The Kentucky Journalism Teachers Association (KYJTA), in tandem with the Journalism Education Association (JEA), has awarded one Kentucky publications adviser the “Kentucky Journalism Teacher of the Year” award annually since 2024. This year, the award went to Beth Brubaker.

KYJTA founder and JEA Kentucky State Director Larry Steinmetz, accompanied by Superintendent Brian Robinson, Principal John Darnell and Assistant Principal Jennifer Nash, surprised Brubaker during her 6th period.

The honor reflects much more than a single moment in the classroom. Brubaker has been a journalism adviser for 10 years. Her advising career began with a real challenge: building Amelia High School’s newspaper from the ground up with a limited budget.

“Having the experience of having to start a program gave me a little bit of insight about how to restart a program,” Brubaker said.

When she was given the opportunity to teach journalism at Highlands, Brubaker was ecstatic. She knew immediately that she wanted to expand the program, which had originally consisted of a quarterly newsletter and the yearbook.
“I came in feeling that, given the caliber of our school, but also with the history of the Hilltopper–it’s almost 100–and the people that have come out of the program, I felt I could really do better,” Brubaker said.

She began to introduce new technologies, such as InDesign and SNO, started the official Hilltopper website, and fought for unfiltered student voices every step of the way. Under her supervision, the program grew into what it is today.

Emrel Woody was a member of Brubaker’s very first Journalism class at Highlands. For their class of seven, building the program was a learning process for all of them.

“[Our class] was terrible at first, but we all learned along the way… It was rocky at times with learning curves, but I still remember all the fun we had,” Woody said.

Today, the Hilltopper staff is not only in charge of the yearbook, but also the publication website, where stories, photo galleries, polls and more are posted. Additionally, Brubaker encourages students to connect with other programs throughout Highlands.

“Something that I really feel our program is exemplary at is that we have community involvement, whether it’s working with the [Fort Thomas Education] Foundation and Highlands Stories or doing the media days for the athletic department,” Brubaker said.

Her dedication to finding new experiences and opportunities for her students has allowed many of them to make great strides as student journalists.
“I got to be a part of the Highlands Stories project, and I got a story in the newspaper about the owner of Fort Thomas Coffee. It made me feel important in giving something valuable to the school and the community,” copyeditor Hope Darnell (10) said.

Within the newsroom, Brubaker’s class is driven by her intense passion for journalism.

“She loves [Journalism], which makes us love it even more, and if we’re having a hard time, she’s just so happy to be there every day, so it puts us in a good mood,” Mary Messmer (9) said.

Her excitement is contagious, prompting students to do their best.

“She really radiates the energy, honestly, she definitely makes you feel like you want to strive, especially since we’re all always pushing each other to be our best,” Vera Knight (9) said.

Every day, Brubaker pushes her students to step outside their comfort zones, promoting leadership roles and encouraging them to engage with a world beyond Highlands.

“I also feel like part of my job is really to build leaders. I think that journalism is just a vessel for that–to become leaders in their communities,” Brubaker said.

Brubaker always challenges her students to be their best selves. For her students, Brubaker’s unrelenting support provides them with the support they need to excel.

“She’s always walking around, trying to help us improve even if it’s good enough,” Josh deSylva (12) said.

She makes it clear that she hopes to help her students take initiative within their communities and to help them find their calling.

“I want my students to feel that they have contributed to their community, that they have made a difference in their community, and that they are empowered to do bigger things, and that they learn those skills here,” Brubaker said.

Brubaker’s influence spans beyond the classroom; for former Hilltopper Editor-In-Chief Trieston Collins, her class allowed him not only to find his voice but also to discover his passions.

“She helped me find what I was truly passionate about. Through taking her class, I learnt that I truly enjoy working with a team,” Collins said.

Brubaker’s push was exactly what he needed to succeed. Her ability to see the best in every person allows her to draw out the hidden potential in her students, inspiring them to take risks and to pursue their dreams.

“She was the first person I  had truly felt believed in me… She showed me that I do have what it takes to be at the top, and I’ve never doubted myself since. Brubaker knows true talent when she sees it, and helps students find that talent,” Collins said.

In all, Highlands is lucky to have Beth Brubaker as the publications adviser, because of both her devotion to the program and her passion for journalism and love for helping students learn, grow and thrive.