{"id":624445,"date":"2026-03-10T22:35:30","date_gmt":"2026-03-11T03:35:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/studentpress.org\/nspa\/?p=624445"},"modified":"2026-03-12T21:10:53","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T02:10:53","slug":"2026-online-pacemaker-finalists","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/studentpress.org\/nspa\/2026-online-pacemaker-finalists\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 Online Pacemaker Finalists"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Online excellence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

NSPA Pacemaker competition recognizes 40 websites as finalists for prestigious award<\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 10, 2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

MINNEAPOLIS \u2014 The nation\u2019s top scholastic websites were recognized today by the National Scholastic Press Association, which announced 40 finalists in its annual Pacemaker competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pacemaker finalists will be honored and Pacemakers announced for the first time during the awards ceremony on Saturday, April 18, at the JEA\/NSPA Spring National High School Journalism Convention<\/a> in Minneapolis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the judges have named the Pacemaker finalists, the Pacemaker winners have not been selected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 \u201cThe judging teams will now continue to study the sites named as Pacemaker finalists on a frequent basis,\u201d said Gary Lundgren, associate director and coordinator of the Pacemaker competition. \u201cThe Pacemaker winners will be selected shortly before they are named in April, so for the 41 schools we are naming as finalists today, the competition is still happening in real time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Pacemaker is the association\u2019s preeminent award,\u201d Executive Director Laura Widmer said. \u201cNSPA is honored to recognize the best of the best.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The NSPA Pacemaker, one of the oldest awards for scholastic journalism, has a rich tradition. The association started presenting the prestigious award to high school newspapers soon after the organization was founded in 1921. Throughout the years, yearbooks, magazines, online sites, broadcast programs and innovation were added to the competition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 40 Pacemaker finalists represent 17 states and the United Kingdom. California led with nine finalists, followed by Texas with six.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To select the Pacemaker finalists, judges carefully studied approximately 90 sites submitted from 21 states and three countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The online sites competed in two different categories based on school population. Two teams of three judges studied every entry, analyzing its strengths. The status of each entry was agreed upon by at least two of the three judges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this competition, only the online news product was judged. The news sites were either digital companions to print newspapers and newsmagazines or online-only products. In all, 52 sites were companions to print newspapers and newsmagazines and 38 were online-only products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A separate 2025 NSPA Newspaper\/Newsmagazine Pacemaker<\/a> competition recognized 41 print news publications and specialty magazines in November. In all, 16 schools earned Pacemaker recognition for both their print and online products.A \u201cFrom the Online Pacemaker Judges\u201d panel discussion is planned for  JEA\/NSPA Spring National High School Journalism Convention<\/a> in Minneapolis.  Judges will share what sets apart the Pacemaker-winners and showcase the yearbooks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Please join us at the JEA\/NSPA Spring National High School Journalism Convention<\/a><\/strong> April 16-18, 2026, in Minneapolis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The convention offers hundreds of instructional sessions, keynote speakers from national newsmakers, dozens of media critiques, JEA\u2019s popular on-site media contests and the announcement of NSPA Pacemaker winners. NSPA also offers a convention Best of Show competition that celebrates current student media work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2026 Online Pacemaker finalists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

listed by state<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Scot Scoop
<\/strong><\/a>Carlmont High School
Belmont, California
Editor-in-chief: Naomi Hsu
Adviser: Justin Raisner<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Wildcat
