MIHS senior Kyle Gerstel Named Recipient of Lu Flannery Outstanding Journalist Award from Washington Journalism Education Association

Mercer Island, WA, March 11, 2025 – Mercer Island High School senior Kyle Gerstel has been named the recipient of the Lu Flannery Outstanding Journalist Award from the Washington Journalism Education Association (WJEA).

The Lu Flannery award recognizes one Washington state senior who has made significant contributions to their journalism program. The award comes with a $2,000 scholarship.

"It often feels like we're writing these articles and sending them into the void, but I am honored that my contributions have been recognized by the Washington Journalism Education Association,” said Gerstel.

“I feel incredibly grateful for the work I have been able to do alongside The Islander’s excellent staff over the last four years. Although our media landscape is constantly evolving, I firmly believe in the power of journalism for the betterment of our community."

Gerstel has taken Journalism all four years he has been at MIHS. He is currently the Digital Editor of The Islander, the newspaper of MIHS. He has previously been Head of Content, Arts & Entertainment Team Leaders, and Staff Writer for The Islander.

A panel of local professional journalists and educators evaluated all entries.

"Kyle’s passion for storytelling, commitment to ethical journalism, and leadership within student media exemplify the qualities of an outstanding journalist, “said Ryan Shannon, WJEA Board Member and Director of Public Relations with the Moses Lake School District.

“His ability to foster meaningful dialogue, elevate unshared stories, and embrace the evolving media landscape demonstrates his dedication to both truth and community impact. We have no doubt that Kyle will continue to make meaningful contributions to the field of journalism, and we celebrate his well-deserved recognition."

Lu Flannery Award Criteria

1. Graduating high school senior
2. Applicant has made significant contributions to the school’s student media.
3. 3.0 GPA minimum on a 4.0 scale (transcript required)
4. Adviser is a WJEA member
5. Complete the online application
6. Letter of nomination from the student’s adviser
7. Self-evaluation of applicant’s “journalistic life” (max. 500 words)
8. Online portfolio must include: three to seven work samples showing quality and diversity.

• Skilled and creative use of media content – writing, production, photography, etc.
• Inquiry and investigative persistence resulting in in-depth study or studies of issues important to the local high school community, high school students in general, or society
• Courageous, responsible handling of controversial issues despite threat or imposition of censorship
• Variety of journalistic experiences handled in a quality manner
• Sustained and commendable work with community media

9. Additional letters (optional)—no more than three additional letters from teachers, journalism staff

Previous Lu Flannery Award Recipients
2024 Betty Roberts, Bellarmine Prep
2023  Kathryn Shelden, Inglemoor HS
2022  Alexandria Bunn, Bellarmine Prep
2021  Abigail Sonnichsen, Mead High School & Ellie Sullivan, Hanford High School
2020  Arjun Thomas, Shorewood HS
2019  Greta Forslund, Timberline HS
2018  Tina Dang, Cleveland STEM HS
2017  Ronnie Estoque, Cleveland STEM HS
2016  Paxton Merten, Mountlake Terrace HS
2015  Bryce Newberry, Wenatchee HS
2014  Emma McIntosh, Shorewood HS
2013  Abby Zieve, Roosevelt HS
2012  Olivia Smith, Cleveland HS
2011  Nicole Jennings,  Mount Vernon HS
2010  Amelia Furlong, Mount Vernon HS
2009 no applicants
2008  Emily Rome, Charles Wright Academy
2007  Cassandra Kapp, Peninsula HS
2006  Maggie Taylor, Mt. Vernon HS
2005  Katie Weeks, Wapato HS
2004  Julian Sterbick-Myers, Wenatchee HS
2003 Katie Baumgartner, Inglemoor HS