Brandi Benson, the journalism teacher at Lincoln Southwest, was awarded the 2021 Distinguished Advisor Award from the Nebraska High School Press Association. She was awarded based on her hard work, honors earned and her positive influence on her students. 

“I was very surprised,” Benson said. “We have a number of incredibly talented and dedicated advisors here in Nebraska, so it caught me off guard.” 

Some of the programs she leads in the journalism department are yearbook, mass media, and photo journalism. 

“She has really helped me get the hang of things fast,” sophomore Alex Berry said. “She has made my time in class enjoyable.” 

She was honored with a formal resolution of the award at the Feb. 8 Lincoln Board of Education meeting. 

“I think this award is a team effort,” Benson said. “I would’ve never been recognized if I didn’t work with such amazing students who produce quality publications and abide by high journalistic standards.” 

Benson is not only a Journalism teacher, she coaches both unified bowling and track and field teams at Southwest and is a board member for the Down Syndrome Association for Families of Nebraska.