2014 Newspaper Pacemaker Finalists announced

The NSPA Newspaper Pacemaker contest has recognized general excellence in scholastic newspapers for 87 years. The 2014 Newspaper Pacemaker contest yielded approximately 300 entries. Categories are: NewspaperBroadsheet eight or fewer pages, Newspaper Broadsheet 9-16 pages,Newspaper Broadsheet 17+ pages, Newspaper Tabloid, Newsmagazines and Jr. High/Middle School Newspapers.

View the list of 2014 Newspaper Pacemaker finalists.

Judges select Pacemakers based on the following: coverage and content,quality of writing and reporting, leadership on the opinion page,evidence of in-depth reporting, design, photography, art and graphics. Entries were judged on the following criteria:

  • Coverage and content: Were all aspects of student life covered (academics/sports/clubs/local news, etc.)? Was the use ofwire/syndicated copy limited (especially on pg. 1)? Was there evidence of sound news judgment?
  • Quality of writing and reporting: Was the writing concise and the reporting thorough? Was writing free of opinion (with the exception ofeditorials or columns)? Was the copy edited for consistent style?
  • Leadership on the opinion page: Did staff editorials, cartoons and letters supplement personal columns? Did the staff demonstratesensitivity to controversial topics? Was the content of the editorial page consequential?
  • Evidence of in-depth reporting: Did major stories show evidence of multiple sources? Are series or depth pieces prominent in entered issues?
  • Layout and design: Was the look of the paper clean and contemporary? Was a consistent modular page makeup used throughout thepublication? Did designers establish a clear visual hierarchy for readers?
  • Photography, art and graphics: Did visuals enhance the verbal content and draw the reader in? Did visuals improve the reader’s understandingof the accompanying story? Were photos properly credited? Was the quality of photos and art technically excellent?

Winners will be announced at the Fall National High School Journalism Convention on Nov. 8 in Washington, D. C.

Questions? Contact Trevor Ivan, NSPA contest and critique coordinator, at contests@studentpress.org.