<\/strong><\/a>Brea Olinda High School
Brea, California
Editor-in-chief: Siena Codekas
Adviser: Alex Koers<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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El Estoque
<\/strong><\/a>Monta Vista High School
Cupertino, California
Editors-in-chief: Sophia D’Sa, Jillian Ju, Isabelle Kok, Liz Liu, Stella Petzova, Benjamin Zhang
Advisers: Vennessa Nava, Julia Satterthwaite<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Accolade
<\/strong><\/a>Sunny Hills High School
Fullerton, California
Editor-in-chief: Aashna Dialani
Adviser: C.J. D’Innocente<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Pearl Post
<\/strong><\/a>Daniel Pearl Magnet High School
Lake Balboa, California
Editor-in-chief: Tania Lopez
Adviser: Adriana Chavira<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Falconer
<\/strong><\/a>Torrey Pines High School
San Diego, California
Editor-in-chief: Sarina Feng
Adviser: Kara Adler<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Harker Aquila
<\/strong><\/a>The Harker School
San Jose, California
Editors-in-chief: Eva Cheng, Lily Shi
Adviser: Whitney Huang<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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VHNSMirror
<\/strong><\/a>Van Nuys High School
Van Nuys, California
Editors-in-chief: Joel Nam, Olamide Olumide
Adviser: Ron Goins<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Foothill Dragon Press
<\/strong><\/a>Foothill Technology High School
Ventura, California
Editors-in-chief: Fiona Aulenta, Jane Kim
Adviser: Yiu Hung Li<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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CavsConnect<\/strong>
<\/a>Coral Gables Senior High School
Coral Gables, Florida
Editors-in-chief: Marina Astorga, Olivia Russo
Adviser: Patricia Passwaters<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The BluePrint Online
<\/strong><\/a>Hagerty High School
Oviedo, Florida
Editors-in-chief: Lia Miller, Holly Smyers
Adviser: Brit Taylor<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Odyssey Media Group
<\/strong><\/a>Clarke Central High School
Athens, Georgia
Editor-in-chief: Lea D’Angelo
Adviser: David A. Ragsdale<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Metea Media
<\/strong><\/a>Metea Valley High School
Aurora, Illinois
Editor-in-chief: Ryder Preston Brown
Adviser: Adam Page<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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U-High Midway
<\/strong><\/a>University of Chicago Laboratory High School
Chicago, Illinois
Editors-in-chief: Light Dohrn, Kabir Joshi, Sohana Schneider
Adviser: Logan Aimone<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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HiLite
<\/strong><\/a>Carmel High School
Carmel, Indiana
Editors-in-chief: Mahitha Konjeti, Magan Xia
Adviser: Jim Streisel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Spartan Shield
<\/strong><\/a>Pleasant Valley High School
Bettendorf, Iowa
Editor-in-chief: Ishika Desai
Adviser: Maureen Dyer<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Little Hawk
<\/strong><\/a>Iowa City High School
Iowa City, Iowa
Editor-in-chief: Lily Rantanen
Adviser: Jonathan Rogers<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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West Side Story
<\/strong><\/a>Iowa City West High School
Iowa City, Iowa
Editor-in-chief: Evelyn Kraber
Adviser: Sara Whittaker<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Harbinger
<\/strong><\/a>Shawnee Mission East High School
Prairie Village, Kansas
Editors-in-chief: Sophia Brockmeier, Libby Marsh, Luciana Mendy, Lucy Stephens
Adviser: Dow Tate<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Mill Valley News
<\/strong><\/a>Mill Valley High School
Shawnee, Kansas
Editors-in-chief: Evan LeRoy, Maddie Martin
Adviser: Kathy Habiger<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Manual RedEye
<\/strong><\/a>duPont Manual High School
Louisville, Kentucky
Editor-in-chief: Stella Kolers
Adviser: Liz Palmer<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Cougar Star
<\/strong><\/a>Clague Middle School
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Editors-in-chief: Aeda Baang, Medha Sangi
Advisers: Sara-Beth Badalamente, Satvika Ramanathan<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Communicator
<\/strong><\/a>Community High School
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Editors-in-chief: Luca Hinesman, Vedha Kakarla, Lucy Lowenschuss, Paige Plavnick, Wilson Zheng
Adviser: Tracy Anderson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Huron Emery
<\/strong><\/a>Huron High School
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Editors-in-chief: Amelia Bai, Emily Hu, Ishaan Kamat, Isha Savi
Adviser: Sara Badalamente<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Rubicon
