Student journalists unite at Far East Journalism

More than 105 high school journalism students representing DoDEA-Pacific schools across Japan, Okinawa, Guam, and Korea gathered at Dragon Hill Lodge in Yongsan, Seoul for the annual Far East Journalism Conference Oct. 27–30, 2025.

This culminating regional event united young storytellers under one roof to refine their skills in broadcast journalism, newspaper production, and yearbook design through a series of intensive workshops, hands-on challenges, and collaborative reporting projects.

Supported by 12 DoDEA-Pacific journalism educators and industry professionals, students immersed themselves in a fast-paced, real-world media environment that celebrated curiosity, creativity, and storytelling.

“Watching these students in action was incredible,” said Far East Academics Instructional Systems Specialist Blake Sims. “Their skill and passion for telling stories was impressive, as was the work they produced. From live news broadcasts to beautifully designed yearbook spreads, the creativity and teamwork on display were just amazing.”

Students teamed up to produce professional-level media packages: anchored news broadcasts, live-updated digital newspapers, and thematic yearbook spreads capturing both the conference and the vibrant culture of Seoul. Guided by experts such as Emmy-winning reporters, master journalism educators, and JEA award-winning advisers, participants attended sessions on storytelling, ethics, and design while applying their learning immediately through on-site reporting and “FAST – Find A Story Time” excursions around the city.

The event culminated in a celebratory awards ceremony recognizing outstanding team and individual achievements in writing, photography, layout, editing, and directing—each entry reflecting the DoDEA commitment to college- and career-ready communication skills.

As one of DoDEA-Pacific’s academic programs, the Far East Journalism Conference showcases the power of project-based learning in action. Beyond the awards and accolades, students departed with sharpened journalistic instincts, lifelong professional connections, and a sense of pride in using their voices to inform, inspire, and connect communities across region.

Far East Journalism Awards:

Best in the Pacific Broadcast

• Silver: M.C. Perry High School
• Gold: Humphreys High School

Best in the Pacific Newspaper

• Silver: Kinnick High School, Guam High School, Kadena High School
• Gold: M.C. Perry High School

Best in the Pacific Yearbook

• Silver: Edgren Middle High School, Kadena High School
• Gold: Humphreys High School, Kinnick High School, M.C. Perry High School, Kubasaki High School

Best in the Pacific Photography

• Sports/Action
  • Silver: Eleah Vincelette, Kinnick High School
  • Gold: Jeunei Bodnar, Kinnick High School
• Feature
  • Silver: Cynthia Abel, Kinnick High School
  • Gold: Erick Ricardo, Kinnick High School
• Portrait
  • Silver: Di’Jour Cisse, Kadena High School
  • Gold: Amari Butler, Yokota High School