The Academy of New England Journalists honored four distinguished members of the profession, and one historical figure, at the 2026 Yankee Quill Award Luncheon, held March 14 during the annual convention of the New England Newspaper & Press Association at The Venue at Portwalk Place.

The Yankee Quill Award—considered the highest individual honor for journalists in New England—recognizes lifetime achievement and a lasting impact on the region’s news industry. This year’s honorees, Wayne Braverman, Katherine McCabe, Judy Meyer, and Rex Rhoades, were celebrated for careers defined by excellence in reporting, leadership, mentorship, and an enduring commitment to public service journalism. The luncheon also included a posthumous tribute to Nathan Hale, the 19th-century publisher of The Boston Daily Advertiser, whose leadership helped shape early American journalism and underscored the enduring importance of a free press.

Wayne Braverman was recognized for a nearly half-century career devoted to community journalism across Eastern and Central Massachusetts. As both a reporter and editor, he focused on the issues closest to readers’ daily lives—local government, education, and public accountability—ensuring that residents stayed informed and engaged. Beyond his newsroom leadership, Braverman’s impact extended through an internationally recognized internship program that helped launch the careers of hundreds of young journalists, leaving a lasting imprint on the profession.

Katherine McCabe was honored for more than 30 years at The Boston Globe, where she has served as a steady and trusted newsroom leader. As night city editor, she has guided coverage of breaking news with precision and calm, overseeing reporting on major events ranging from fires and crime to politics and public safety. A contributor to the Globe’s Pulitzer Prize–winning coverage of the Boston Marathon bombing, McCabe has also played a critical role as a mentor, shaping the careers of countless journalists and reinforcing the highest standards of ethical reporting.

Judy Meyer was recognized for her decades-long commitment to investigative reporting, newsroom leadership, and the defense of the First Amendment. Over nearly 35 years in Maine journalism, she has led newsrooms that produced impactful, award-winning work exposing government failures and strengthening communities. A leading voice in public access and transparency, Meyer has helped shape right-to-know laws and champion open government, while also mentoring generations of reporters and editors across the region.

Rex Rhoades was honored for a 40-year career defined by watchdog reporting and transformative newsroom leadership. As executive editor of the Sun Journal in Lewiston, Maine, he led investigations that drove meaningful change—improving school safety, challenging government secrecy, and informing the public on critical issues. Known for his unwavering commitment to accountability journalism, Rhoades guided his newsroom through industry shifts while maintaining a strong focus on public service and editorial excellence.

Presented annually since 1959, the Yankee Quill Award honors individuals whose careers have left a meaningful and lasting mark on journalism in the six-state region. The 2026 ceremony brought together colleagues, friends, and family members to celebrate not only the honorees’ accomplishments but also the enduring impact of their work on the communities they have served.

Photos from the luncheon are included below.

The New England Newspaper & Press Association (NENPA) honored three distinguished journalists and industry leaders with induction into the New England Newspaper Hall of Fame during a celebratory dinner at the 2026 New England Newspaper Convention, held March 13 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

The 2026 honorees — Jackie Majerus of Youth Journalism International, Steve Milone of North of Boston Media Group, and Lawrence “Poody” Walsh of the Eagle Times — were recognized for careers defined by excellence, service, and an enduring commitment to community journalism.

“These three individuals have left fingerprints all over New England’s newsrooms — in the stories they’ve told, the audiences they’ve built and the young reporters they’ve mentored,” said Linda Conway, executive director of NENPA. “They represent the very best of New England journalism, and we are proud to recognize their careers.”

The New England Newspaper Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to their newspapers, their communities, and the industry across the six New England states.

Jackie Majerus, a veteran journalist and educator, was recognized for her lifelong commitment to mentoring the next generation of reporters. After a 25-year career marked by award-winning investigative work and a principled stand for newsroom integrity, she co-founded Youth Journalism International in 1994. Under her leadership, the organization has mentored and published more than 750 young journalists from around the world, building a global community grounded in strong reporting, ethics, and press freedom.

Steve Milone, Audience Director for North of Boston Media Group, was honored for more than four decades of leadership in circulation and audience development. Known for his expertise in subscription strategy, customer service, and team building, Milone has played a critical role in strengthening both print and digital audiences across the region. His influence extends beyond his organization through his leadership in industry groups and his mentorship of colleagues throughout New England.

Lawrence “Poody” Walsh, a legendary sports editor who devoted more than 50 years to community journalism, was honored for his lasting impact on local sports coverage and the journalists he mentored. Walsh was unable to attend the ceremony, and his award was accepted on his behalf by Tom Curran of NBC Sports Boston, who covers the New England Patriots. Curran shared personal reflections on working for Walsh early in his career, describing the lessons he learned under Walsh’s guidance and the lasting influence Walsh had on his development as a journalist.

