In the world of scholastic journalism, few educators leave a lasting impact as profound as Emily Meachen’s. For nearly three decades, she has been more than just a teacher—she has been a mentor, a guiding light, and a source of unwavering support for countless students. This year, that dedication has been recognized with one of the highest honors in Texas scholastic journalism education: the Edith Fox King Award from the Interscholastic League Press Conference.
Emily Meachen received the award for outstanding contributions to scholastic journalism in Texas and dedication to her students. It is a recognition that reflects not only her passion for teaching but also the deep influence she has had on the lives of those she has guided.
Meachen taught journalism for 29 years, with 23 of those years spent teaching journalism, coaching UIL and advising publications at this school. During that time, she has built a program that is more than just about writing stories, designing layouts, or reporting the news—it is about creating a family, a place where students feel seen, heard, and valued.
For students, Meachen is more than an instructor; she is a pillar of strength. Whether helping someone through a difficult assignment or offering comfort during personal struggles, she has consistently been a source of kindness and understanding. Her classroom is a safe space, where lessons extend beyond journalism and into the realm of life itself.
Junior Ashley Briones is one of many students who found their place through Meachen’s guidance.
“Ever since I was an 8th grader at BMS I knew I wanted to do something exciting in high school,” Briones said. “When I made my freshman year schedule, I needed to add one more class to complete my schedule, and my counselor recommended that I do journalism, so I decided to go with that.”
Now, years later, she knows it was the best decision she could have made.
“I’m soon to be a senior, and I am so happy that I chose journalism as my other elective because now I have the best teacher, and she’s always there for us when we need her,” Briones said. “When I found out she was winning this award, I was so happy for her because Ms. Meachen really is the best teacher.”
The impact Meachen has on her students goes beyond the lessons of journalism. It is about responsibility, creativity, and a drive to produce something meaningful.
“The way that Ms. Meachen allows us to pick our own tasks each week allows us to be more responsible for what we have to get done, and we get to work at our own pace throughout the week, and she works with us when we need the help,” junior Brooke Owsley said. “I think that her motivation to produce something for everyone to look at and feel proud of really resonates within all of her classes.”
Owsley sees the Edith Fox King Award as a well-earned recognition of Meachen’s passion.
“I wouldn’t change Ms. Meachen for anyone else,” she said. “She really embodies what a passion for journalism is. Her getting this award is an amazing accomplishment, and I’m so happy she did.”
For senior Ella McDonald, Meachen’s influence changed the course of her life.
“I mean it when I say Ms. Meachen changed my life” McDonald said. “Up until my junior year, I was clueless about what I wanted to pursue in life. After quitting dance, I had an available spot in my schedule, so I decided to take journalism. I had heard many good things about Ms. Meachen, and thought it would be an easy class.”
That class became a turning point for her.
“Without Ms. Meachen or that class, I would be so lost in my senior year,” McDonald said. “I know what I want to study in college and hopefully become my career all because of her.”
McDonald also admires the tireless dedication Meachen puts into her work.
“Meachen’s dedication to her job is inspiring because she spends so many hours and days of her life to help everyone in the future remember their high school years,” she said. “She’s taught me different compositions, how to troubleshoot, and how to capture a story in a single photo. I really admire her work, and I hope to be even half as great as her in the future.”
Junior Victoria Medina followed those sentiments.
“I’m very proud that Ms. Meachen got this award,” Medina said. “My favorite thing about her is that she always sees the potential in students, and I’m so happy she saw that in me. I first found out who she was freshman year when I decided to try UIL journalism, and she was always there to teach me to be a better writer and a better student overall. I’m so thankful for her every day, so there is no more deserving teacher for the Edith Fox King Award than Ms. Meachen herself.”
Meachen’s influence extends beyond student for her colleagues recognize her as a mentor, leader and friend.
“When I first started here 12 years ago, I ended up on a team with her after two years because I knew she could teach me a lot,” English teacher Christopher Slovak said. “After that, we grew together in teaching and as people, so I believe she’s absolutely deserving of any award that anybody sees fit to give her in any way, shape or form.”
For Slovak, Meachen is not just a coworker, she is family.
“She was the officiant at my wedding,” Slovak said. “She married my wife and me, and it was perfect. She’s been the perfect example, the perfect leader, the perfect person to grow with, and I couldn’t ask for anyone better to share my experiences and times with.”
The Interscholastic League Press Conference, an affiliate of the University Interscholastic League, is one of the nation’s largest state high school associations for student newspapers, broadcast programs, yearbooks and online news platforms. To be honored by such an organization is a testament to Meachen’s profound impact on the field.
As Meachen receives this well-deserved honor, one thing is certain, the ripple effect of her dedication will continue to shape the future of journalism for years to come. Meachen was taken by surprise when she learned she had received this award.
“I was really shocked when I was notified I won this award, and I had no idea I had been nominated,” she said. “There are so many amazing, hard-working journalism teachers in the state, so to be recognized is such an amazing honor. I have taught so many amazing students in my career, and I really do think I have the most amazing job in the world.”