<\/strong><\/a>St. Paul Academy and Summit School
St. Paul, Minnesota
Editor-in-chief: Thomas Chen
Adviser: Kathryn Campbell<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Pathfinder<\/a>
<\/strong>Parkway West High School
Ballwin, Missouri
Editors-in-chief: Yein Ahn, Ruthvi Tadakamalla
Adviser: Lindsey Katz<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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FHNtoday
<\/strong><\/a>Francis Howell North High School
Saint Charles, Missouri
Editor-in-chief: Peyton Thies
Advisers: Jordyn Kiel, Aaron Manfull<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Eastside<\/a>
<\/strong>Cherry Hill High School East
Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Editors-in-chief: Laavanya Viswanathan, Dino Russo
Adviser: Greg Gagliardi<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Delphi
<\/strong><\/a>Delaware Valley Regional High School
Frenchtown, New Jersey
Editor-in-chief: Gianna Roberts
Adviser: Brian Smith<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Classic
<\/strong><\/a>Townsend Harris High School
Flushing, New York
Editors-in-chief: Ryan Chen, Yasmeen Ismail
Adviser: Brian Sweeney<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The La Salle Falconer
<\/strong><\/a>La Salle Catholic College Preparatory
Milwaukie, Oregon
Editors-in-chief: Finnuala Christensen-McElroy, Kayah Cieslak
Adviser: Miles Kane<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Panther Press
<\/strong><\/a>Strath Haven High School
Wallingford, Pennsylvania
Editors-in-chief: Kaitlyn Ho, Matthew Ramirez
Adviser: Kate Plows<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Voice
<\/strong><\/a>Vandegrift High School
Austin, Texas
Editor-in-chief: Audryn Lee
Adviser: Jessica Stamp<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Coppell Student Media
<\/strong><\/a>Coppell High School
Coppell, Texas
Editor-in-chief: Yug Talukdar
Adviser: Chase Wofford<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Wingspan
<\/strong><\/a>Liberty High School
Frisco, Texas
Editors-in-chief: Lea Garcia-Salazar, Sankeertana Malakapalli
Adviser: Brian Higgins<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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KP Times
<\/strong><\/a>Kingwood Park High School
Kingwood, Texas
Editors-in-chief: Tricia Darcy, Danielle Nalley, Sydney Ortiz
Adviser: Megan Ortiz<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Rider Online
<\/strong><\/a>Legacy High School
Mansfield, Texas
Editors-in-chief: Katie Keating, Kati Waguespack
Advisers: Rachel Dearinger, Jonathan Dixon<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Mule Time Media
<\/strong><\/a>Alamo Heights Junior High School
San Antonio, Texas
Editor-in-chief: Teyton Mendez
Adviser: Brandon Boylan<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Puma Press
<\/strong><\/a>UPrep
Seattle, Washington
Editors-in-chief: Sofia Delgado-Pack, Avi Patel
Adviser: Scott Collins<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Standard
<\/strong><\/a>The American School in London
London, England
Editor-in-chief: Yasmine Rivera
Adviser: Louisa Avery<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Online excellence NSPA Pacemaker competition recognizes 40 websites as finalists for prestigious award March 10, 2026 MINNEAPOLIS \u2014 The nation\u2019s top scholastic websites were recognized today by the National Scholastic Press Association, which announced 40 finalists in its annual Pacemaker competition. Pacemaker finalists will be honored and Pacemakers announced for the first time during the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/studentpress.org\/nspa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/624445"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/studentpress.org\/nspa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/studentpress.org\/nspa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/studentpress.org\/nspa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/studentpress.org\/nspa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=624445"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/studentpress.org\/nspa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/624445\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":624505,"href":"https:\/\/studentpress.org\/nspa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/624445\/revisions\/624505"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/studentpress.org\/nspa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=624445"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/studentpress.org\/nspa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=624445"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/studentpress.org\/nspa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=624445"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}