Throughout his career at the Eagle Times, Walsh earned a reputation for his dedication to local sports and his commitment to fairness and integrity. A pioneer in giving girls’ athletics equal attention, he is the only sportswriter inducted into both the New Hampshire and Vermont high school athletic halls of fame. His legacy continues through the many journalists he mentored and inspired.

The Hall of Fame dinner was one of several highlights of the annual convention, bringing together newspaper professionals from across New England for two days of learning, collaboration, and celebration.

Photos from the dinner are included below.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Portsmouth for the 2026 New England Newspaper Convention and the Better Newspaper Competition Awards Banquet on March 14. We are grateful to all of the attendees, speakers, exhibitors, and sponsors who helped make this year’s gathering such a success.

Annually, the Better Newspaper Competition Awards recognize the dedication and talent of the journalists, editors, photographers, designers, and teams who make it all possible.

Below are the presentations that were shown during the awards banquet. The full results, including the judges’ comments, will be released later in the week.

ADVERTISING AWARDS

COLLEGE AWARDS

EDITORIAL AWARDS CATEGORIES A-I

EDITORIAL AWARDS CATEGORIES L-END

The New England First Amendment Coalition is excited to announce the expansion of NEFAC Mentors through partnerships with the New England Newspaper & Press Association and the Society of Professional Journalists New England Chapter.

NEFAC launched the mentorship program in 2022 to help reporters, editors, and producers looking for guidance in a variety of professional areas by matching them with a veteran journalist with relevant expertise. Since its launch, the program has facilitated nearly 50 long-term, individualized mentorships.

“NEFAC Mentors was an invaluable experience,” said one participant. “My mentor was readily available to talk through story ideas, provide feedback on pieces and help me think about what is next for my career. As a new journalist in their first job, I’m grateful for the resources this program offered and the time and generosity of my mentor.”

NENPA and SPJ New England — both of whom have large regional memberships — will work with NEFAC to expand the program and provide mentorship opportunities to more journalists in the area.

Learn more about the program.

The New England Newspaper & Press Association (NENPA) will induct three distinguished journalists and industry leaders into the New England  Newspaper Hall of Fame in 2026, recognizing careers defined by excellence, service, and an enduring commitment to community journalism. 

The 2026 honorees are: 

• Jackie Majerus, Youth Journalism International, Auburn, Maine 
• Steve Milone, North of Boston Media Group, North Andover, Massachusetts
• Lawrence “Poody” Walsh, Eagle Times, Claremont, New Hampshire 

“These three individuals have left fingerprints all over New England’s newsrooms — in the stories they’ve told, the audiences they’ve built and the young reporters they’ve mentored,” said  Linda Conway, executive director of NENPA. “Jackie Majerus, Steve Milone, and Lawrence Walsh represent the very best of New England journalism. We are proud to recognize their  careers.”

The New England Newspaper Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to their newspapers, their communities, and the newspaper industry in the six New  England states. The 2026 inductees will be formally recognized at a celebratory dinner at  NENPA’s annual convention on March 13, 2026. Tickets can be purchased at this link, or download a mail-in reservation form at this link.

Jackie Majerus is a veteran journalist and dedicated educator, Jackie Majerus has shaped the next generation of reporters in New England and around the world. After a 25-year career marked by award-winning investigative work and a principled stand for newsroom integrity, she turned her focus to Youth Journalism International, the nonprofit she co-founded in 1994.

Under her leadership, Youth Journalism International has mentored and published more than 750 young journalists from dozens of countries, creating a respected global training ground grounded in strong reporting, ethics and press freedom. A recipient of the Global Youth & News Media Prize and the Journalism Education Association’s “Friend of Scholastic Journalism” honor, Majerus has built a vibrant international newsroom community. Her lasting impact is reflected in the hundreds of journalists whose careers — and confidence — began under her guidance.

Steve Milone, the Audience Director for North of Boston Media Group, is among New England’s most respected leaders in circulation and audience development, with more than 40 years in the newspaper industry.

A champion of customer service and smart subscription strategy, Milone has strengthened both print and digital audiences across multiple markets by blending delivery models, improving onboarding and retention practices, and building loyal, high-performing teams. A past president of the New England Association of Circulation Executives and a longtime volunteer judge for regional contests, his influence extends well beyond his own newsroom. Admired for his expertise, steady leadership and humility, Milone has played a vital role in sustaining and growing newspaper audiences throughout the region.

Lawrence “Poody” Walsh devoted more than 50 years to community journalism, becoming a legendary sports editor in the Twin-State region of Vermont and New Hampshire. He began as a teenage pressman and rose to lead the Eagle Times sports department for 33 years, earning a reputation for hard work, sharp writing and an unwavering commitment to local coverage.

