The National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) announced 26 high school journalism programs as finalists for the National Online Pacemaker Award. Among those 26 programs was Antioch Community High School’s Sequoit Media.

The NSPA Pacemaker Award is among the highest honors a student media program can achieve. It recognizes excellence in student journalism, particularly in the online media platforms. The 26 Pacemaker finalists represent 14 states. California led with six finalists, followed by Illinois and Texas, which both had three finalists.

“Initially, I was in a state of being both shocked and ecstatic, and I feel everyone else was experiencing that blend of emotions,” junior Digital Director Josie Quirke said. “[The announcement] began to resonate within me; I felt so proud of our program and everything we’ve accomplished this year.

Quirke and seniors James Sheehan and Carter Webb are among the three digital directors this year who oversee digital content and incorporate multimedia within stories for Sequoit Media.

“I think we really pride ourselves in our online presence and making sure to update our website and make sure we have great multimedia,” Sheehan said. “Whether that be us incorporating videos or graphics like we did this year or just making our storylines more engaging. We have done lots of trial and error, and it is paying off.”

This recognition holds special significance for the staff, as it marks the first time since 2017 that the program has been named a finalist. ACHS alum and Tom Tom adviser Madelynn Soberano held the title of Digital Director when Sequoit Media received their first nomination and win in 2016.

“I remember getting handed the winner’s plaque after class one day by the former adviser,” Soberano said. “That plaque was the first thing I put into my own classroom once I became a teacher. Seeing the staff’s name be listed as a finalist warmed my heart because I know how hard the staff’s been working this year. It also was a huge moment for me as an adviser since it’s our first NSPA recognition since I’ve taken over the program.”

The adviser and the digital directors agree this achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication that will continue to shape our brighter future.

“I would love to give a huge shoutout to Emma Wagner, who has really helped the lifestyles program up their multimedia,” Quirke said. “Emma’s always looking at ways for us to make our stories more interesting to look at; she has been a huge help and I’m super grateful for her and all the work she has put into the program.”

Pacemaker finalists will be honored and will receive plaques during the opening ceremony of the JEA/NSPA Spring National High School Journalism Convention at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 4, in Kansas City, Missouri. Pacemaker winners will be announced for the first time at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 6, at the convention’s awards ceremony.