Published: June 25, 2025
PAYNESVILLE – Youth Media Action (YMA) has concluded the seventh edition of its National Press Club Exhibition, spotlighting the journalistic talents of high school students from across Liberia in a competitive news presentation showcase.
Held over the weekend at the Samuel K. Doe Sports Complex under the theme “Strengthening High School Press Clubs for Professional Journalism,” the event brought together student journalists from five schools, with Kings and Queens International School emerging as the top performer in both the elementary and senior high divisions.
Led by standout presenter Adell G. Wolee, Kings and Queens secured first place with an impressive 93.6 points, followed by Soltiamon Christian School System with 69.9 points. Upstairs Academy placed third with 79.8 points, ahead of Jesus Love Academy from Nimba County at 78.8, and Assembly of God Mission School, which rounded out the competition with 50.8 points.
The victory marked Kings and Queens’ second senior high title and fourth elementary championship, reclaiming the top spot from defending elementary champions Soltiamon Christian School System.
Delivering the keynote address, Associate Professor Sekou Konneh, vice president and dean of student affairs at the University of Liberia, praised the budding journalists and emphasized journalism’s role in shaping society.
“Great people have come from this profession,” Prof. Konneh said. “Don’t just be carriers of negative news. Understand the ethics, be responsible, and be intentional about what you report.”
He cautioned students to remain committed to truth and accuracy amid the growing challenges facing journalism in Liberia.
YMA Executive Director Varmah Kamara echoed the call for integrity in reporting, reminding students that journalism goes beyond storytelling.
“In a world flooded with misinformation, journalists are the guardians of facts,” Kamara said. “It means giving voice to the voiceless, exposing injustice, and celebrating the triumphs of everyday people.”
Kamara commended participating schools, teachers, and press club coordinators for their efforts in promoting youth journalism and encouraged winners to reinvest their cash prizes in building stronger campus press clubs.
Founded in 2016, Youth Media Action is a youth-led media development initiative that trains and mentors high school students in all 15 counties of Liberia. The organization coordinates a weekly student-led radio broadcast on the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS), and offers two annual journalism vacation camps along with an elective journalism course for high school students.
To date, more than 3,000 students have taken part in YMA’s programs, many of whom have gone on to pursue careers in media and communications.
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