Whether covering a small-town girls’ basketball game or the Hall of Fame career of Carlton Fisk, Walsh brought the same intensity, fairness and respect to every story. A pioneer in giving girls’ athletics equal attention, he is the only sportswriter inducted into both the New Hampshire and Vermont high school athletic halls of fame. Just as enduring is his impact as a mentor, shaping generations of journalists with lessons in integrity, accountability and the importance of showing up.

Four New England journalists will receive the prestigious Yankee Quill Award this spring for their contributions to the betterment of journalism in the six-state region.

In addition, the Academy of New England Journalists posthumously honors Nathan Hale, owner of Boston’s first daily newspaper, The Boston Daily Advertiser, a publication he purchased in 1814, one year after its founding.

“The journalists will be honored with the award in Portsmouth, NH, on March 14, 2026”, said Richard Lodge, chair of the sponsoring Academy of New England Journalists.

The Yankee Quill awards will be presented during the annual convention of the New England Newspaper and Press Association on Saturday, March 14, at The Venue at Portwalk Place in Portsmouth, NH. Tickets can be purchased at this link, or download a mail-in reservation form at this link.

Wayne Braverman will receive the award for a nearly half-century career that exemplifies the very best of community journalism. As a reporter and editor across Eastern and Central Massachusetts, he dedicated himself to informing residents about the issues that most directly affect their lives — from local government and schools to accountability in public office — ensuring that democracy thrives at the grassroots level. A multiple award-winning editor, he also created and led an internationally recognized internship program that mentored hundreds of aspiring journalists, shaping the next generation of the profession. His steadfast commitment to small, local newspapers, his leadership in struggling newsrooms, and his profound influence as a mentor and educator make him a deeply deserving recipient of the Yankee Quill Award.

Katherine McCabe is honored for her three decades of outstanding service to The Boston Globe and her extraordinary impact as both a newsroom leader and mentor. As the Globe’s night city editor, she has overseen breaking news coverage during the paper’s most demanding hours, guiding reporting on homicides, fires, political developments, and other major events with precision, calm, and unwavering standards for accuracy. A former reporter who contributed to the Globe’s Pulitzer Prize–winning coverage of the Boston Marathon bombing, she pairs deep reporting experience with exceptional editorial judgment. She has mentored generations of young journalists—many of whom have gone on to prominent careers—instilling in them rigor, resilience, and a commitment to ethical reporting. Her leadership inside the newsroom, advocacy for journalists through union service, and dedication to strengthening the profession have had a broad impact on New England journalism.

Judy Meyer is recognized for her extraordinary, decades-long commitment to excellence in reporting, newsroom leadership, and unwavering defense of the First Amendment. Over nearly 35 years, she has led multiple Maine newsrooms with integrity and courage, producing award-winning investigative journalism that has exposed government failures, strengthened communities, and held the powerful accountable. A fierce advocate for public access, she has shaped right-to-know laws, championed open courts, and founded and led key transparency organizations, becoming one of Maine’s most trusted authorities on freedom of information. Just as importantly, she has mentored generations of journalists, inspired colleagues across New England, and consistently demonstrated that rigorous, ethical journalism is essential to democracy. Her lasting impact on both the craft and the cause of journalism makes her eminently deserving of this honor.

Rex Rhoades receives the prestigious Yankee Quill award for a 40-year career defined by fearless watchdog reporting, visionary newsroom leadership, and an unwavering commitment to public service journalism. As executive editor of the Sun Journal in Lewiston, Maine, for nearly two decades, he led award-winning investigations that exposed government secrecy, strengthened public access laws, improved school safety statewide, and informed readers on issues ranging from economic development to public health. A Maine Press Association Journalist of the Year, Rhoades consistently championed open government, challenged powerful institutions, and guided his newsroom through profound industry change with integrity and high standards. His work not only elevated the quality and impact of local journalism in Maine but also demonstrated the transformative power of a free press in shaping stronger, more informed communities.

Nathan Hale is the Yankee Quill Award’s historical honoree, the influential 19th-century Boston journalist and publisher whose leadership helped shape American journalism during a formative era for the nation and the press. As editor of the Boston Daily Advertiser, Hale championed thoughtful public discourse, civic responsibility, and the vital role of a free press in a democratic society. His enduring legacy reflects the highest ideals of journalism — integrity, intellectual rigor, and a steadfast commitment to informing the public — making him a fitting recipient of this prestigious honor.

The Yankee Quill Award, which began in 1959, is bestowed annually by the Academy of New England  Journalists through the auspices of the New England Society of News Editors. It is considered the highest individual honor awarded to newspaper, TV, radio, magazine and other journalists in the six-state region. Winners are selected based on a history of lifetime achievement showing a broad impact in New England Journalism.