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Chantilly High School and McLean High School are among 26 schools nationwide receiving the 2026 First Amendment Press Freedom Award, extending lengthy winning streaks for both Fairfax County schools.
The honor marks Chantilly High’s 12th consecutive award and McLean High’s ninth in a row.
The award recognizes public and private high schools that support, teach and protect the First Amendment rights and responsibilities of students and educators. It places particular emphasis on student-run media programs in which students retain final authority over content.
The schools will be recognized April 16 during an awards ceremony at the Journalism Education Association and National Scholastic Press Association Spring National High School Journalism Convention.
Representatives from those two organizations and the Quill and Scroll International Honorary Society selected this year’s recipients.
Schools began the competition by submitting questionnaires completed by a media adviser and at least one student editor. Those advancing were required to provide additional responses from their principal, all media advisers and student editors. Semifinalists also submitted their published district, school and media policies for review.