In the Spotlight: Success Stories of Award-Winning Elementary School Paper Advisers

This qualitative phenomenological study explores how award-winning elementary school paper advisers guide student journalists in the Panabo South District.Through in-depth interviews with purposively selected publicschool educators, the research utilized thematic analysis to uncover the realities of their mentoring experiences.The findings highlight best practices centered on cultivating journalistic curiosity, balancing guidance with creative autonomy, and embedding ethical thinking.Advisers derived meaning from a strong mentoring purpose, recognizing student growth, and experiencing professional fulfillment.Furthermore, they identified enhancing student ownership, providing authentic journalistic exposure, and ensuring continuous mentorship as priorities for improving school programs.Ultimately, successful advising emerges not merely as a technical function but as pedagogical leadership that integrates literacy development, ethical formation, and student voice, emphasizing the adviser's role as a mentor and steward of responsible expression.