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La Sana Groome serves as an adviser at Wekiva High School.<\/p>\nLa Sana Groome serves as an adviser at Wekiva High School.<\/p>\n
Courtesy of La Sana Groome<\/p>\n
La Sana Groome,\u00a0journalism\u00a0and\u00a0yearbook adviser at Wekiva High School, recently earned this year\u2019s\u00a0Journalism Education Association (JEA) Diversity Award<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m deeply honored to receive this national award,\u201d Groome said in a press release. \u201cOur students are fearless storytellers, and this recognition truly belongs to them. Their voices matter, their stories matter, and\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0grateful to support their growth as journalists.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n According to\u00a0the JEA website<\/a>, the annual award recognizes those \u201cdemonstrating a commitment to cultural awareness and encouraging a multicultural approach with its student media staff, media production and\/or community.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cIt has been clear that La Sana desires to make Wekiva a place where all students feel seen, valued and engaged,\u201d said\u00a0Varsity Brands\u00a0yearbook sales representative<\/a>\u00a0Teenie\u00a0Reddeck\u00a0to\u00a0the JEA<\/a>. \u201cEven though counselor placement often determines who ends up in the yearbook class, she works intentionally with the students she has, helping them grow as storytellers and ensuring that a wide range of voices and experiences shape the book.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Wekiva High colleague\u00a0Elgatha-Ethel Lee praised Groome for\u00a0inclusive work.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cShe invites their perspectives into editorial decisions, integrates cultural and identity-based narratives into the yearbook, and implements inclusive practices that reflect the full spectrum of the Wekiva High School community,\u201d Lee\u00a0told the JEA<\/a>. \u201cFrom highlighting underrepresented clubs and cultural celebrations to mentoring students on ethical storytelling, her approach transforms the yearbook into a platform for equity and inclusion.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n The JEA and the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) will honor Groome in Minneapolis at the\u00a0JEA\/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention<\/a>, which occurs April 16-18.<\/p>\n Sarah Merly is an editorial assistant and reporter for The Apopka Chief. She joined the Chief in May 2025 after graduating from Patrick Henry College’s journalism program in Washington, D.C. In her spare time, Sarah loves watching rom-coms, visiting Disney, and throwing parties.<\/p>\n![\"La](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/La-Sana-Groome-and-Hakeem-Norgaisse-set-up-a-camera-and-recording-equipment-to-interview-Rashad-Jone.jpeg\")
Courtesy of La Sana Groome La Sana Groome and Hakeem Norgaisse set up a camera and recording equipment to interview Rashad Jones, owner of Big Lee\u2019s BBQ.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/2-1.png\")
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