Press Release: National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker Finalist
Above: BEST OF SHOW: Members of the 2024-25 iliad Literary-Art Magazine Editorial Board stand at the 2024 JEA/NSPA Fall National High School Journalism Convention with the 4th Place Best of Show Award on Nov. 13, 2024. 2025-26 Social Media Coordinator Scarlett Alston was not a part of the 2024-25 Editorial Board, but is motivated for the 2025-26 magazine. “(Being nominated) Pacemaker finalist was a really cool experience, even though it’s not for a magazine I helped with,” Social Media Coordinator Scarlett Alston said. “Acknowledging how much work we put in and how much more work we can do, it really gave me motivation to keep up the work. Having (the recognition) as a reminder in the back of the mind that that’s where we can make it just really has pushed us all and we’re excited to keep pushing because of that award.” Photo by Wyatt Meyer
The 2024-25 iliad Literary-Art Magazine, “Sound & Color,” was recognized as a Pacemaker finalist by the National Scholastic Press Association on March 4.
The 2024-25 edition of iliad Literary-Art Magazine, “Sound & Color,” was named a Pacemaker finalist in the category of Literary Art Magazines by the National Scholastic Press Association, also known as NSPA, on March 4.
The iliad was recognized as one of 18 finalists from 10 different states, and now has the opportunity to compete for the Pacemaker award, the highest award given by NSPA. The 2025 Literary Arts Magazine Pacemakers will be announced at the 2026 Journalism Education Association/National Scholastic Press Association Spring National High School Journalism Convention in Minneapolis on April 18.
“The Pacemaker is the association’s preeminent award,” NSPA Executive Director Laura Widmer stated in a press release. “NSPA is honored to recognize the best of the best.”
“Sound & Color” is one of four iliad magazines to be selected as a Pacemaker finalist. The 2022-23 and 2020-21 magazines, “flourish” and “Okeanos,” are the only two iliad magazines to be recognized with the Pacemaker award.
“I feel great hearing that ‘Sound & Color’ has been named a Pacemaker finalist and has the possibility to win,” 2024-25 Managing Editor Victoria Garland said. “Regardless of rewards, it was fulfilling being on the team that produced it, and I’m proud of all the work that was put into it.”
2025-26 iliad Literary-Art Magazine Editor-in-Chief, Margo McDaniel, was a part of the 2024-25 iliad Editorial Board as the Writing Director to produce the 49th edition, “Sound & Color,” and is proud to have her work recognized
“I think ‘Sound & Color’ was such a unique magazine, and it feels really good to know that we did good work, even though we branched out of our usual style or template of design and the way the magazine is organized,” McDaniel said. “I know that the 2025-26 (Editorial) Board all did our part to select pieces for the magazine, to raise money, and I also did a lot personally to edit the pieces.”
Story by Jay Braswell
Jay Braswell is a sophomore at Clarke Central High School in Athens, Georgia, and is the Outreach Director for the iliad Literary-Art Magazine. Braswell hopes that her contribution to the iliad will help inspire young artists around the Athens community. When they aren’t hanging out with friends, Braswell enjoys listening to music and painting.