HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — In a surprise ceremony held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at James Madison University, AKSM Media presented former chief White House producer Grace L. Sawyer with the inaugural Keith B. Jones Award.

The award recognizes a member of AKSM Media’s White House Division who reportedly exemplifies the highest standards of integrity, tenacity, and excellence in political journalism.

Sawyer served as chief White House producer from May 2024 through January 2026. She covered historical events such as the 2024 election, the 2024 Russia-United States prisoner swap, the State Funeral of Former President Jimmy Carter and the transition between the Biden and Trump administrations.

During the ceremony, Representative Ben Cline presented Sawyer with a United States flag flown over the Capitol building on her final day at the White House. The flag was formally folded in front of attendees in a solemn ceremony conducted by the Army ROTC JMU Duke Battalion.

In-person remarks were delivered by:

  • Hon. Ben Cline, United States Representative (VA-06)
  • Dr. James C. Schmidt, Seventh President of James Madison University
  • Miss Grace L. Sawyer, Deputy Chief of Staff and Jones Award Honoree
  • Mr. Andrew McKeough, Chief White House Editor
  • Miss Peyton Mikolayek, Influencer and White House Social Media Correspondent
  • Miss Maddie Lewis, Senior Advisor

Recorded tributes were provided by:

  • Miss Katie Feeney, Influencer and White House Social Media Correspondent
  • Mr. Keith B. Jones, Emmy® Award winning journalist and NBC News Anchor
  • Mrs. Emily B. Barkann, Esq., Emmy® Award winning journalist and Chief White House Correspondent
  • Miss Georgia Simon, Chief Political Editor

According to a release, Sawyer departed the White House Division on January 25, 2026, to take on the role of Deputy Chief of Staff at AKSM Media’s executive office.