The dynamic teacher and adviser who led award-winning journalism programs and inspired fellow educators died Jan. 7. For those who didn't get a chance to know Laurie, the video of her IJEA Educator of the Year acceptance speech (check inside) will give you a sense of both her playfulness and dedication.

CHARLESTON — Belleville West newspaper adviser Laurie Bielong, along with sound effects, gave a fantastic acceptance speech for the 2013 Illinois Scholastic Journalism Educator of the Year award at the...