Press Release: NSPA 2024 Pacemaker
Above: END OF THE ROAD: The 2023-2024 iliad Editorial Board poses in the Clarke Central High School Media Center Courtyard on Feb. 18. Two-time iliad Literary-Art Magazine Editor-in-Chief Olivia Hendershot, a senior, was surprised her 2024 edition, “Prometheus” was recognized as a National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker, top honors. “I never expected my team to win such a prestigious award on our first go-round,” Hendershot said. “We were all new to our jobs at the time, but I'm glad that even in those messy times, our hard work was recognized.” Photo by Aza Khan
The National Scholastic Press Association has recognized the 2024 edition of the iliad Literary-Art Magazine, “Prometheus,” as a Pacemaker.
The National Scholastic Press Association recognized the iliad Literary-Art Magazine as one of eight Pacemakers for 2024 on April 26.
“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.”
A team of three judges studied every entry, evaluating its strengths. The status of each entry was agreed upon by at least two of the three judges. When the vetting process was completed, eight literary arts magazines were named as 2024 Pacemakers on April 28.
Literary arts magazines from six states earned Pacemaker status. Florida and Texas set the pace with two winners each. Previously, the iliad was named a Pacemaker finalist in 2020, 2022, 2024 and a Pacemaker in 2010, 2021, and 2023.
“The literary arts magazines selected by the judges reflect both classic and contemporary formats,” Gary Lundgren, NSPA Associate Director and Coordinator of the Pacemaker competition, stated in a press release. “The quality of the art, photography, poetry and prose showcased on the pages of these magazines is amazing.”
2024-2-25 Managing Editor Victoria Garland, who served on the team last year as Social Media Coordinator, was proud to see her team's work pay off after the production of “Prometheus”.
“We all worked to get submissions, seek out artists, analyze pieces, edit writing, and to see it pay off is great for us and our program,” Garland said.
Above: THE DREAM TEAM: Clarke Central High School senior Victoria Garland, the Managing Editor, reads a piece from “Prometheus” aloud during the iliad’s Creative Celebration at Nuçi’s Space on Aug. 25. Garland has served on the iliad Editorial Board from 2023-2025. “A lot goes into making a magazine, aside from designing and editing but also being a part of the editorial board that helped produce this award-winning book, and that's special,” Garland said. Photo by Grady Dunston
Faculty adviser David Ragsdale re-founded the iliad in 2001 after the magazine had fallen dormant and says the evolution of the magazine is gratifying.
“Through a year that had its share of growing pains and maturation, Olivia focused her team on sound practices, which yielded a special product,” Ragsdale said. “I'm incredibly excited for the 2024 team and hope the Pacemaker fires up the 2025 staff and those who come beyond in the future.”