LEWISTON — Two former Sun Journal executives were among four to receive the Academy of New England Journalists’ 2026 Yankee Quill Award at a ceremony last weekend in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Judy Meyer was recognized for her “extraordinary, decades-long commitment to excellence in reporting, newsroom leadership, and unwavering defense of the First Amendment.”

Meyer, formerly editor of the Sun Journal, Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel newspapers, is a local editor with The Maine Monitor. 

In his nomination letter to the academy, First Amendment lawyer Sigmund Schutz spoke of Meyer’s fierce commitment to freedom of speech.

“Judy is Maine’s most persistent and effective defender of the public’s right to know,” Schutz wrote. “She is widely recognized as an authoritative source on the subject and has a deep understanding of the law’s practical application.”

Yankee Quill winner and New England Newspaper & Press Association Hall of Famer Link McKie remarked on Meyer’s ability to generate conversation about key issues in journalism, particularly when serving on panels assembled to address those issues.

“I was always impressed with her dedication to our craft, her sage advice and her telling anecdotes that proved the value of that advice,” McKie said. “Her advice invariably sparked questions and comments from the audience and motivated audience members to talk with her after the workshop ended, seeking more of her news wisdom.”

In 2000, Meyer was a founder of the Maine Freedom of Information Coalition and still serves as its president.

Former Sun Journal Executive Editor Rex Rhoades, meanwhile, received the Yankee Quill Award for his 40-year career in journalism and for his work at the Lewiston newspaper.

Among other things, Rhoades was recognized for leading “award-winning investigations that exposed government secrecy, strengthened public access laws, improved school safety statewide, and informed readers on issues ranging from economic development to public health.”

He was specifically recognized for his leadership on the Sun Journal’s prize-winning “Bates & Beyond” project, which analyzed the future of the empty Bates Mill in Lewiston.

Rhoades was also commended for his editorial and column writing and “his willingness to bring legal challenges over open-meeting law issues.”

“A Maine Press Association Journalist of the Year, Rhoades consistently championed open government, challenged powerful institutions, and guided his newsroom through profound industry change with integrity and high standards,” Meyer wrote of Rhoades in the Yankee Quill literature. “His work not only elevated the quality and impact of local journalism in Maine but also demonstrated the transformative power of a free press in shaping stronger, more informed communities.”

Three others were inducted into the New England Newspaper Hall of Fame at the 2026 NENPA annual conference held March 13 in Portsmouth.

Jackie Majerus, who runs Youth Journalism International out of her Auburn home, was one of three recognized for “careers defined by excellence, service, and an enduring commitment to community journalism.”

Majerus was recognized for her “lifelong commitment to mentoring the next generation of reporters.”

After a 25-year career marked by award-winning investigative work and a principled stand for newsroom integrity, she co-founded Youth Journalism International in 1994.

“Under her leadership, the organization has mentored and published more than 750 young journalists from around the world,” according to NENPA, “building a global community grounded in strong reporting, ethics, and press freedom.”