Congratulations to Missouri’s Outstanding Young Journalists

In recognition of their journalistic excellence, four reporters have been selected by Missouri Press Association to receive this year’s William E. James Outstanding Young Journalist award.

MPA President Bryan Chester announced Miranda Jamison of Richmond, Marta Mieze of Springfield, Christopher Parker of Richmond Heights and Abby Stetina of Imperial will each receive a plaque and a check for $500 during Missouri Press’ Annual Convention and Trade Show awards brunch, Saturday, Sept. 26, in Columbia.

Chester said it is important Missouri Press’ member newspapers celebrate the industry’s young talent and show appreciation for the next generation of journalists in what is an increasingly demanding profession. This marks the 18th year for Missouri Press to recognize young journalists with this award, as well as the 14th being named in honor of the late William E. James.

“The William E. James Outstanding Young Journalist award is a significant recognition for Missouri newspaper reporters because of where it comes in a journalist’s career,” Chester said. “At the Missouri School of Journalism, I see budding professionals figuring out which direction their careers will take, while at the same time, every year Missouri Press recognizes its Newspaper Hall of Fame inductees as a capstone on a lifetime of industry contributions.

“In between, our Outstanding Young Journalists are established at their publications, often tasked with newsroom leadership, community roles and providing even greater clarity of their coverage through social media and digital channels. They are still learning, but their work is more vital than ever as they help MPA’s members meet today’s challenges and prepare to face future tests of the industry,” Chester said.

Winners of the William E. James Outstanding Young Journalist Award (OYJ) have demonstrated excellence in the field of journalism and maintained the quality, ethics and standards of The Journalist’s Creed, written by Walter Williams, founding dean of the University of Missouri School of Journalism.

Miranda Jamison

Miranda Jamison has been with the Richmond News since 2021, starting as an advertising sales rep before branching out to freelance writing. In 2023, she became the newspaper’s lead reporter, along with contributing to the News’ sister publication, the Excelsior Springs Standard, and through her time has represented the true strength of local journalism, professionals who embody integrity, curiosity and unwavering commitment to community.

General Manager Sharon Donat wrote that while Jamison started in advertising, she quickly proved capable of doing more for the newspaper and its readers. Today, Jamison is responsible for producing high-quality content each week for two newspapers, evidence not only of her productivity, but also of the care and consistency she puts into her reporting.

“Miranda’s path into journalism is a testament to both her work ethic and her passion for storytelling,” Donat wrote in her nomination. “Her writing has become a cornerstone of our publications. Miranda has a unique ability to take even the most routine meeting or everyday event and turn it into something meaningful.”

In the newsroom Jamison is dependable, collaborative and driven, Donat wrote, but also embraces feedback that helps her improve the work she does. At the same time, she elevates the newspaper’s presence in the community, understanding the responsibility of local journalism and fulfilling its purpose every day.

“Beyond her reporting, Miranda is already giving back to the future of the profession. She has shared her passion for journalism with local high school students, encouraging them to see the value and purpose of telling real stories in their own communities. That kind of leadership at this stage in her career is both rare and incredibly impactful,” Donat wrote.

Marta Mieze

Marta Mieze started at the Springfield News-Leader (SNL) in June 2023 after graduating from the Missouri School of Journalism. Since her first day on the job, Mieze continues to be an asset to the newspaper’s readers and the Springfield community as a fearless and determined watchdog.

Amos Bridges, SNL editor-in-chief, wrote of Mieze that one of the first things he noticed upon her joining the newspaper was an eagerness to learn and grow as a reporter. For Mieze, he wrote, “I don’t know anything about that” is an expression of opportunity and never an attempt to avoid covering an assignment.

“In the nearly three years she has been with us, I have been inspired by the deliberate way that she tackles ever more ambitious reporting, building her skills and network of sources as she ‘levels up’ her reporting power,” Bridges wrote.

The community too has noticed Mieze embracing her role as an advocate for readers, taxpayers and others who may not otherwise be heard without the newspaper amplifying their voice.

