Montgomery Blair High School
Each year, the National Scholastic Press Association recognizes excellence in student media with scholastic journalism’s preeminent award, the Pacemaker. Pacemakers are awarded in each category of publication — online, newspaper, yearbook, magazine and broadcast.
Entries are judged by teams of professionals based on the following criteria: coverage and content, quality of writing and reporting, leadership, design, photography and graphics.
NSPA contacted Jeremy Stelzner, adviser of 2015 Pacemaker recipient Silver Chips, for a Q&A. Silver Chips is the independent student newspaper of Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, Md. The publication won the Pacemaker in the broadsheet, 17 pages or more category.
NSPA: Tell us a little bit about the editors and staff of your Pacemaker-winning publication.
Jeremy Stelzner: We have a staff of 12 junior writers and 12 senior editors. The entire staff totals about 80 students including a full art, photo and business staff. Students are incredibly hardworking and must take journalism as a prerequisite to interview.
NSPA: How did the staff ensure the quality of the publication?
JS: We have a long editing process. The two nights before we go to print we are at school until around 9:30 p.m. reviewing the paper and ensuring the quality of the final project.
NSPA: Is there any one issue, story, photo, package, etc. that stood out during the year?
JS: The news story on school security in which we investigated how students who do not attend this school were able to get into the building for the purpose of attacking members of the student body.
NSPA: Tell us about a hardship or obstacle you felt your staff overcame.
JS: I think a number of staff members were accepted after their interviews and they weren’t entirely aware of the amount of work that was involved (as the class is an elective). Many students were in a bit of shock in the fall and I think it took them awhile to get accustomed to the process
NSPA: What qualities will you remember the most about this Pacemaker-winning staff?
JS: The whole staff really cares about the paper. They seem to all recognize the importance of student journalists.
NSPA: What does the Pacemaker mean to you and your staff?
JS: We are incredibly proud of the award. When it comes down to it though it is just an award. We know we made lots of mistakes and there is still a ton of work to be done. That being said — the kids really deserve recognition for their work and I am appreciative of NSPA for that recognition.