Celebrations were plentiful on Saturday when Coppell Student Media and KCBY-TV Español claimed NSPA Pacemaker Awards at the JEA/NSPA Spring National High School Journalism Convention in Minneapolis.
This is the ninth Online Pacemaker for Coppell Student Media and first Innovation Pacemaker for KCBY.
“It shows that we are operating at the standard that we have in the last couple years, and we have been able to maintain credibility among student publications,” The Sidekick editor-in-chief Yug Talukdar said.
This weekend had two celebrations for The Sidekick adviser Chase Wofford as he was out for dinner celebrating his daughter’s birthday when he found out Coppell Student Media had won a Pacemaker.
“I said ‘I’m sorry, I’ve got to check my phone,’ because I don’t want to be the phone guy at dinner,” Wofford said. “But I knew they were wrapping up awards so I checked and then I saw it.”
This Online Pacemaker marks a seventh consecutive year for Coppell Student Media, but it is not always about continuing the streak.
“I look at it as continuing a high bar in the program which is not just based on recognition and awards,” Wofford said. “You could tell if the program is still producing really good work and the kids are dedicated. That was already known.”
The Innovation Pacemaker was an emotional win for KCBY.
”I had just finished watching The Drama in theaters, and I frantically pulled out my phone,” program director Aaron Montes said. “I’m looking and looking until I finally get to it. I’m still in my seat and I just crumble.”
It was especially important to KCBY to highlight not just Hispanic heritage, but demonstrate inclusivity for every culture.
“In many of our Hispanic homes, we learn the language but we come to school, and we are embarrassed to speak it or told it is something you only do at home,” KCBY adviser Irma Lazos-Kennedy said. “Whatever your heritage or language is, be loud and proud. That is what I want for all kids.”
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