Through her accountability reporting, Mieze has earned her reputation among readers as a reporter who gets the story, no matter which powerful figures might stand in her way.

“Despite her willingness to delve into complicated financials and esoteric corners of municipal zoning regulations, Marta never loses sight of her readers, respecting their time and making an effort to present her stories in the most accessible ways she can,” Bridges wrote. “She has been a leader in the newsroom in exploring data visualization and designing her own infographics, as well as finding more efficient ways to process and present databases of public employee salaries and other information.”

Christopher Parker

Christopher Parker has been with the Washington Missourian for less than three years but in that time has made a big impact as both a general assignment reporter and currently as the digital editor. A tireless work ethic and commitment to becoming the best journalist he can be has been both refreshing and inspiring for the people he works with.

Missourian Publisher Bill Miller Jr. said Parker has proven himself in understanding the future of journalism and where the Missourian is headed as a publication. By embracing developing technology, Miller said Parker has placed the newspaper in a better position to become a digital-first media outlet.

“Every day he strives to learn and implement the different ways stories are told in print and online, both written and visually through photos and videos,” Miller wrote. “It has been a pleasure to watch him grow as a reporter, writer and interviewer.”

Describing Parker as “wise beyond his years,” Miller writes that Parker’s evolution into a leader, which has taken place over the last year as he took on the newspaper’s web editor role, has been the most impressive aspect of an already remarkable burgeoning career.

“In my 35-plus year career at this newspaper, no other young journalist that has worked at the Missourian has made a greater impact than Chris in such a short period of time,” Miller wrote. “He represents the best of the next generation of journalists: curious, tenacious and ethical. His work has already made a lasting contribution to our community and our newspaper, and I have no doubt he will continue to produce impactful journalism for years to come.”

Abby Stetina

Abby Stetina joined Leader Publications in Jefferson County as a news reporter in June 2023 after graduating from the Missouri School of Journalism. In an industry always clamoring for coverage of the next story, she is known for digging deeper, asking thoughtful questions, listening carefully and approaching stories with a genuine desire to provide the context readers need as community issues become increasingly complex.

Editor Gary Castor describes Stetina as the “spark at Leader Publications” who encourages an environment of collaboration, engagement and fun while tackling hefty beats and covering data-rich topics that are discussed at county and city government meetings. Still, Castor said Stetina never misses a chance to dive into the people who make up the communities that Leaders Publications covers.

“Abby is simply tenacious,” Castor wrote. “And she goes to great lengths to ensure she, and more importantly her readers, understands the subjects and issues she writes about in her stories.”

In her three years at Leader Publications, Stetina has proven herself to both her peers and her community, doing her part to make both better in whatever ways she can. As a newsroom leader she coordinates local election coverage, but she also helps fellow reporters develop their ideas into richer stories.

Katelyn Mary Skaggs, Leader advertising director and a 2020 OYJ recipient, described Stetina’s strong journalist skills and knowledge of how to use them means she brings curiosity, professionalism and heart to her work.

“Abby cares deeply about doing the job well and about serving the community through good journalism,” Skaggs added. “Journalists like Abby are the spark needed to build a bright, new and engaged future in this industry and in our communities.”

About the William E. James Outstanding Young Journalist Award

William E. “Bill” James, the namesake for this award, served as publisher of the Warrensburg Daily Star-Journal from November 2007 until his death in November 2013. He was publisher of the Cass County Democrat-Missourian in Harrisonville from 1985 to 2000 and was president of the Missouri Press Association in 1998. He was inducted into the MPA Newspaper Hall of Fame in 2001.

Editors or publishers submit nominations for the awards and nominees must have been younger than 30 years old on Jan. 1, of the award year. A nomination form is available online at www.mopress.com. The aim of the award is to reinforce the importance of a journalist’s role by recognizing and nurturing talent to further promote quality journalism.

Stay tuned to Missouri Press emails and our website, www.mopress.com, to receive updates on the 160th Annual Convention and Trade Show, including how to register to attend.