Below is the writeup I did for the next AHHS alumni newsletter plus a photo of me presenting the “big check” to current journalism teacher Kristin Cade and her students.

Thomas Jefferson wrote, “Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I would not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.”
The practice of journalism has evolved to include radio and television, websites and blogs, podcasts and social media, but the free exchange of information and ideas remains a Constitutional right, fundamental to our democracy.
Mary Norman taught journalism at Alamo Heights High School from 1967 to 1990 and sponsored the school newspaper, the Hoof Print, and yearbook, the Olmos. She was recognized by Columbia University in 1981 as one of the Outstanding Journalism Teachers in America. In addition to teaching, Mrs. Norman served as Public Information Officer for the entire Alamo Heights school district.
She was also a talented artist, exhibiting her work at the Witte Museum, San Antonio Art Institute, Hertzberg Collector’s Gallery, and a number of solo shows.
Mrs. Norman passed away in 2009 and is fondly remembered by the students whose lives she touched and whose professional careers she inspired. For many, she was a mentor, a guiding light, almost a second mother! Everyone should have a Mary Norman in their lives.
The new Mary Norman Journalism Fund will continue her legacy as long as teachers demonstrate and advocate the best journalistic practices, and students learn and understand the essential role of a free press in a free society. 

Now fully funded at $100,000, this endowment will provide an annual donation in perpetuity to benefit the AHHS journalism program. The larger the fund grows, the more all students will benefit! For information on how to contribute, please contact the Alamo Heights School Foundation.

Thanks, Marie Kisner

Sunday, January 25, 2026

Hello Everybody & Happy New Year! Hope 2026 is off to a good start for all of you.

As you know, the first payout from the Mary Norman Journalism Fund finally happened this school year, just over $4,000 presented to the AHHS journalism students and teacher Kristin Cade. I heard that new camera equipment is on their wish list along with many other things as they look forward to moving into the new school building.

Here's something you may not know -- The Alamo Heights Junior School now has a journalism program! Just in its second year, "Mule Time Media" already has a website, a podcast and an Instagram account. I visited the class just before Thanksgiving along with Joan Canty from the AH School Foundation and we were so impressed by the students (7th & 8th graders) and their teacher, Brandon Boylan, who was recently named Teacher of the Year at AHJS.

These kids will arrive at the high school ready and eager to jump right into that program and maybe future careers in journalism.

Beginning next school year, the Mary Norman Fund will include the junior school journalism program as well as the high school. Here's how it will work: The high school will never receive less than the original $100K endowment's annual payout. The junior school will receive whatever remains. After the fund reaches $200K (2030 school year) the payout will be split evenly between the two schools.

The Mary Norman Journalism Fund is an endowment that our school can count on in perpetuity, as long as teachers demonstrate and celebrate the best journalistic practices and students continue to learn the essential role of a free press in a free society. If we believe this and support it, then we may hope for the future.

To contribute, make checks payable to "Alamo Heights School Foundation" and send to AHSF, 7101 Broadway, San Antonio TX 78209. Memo line "Mary Norman Fund."

Thanks and stay warm, Marie

Marie Kisner

Hoof Print Editor 1969

 

Thursday, January 29, 2026

Hello again everybody -- Thought you'd be interested in this message I received yesterday from AHHS journalism teacher Kristin Cade describing how the first Mary Norman Journalism Fund payout was used and how well her students performed in this year's UIL competition.

I think it's remarkable that they placed 1st and 2nd in three categories and Hoof Print Co-editor Magali placed 1st in the whole state for copy editing.

Best wishes, Marie

 

Original Message From Kristin Cade

Hello! I hope you are staying warm. I wanted to update you on a few things in the world of high school journalism. We have used funds from Mary Norman Journalism Fund for a variety of things. We purchased a new sports lens. Fun fact. We are allowed three photographers at each sporting event. However, we only had two big zoom sports lenses. Now all kiddos who go to a sporting event can have a big lens and capture the best shots! In addition to the new lens, we have used funds to publish three issues of The Hoof Print. And finally we used some of the funds for one of our UIL Journalism Contests. The students did AWESOME in the contest. In Headline Writing we placed 3rd, 4th, 6th and 9th. In News Writing we placed 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th and 7th. In Feature Writing we placed 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 6th. In Editorial Writing we placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd and in Copy Editing we placed 1st, 2nd and 8th. Fun fact...Magali, who you met, is the student who placed 1st in Copy Editing. Not only did she place 1st in Copy Editing in our division, but she beat out all competitors in the event and won the Tops In Texas Award for Copy Editing. This means she beat out over 500 competitors!!! I think Mrs. Norman would be proud. Have a great rest of your week!

Thanks,

Kristin Cade

AHHS Journalism Teacher