RICHLAND, Wash. – Hanford High School’s broadcasting advisor has received national recognition for advising, teaching and inspiring the next generation of broadcasters and journalists.
LaViolette received the Journalism Education Association’s Special Recognition nod for 2025. She also received a national award in 2024 for her broadcasting classes: 2024’s All-American High School Film Festival Teacher of the Year Award.
One student explained why she believes LaViolette received the award, “I truly believe LaViolette got that award…[because] she does so much for us. She calls us her children and she works her butt off for doing the [fundraisers] which are really fun and brought amazing friendships.”
Another student shared his interest in the technical aspects of broadcasting and praised Miss LaViolette’s dedication. “I think LaViolette really deserves this award because she always fights for us. She will always fight for her kids as she sometimes says.
One who enjoys reporting and anchoring highlighted Miss LaViolette’s support for students’ creativity. “No matter what you’re interested in no matter what group you’re part of… she’ll really just meet you where you are completely just foster that creativity and independence.”
Miss LaViolette shared her favorite experiences teaching these classes.
She emphasized the relationships built through the program, saying, “I really enjoy the relationships. The kids coming in at 4:30 in the morning to be a part of this the relationships they build with each other. I watch them become friends that last forever.”
The community at Hanford High School continues to benefit from the dedication of educators like Miss LaViolette, who nurture the next generation of journalists and broadcasters.
