Every student has a story to tell, and Longmont High School educator Annie Gorenstein-Falkenberg is dedicated to helping students find the confidence and skills to tell it. Through her work as an English teacher and journalism adviser, she has created opportunities for students to grow as writers, leaders and storytellers. That commitment to student growth and journalistic excellence has earned Gorenstein-Falkenberg the National Scholastic Press Association’s (NSPA) 2026 Pioneer Award, the organization’s highest honor. The award recognizes journalism educators and advocates who have made significant, long-term contributions to scholastic journalism through leadership, mentorship and a commitment to student press freedom.
Throughout her 19-year teaching career, including 12 years at Longmont High School, Gorenstein-Falkenberg has focused on creating opportunities for students to develop their confidence, explore their interests and take ownership of their work. She encourages student journalists to step outside their comfort zones, whether that means conducting a challenging interview or covering important issues within their school community.
“I am honored to be recognized as an NSPA Pioneer and to be included in a group with outstanding advisers that I greatly admire,” Gorenstein-Falkenberg said. “Advising the hundreds of students who have been on yearbook staff at Longmont High School has been one of the most rewarding parts of my teaching career.”
Her student-centered approach has helped Longmont High School’s yearbook program achieve significant growth and national recognition. Under her leadership, the program has expanded in both enrollment and publication sales while earning four NSPA Pacemaker Finalist awards and three Columbia Scholastic Press Association Silver Crowns. These accomplishments reflect a culture of creativity, collaboration and journalistic excellence that encourages students to produce meaningful, high-quality work.
“The yearbook celebrates our community, and the student-led staffs that I have had the honor of advising work tirelessly to tell the stories of Longmont High in many ways, making each yearbook different from the year before while always maintaining a high standard for quality and journalistic integrity,” Gorenstein-Falkenberg said. “I feel so fortunate to get to learn about all of the amazing things happening in our community through the work of my students.”