This week, Co-Advisor to the Red and Black, Raider TV, and journalism teacher at Patchogue-Medford High School, Mrs. Sullivan, will officially assume the position of New York Journalism Education Association State Director. 

The Journalism Education Association, or JEA, is the largest national organization supporting scholastic journalism, providing resources, professional development, and advocacy for high school journalism teachers. 

As New York JEA State Director, Mrs. Sullivan will serve as a statewide representative for scholastic journalism. She will also help coordinate statewide initiatives like membership outreach and the Journalist of the Year process, connecting schools to professional development. 

In honor of Mrs. Sullivan’s incredible accomplishment, students and staff reflected on what her appointment means for the Red and Black, Raider TV, and the Patchogue-Medford School District as a whole. 

Dr. Rusielewicz, principal of Patchogue-Medford High School, said Mrs. Sullivan’s appointment is both well-deserved and a point of pride for the entire district. 

“It is an incredible honor,” he said.  “One thing that always stands out with Ms. Sullivan is she’s an academic, she’s a hard worker.” 

“When you get recognized for something of such a high caliber, it does bring attention to [our district]. Hopefully, it brings attention to our programs, certainly the ones that she’s a part of, such as the Red and Black and journalism classes,” said Dr. Rusielewicz. 

“So, hopefully it will bring in more students. I’m thinking hopefully through journalism, which then once they wind up in journalism, they’ll see other electives that they could potentially take to improve their skill sets.” 

“There was a point in our district where she actually tried her hand in administration and she was doing a great job there,” he added. “But at the end of the day, her heart, her passion, was teaching. And I don’t know of anybody else who has done that.” 

“I think that says a lot about her and an example for students to say, you know what, there are a lot of opportunities, some that you are going to try out. But I think at the end of the day, you’ve got to follow your heart and your passion, and I definitely commend her for that.” 

“I’m not surprised that she was awarded this, quite frankly.” 

Rusielewicz ended by describing Mrs. Sullivan as “a mastery teacher,” adding that her leadership elevates the classroom and every program she supports. 

Mrs. Mckeough, co-advisor of the Red and Black and English teacher at Patchogue-Medford High School, said Mrs. Sullivan’s leadership has been central to the growth and energy of the program. 

Mrs. Mckeough has worked alongside Mrs. Sullivan in the Red and Black for years, launching the digital newspaper and creating Raider TV together about a decade ago.  

“I’m not sure there is another person who is filled with more ideas and initiatives,” said Mckeough. “She has always been the heart of our news organization.” 

“She truly loves the work and the opportunity to be creative. I think this role as NYS Director of JEA will give her a chance to help give students across the state access to resources to help them develop their own programs in their schools and communities,” she added. 

Mckeough continued by stating that Sullivan’s appointment is a great personal achievement and an opportunity for the Red and Black to expand its connections across New York. 

“This role brings with it a prestigious honor for our news program. Our organization can continue networking with schools all across Long Island and now expand into NYC and Upstate. We are looking forward to representing our school and Mrs. Sullivan to the best of our ability.” 

Throughout Mrs. Sullivan’s time as the advisor to the Red and Black, she not only earned the attention of administration and coworkers, but guided and inspired countless students, fueling their love for journalism.  

Hailey Julian, the Editor-in-Chief of the Red and Black during the 2016-2017 school year had much to say on Mrs. Sullivan’s lasting influence. 

“Mrs. Sullivan was a great leader and motivator during my time as Editor-in-Chief for the Red and Black,” she said. 

Julian also emphasized how hands-on Mrs. Sullivan was as the publication grew. 

“We were both new to the publication and wanted to bring some exciting changes…She was extremely dedicated and would constantly be doing research to help make us not only a better publication, but also better journalists,” Hailey continued. 

“Mrs. Sullivan was always working with me to be a better journalist and writer. She would listen to my story ideas, and always give me advice and constructive criticism,” she added. 

“She knew how passionate I was about journalism, and so she would always go above and beyond when it came to editing my stories and producing my articles,” she continued. 

“She was always pushing the members of our publication and knew we could go far. Even though we were a newer publication, she still had high aspirations for us, and in the end we were able to reach our goals.” 

Ceania Gonzales, Red and Black Editor-in-Chief and Raider TV Executive Producer during the 2023–2024 school year, said Mrs. Sullivan’s guidance helped shape her growth as both a journalist and a student. 

“Joining the Red and Black was probably one of the best decisions I made during my time at Pat-Med, and Mrs. Sullivan played a big role in that,” stated Gonzales. 

“She has motivated me by encouraging me to trust my instincts both inside and outside of the classroom, helping me to make decisions as a journalist and in my daily life and for that I am very grateful.” 

“Between the Red and Black and AP Lit, Mrs. Sullivan provided the space for me to create my own writing style. By doing so, I was able to find my own voice and build my confidence in my writing skills which ultimately inspired me to continue journalism in college.” 

“Looking back at my time at the Red and Black and as a student in her class, it was clear Mrs. Sullivan dedicates herself to her work and her students. She’s passionate about helping students find their voice through writing.” 

“Her love for journalism and ensuring students can have the opportunity to gain experience through it is one of many reasons why she’d make a good fit for this position.” 

Shannon Malone, current Patchogue-Medford senior and Raider TV Co-Anchor, also had much to say regarding Mrs. Sullivan’s impact on her love for journalism. 

“Mrs. Sullivan has helped me find and define my voice during my time participating with Raider TV and the Red and Black.” 

“She’s pushed me to express myself in ways I hadn’t done before in front of a camera,” said Shannon. “When you have someone that believes in you and the work you do, it makes a difference.” 

“We sit down together and bounce amazing ideas off of each other almost every single day whether it be about segments or filming and how we can translate it to something better,” continued Shannon.  “This creativity I’ve unlocked is something I’ll carry with me as I continue with journalism.” 

Junior and three-year journalism student Catrina Ferrara emphasized how Mrs. Sullivan’s elevated expectations helped her grow as both a writer and a person. 

“Since joining journalism my freshman year, Mrs. Sullivan has constantly pushed me academically and as a person. Even when I was in a situation that was out of my comfort zone, she made always made sure I pushed myself,” said Catrina.  “She always showed she wanted me to improve and that definitely pushed me to go above and beyond.” 

Mrs. Sullivan’s students see this as a recognition of the strength of journalism at Patchogue-Medford and the role student media plays in the wider district community. 

 “Mrs. Sullivan is a lady that wears many hats,” said Shannon. “She never fails to rise to the occasion.” 

“In my opinion,” added Catrina, “Mrs. Sullivan is a perfect fit for this role; she very clearly cares about her students and seeing them improve. Her commitment to this program is very rewarding, and I’m glad it’s being recognized.” 

Mrs. Sullivan’s appointment as New York JEA State Director is a recognition of her commitment to student journalism and the impact she continues to have on young writers and broadcasters. As she takes on this statewide role, Patchogue-Medford’s student journalists say they’re proud to see their mentor recognized and excited for what her leadership will bring next.