Hennington leaves Taylor Press to accept teaching post in Hutto

TAYLOR – Jason Hennington, former area editor for the Taylor Press and Elgin Courier, has left the newspaper to join the faculty of Hutto High School, teaching photography.

A native of Taylor, Hennington started as a reporter with his hometown newspaper in 2013 and moved into leadership positions, including editor and publisher of the Taylor Press, before stepping up to area editor for Granite Media Partners.

He is a graduate of Sul Ross University with bachelor and masters degrees.

Over the years, Hennington has helped the Taylor Press broaden its digital presence and added video reporting to its arsenal. Through the newspaper’s website, he hosted weekly local sports wrap-up show called “Around the Watercooler,” created videos for local events and promotions and was featured in a regular video segment called “A Glimpse...” offering information about stories coming up in next editions of the newspaper.

In 2013, he launched the Taylor Press 3-on-3 charity basketball tournament for teams of all ages. The tournament recently completed a successful 11th year.

During his tenure, the Taylor Press has won two consecutive sweepstakes awards in the Texas Better Newspaper Contest as well as other recognitions. He has also served on the Texas Press Association board of directors.

In the final edition of his popular weekly column, “On My Soapbox,” Hennington reflected on his career with the Taylor Press, including taking newspaper’s transition from daily to twice a week, and then from two printed editions to one printed and one e-edition.

“Along with changes in distribution, I was at the paper during some major and traumatic times,” he noted. “Not many people can say they helped navigate a publication through a global pandemic or they reported on the biggest economic development deal in the history of Texas.”

Hennington and the Taylor Press staff have covered the local impact and development of the $17 billion Samsung chip plant near Taylor since plans were announced in 2021.

“When I started at the Press, I had several goals ... My first was to serve my community and make it proud of a local son. I worked hard to be accessible, yet fair in my reporting,” Hennington wrote.

“Another goal was to make the newspaper approachable. I wanted to make sure everyone felt they could bring their news to the paper without fear of rejection. 

“Specifically, I wanted the African American community in Taylor to know they had someone they could trust and be open with. Although I’m leaving the paper, that trust should continue with the reporters in place.

“My final objective was to make sure I left a legacy that would inspire others.”