’08 was named a Rising Star by the Journalism Education Association, along with eight other teachers from across the country. This recognition is given to journalism teachers who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication in their first five years advising school journalism programs.

Huang, who began teaching at Harker in the 2021-22 school year and assumed the role of director after the retirement of former director Ellen Austin, was observed by retired adviser Tracy Anne Sena, who told JEA, “Replacing a beloved and highly skilled director of scholastic journalism is a daunting task for even a well-seasoned teacher, yet Whitney has done so with aplomb and has made the program truly her own. Her students respect her and her decisions, and they look to her for leadership.”

Recent graduate Ella Yee ’24 told JEA about Huang’s “drive, persistence and compassion,” saying, “These defining characteristics of hers not only elevate Harker’s journalism program but also set a remarkable example for student journalists like myself.”

Huang traveled to Philadelphia in November to attend the JEA and the National Scholastic Press Association’s fall conference, where she and the other recipients were presented with their awards at a special luncheon. “I am so honored to keep this trophy in my classroom as a symbol of hard work and also a testament to the power and spirit of Harker education since I am and forever will be a Harker lifer, now stepping up into life part two as a faculty member!” Huang said.