The National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) and the Journalism Education Association (JEA) held their Fall National High School Journalism Conference on Nov. 21. During their conference they announced the winners of their most prestigious honor, the Pacemaker Award. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology’s student-run newsmagazine, tjTODAY, was named a winner in the newspaper/ newsmagazine category.

“In my experience working with the tjTODAY staff, the most rewarding thing to them is being able to tell stories that make a difference,” said Erinn Harris, TJHSST journalism teacher and advisor to tjTODAY. “They take their responsibilities very seriously, and I think it shows. To be acknowledged by a totally objective group of experts for that work is the icing on the cake, and I couldn't be more proud.” 

To determine the Pacemaker Award winners, a team of professionals assigned by the NSPA judge entries based on the following criteria: coverage and content, quality of writing and reporting, leadership, design, photography and graphics. This was the first time TJHSST has earned this award since 2014. It was previously a finalist for the honor in 2018.

“In 2015, when we started to have a more robust online presence with tjTODAY.org, we switched from a traditional broadsheet newspaper to a feature magazine,” said Harris. “Over the years, the publication has evolved, and I truly believe we wouldn't have the success we do today without all of the tjTODAY leaders that laid the foundation for today's staff.”

To view some of tjTODAY’s award-winning work online, visit their website here.