SJOY Portfolio - Sophia Bateman

Student Journalist of the Year Portfolio

In the spring of 2025, I was named the Journalism Education Association's International Journalist of the Year, recognizing me as the top student journalist outside of the U.S. I went on to be top-six finalist for National Journalist of the Year, earning a $1,200 college scholarship. For my application, I created a portfolio detailing my journalistic work across nine categories.

Click the image above to read the Journalism Education Association's press release.

As part of my Journalist of the Year entry, I was asked to submit letters of recommendation from people who have worked closely with me in a journalism setting. I am extremely grateful for their words and cannot thank them enough. If you're interested in learning more about my experience, you can read the letters below.

Of all the words I could give to describe Sophia and her journalistic brilliance, the all-encompassing 'remarkable' might be her best descriptor, because Sophia fulfills the meaning of the word to a tee.

Jaden Gardiola, Broadcast Editor at The Standard (high school newspaper)

Sophia’s work as a reporter demonstrates what it means for a student journalist to embody the role of a watchdog who exposes issues and sparks change ... Sophia's article [on sexism] shaped how I lead the school this year.

Natalie Maisey, Interim High School Principal at the American School in London

Sophia is the rare type of student whose motivation comes from within. She constantly strives to be a better version of herself and works to improve with each interview, each story, and each day as a leader.

Louisa Avery, Journalism Teacher at the American School in London

Below you can see the positions on The Standard I held throughout high school, as well as the awards The Standard won while I was on staff.

Positions

Editor-in-Chief: Online (2024-25)
Lead Features Editor (2023-24)
Media Team (2022-23)
Staff Writer (2021-22)

Staff Awards

NSPA Online Pacemaker Winner | 2025
NSPA Innovation Pacemaker Winner | 2025
NSPA Newspaper Pacemaker Finalist | 2022, 2023, 2024
NSPA Newspaper Seventh Place in Best of Show | 2024
SNO Distinguished Site | 2021-22, 2023-24, 2024-25
CSPA Gold Crown Award | 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
JEA First Amendment Press Freedom Award | 2024, 2025
JEA Excellence in Service Journalism Award | 2024
SPA Best Website Shortlist in National Awards | 2025
SPA Best Project or Initiative Shortlist in National Awards | 2025
SPA Highly Commended Best Digital in London Regionals | 2025
SPA Best Magazine Design Shortlist in National Awards | 2024
SPA Best Sports Section Shortlist in National Awards | 2024
Headliners in Education Best Continuing Coverage Writing Staff | 2025

Click on each image to explore my work within each section of my SJOY portfolio. Links to each page can also be found in the hamburger menu above.

Student Journalist of the Year Portfolio

Of all the words I could give to describe Sophia and her journalistic brilliance, the all-encompassing 'remarkable' might be her best descriptor, because Sophia fulfills the meaning of the word to a tee.

Sophia’s work as a reporter demonstrates what it means for a student journalist to embody the role of a watchdog who exposes issues and sparks change ... Sophia's article [on sexism] shaped how I lead the school this year.

Sophia is the rare type of student whose motivation comes from within. She constantly strives to be a better version of herself and works to improve with each interview, each story, and each day as a leader.

Positions

Staff Awards

Personal Narrative

Reporting and Writing

Editing, Leadership and Team Building

Web and Social Media

Design

Broadcast Journalism

Photo journalism

Law, Ethics and News Literacy

Marketing and Audience Engagement

Commitment to Diversity

Sophia Bateman