Bob Button, recipient of the Journalism Education Association’s Carl Towley Award (its highest honor for a member) and former assistant director for academic activities of the Virginia High School League, passed away in December at the age of 81.

Button’s impact on scholastic journalism is captured in great detail by reporter and former student Phoebe Wall Howard in an obituary for the Detroit Free Press as well as a statement from VHSL’s director of communications Mike McCall.

In a remembrance shared with the JEA community, VAJTA board members Valerie Kibler and Carol Lange collect many more stories of Button’s legacy, including a heartfelt tribute from longtime friend Bobby Hawthorne.