Eyes are glued to the livestream and legs bounce with anticipation as Gary Lundgren, associate director of the National Scholastic Press Association, cycles through the list of outstanding high school publications. At Lundgren’s next click, D119 erupts into celebration. For the first time in program history, The Delphi has been named a Pacemaker finalist.
The NSPA Pacemaker is widely regarded as the “Pulitzer Prize” of high school journalism. The contest’s judges evaluate all aspects of a publication, including writing, photography, design and social media.
The Delphi is one of only 40 online high school newspapers in the United States to be dubbed a finalist and one of only two in New Jersey.
At the moment of the announcement, The Delphi’s editor-in-chief, Gianna Roberts, leapt up and down, unable to contain her excitement.
“It was truly one of the most rewarding moments I’ve ever felt,” Roberts said. “Pacemaker was one of those goals we’ve had forever, but it always felt out of reach. For this year, I kept my hopes high but my expectations low.”
Roberts’ cautious optimism stems from the fact that The Delphi as a competitive publication is rather young. The newspaper debuted in the 1960s, but by the mid 2010s, it was reduced to one PDF issue each year.
The Delphi’s adviser, Brian Smith, stepped into the role in 2018 with the goal of revitalizing the paper. He is astonished by the publication’s tremendous growth over the short timeframe.
“When I took over The Delphi, I wanted to bring the school paper that I loved reading as a student back to what it used to be,” Smith said. “To see our students buy in so quickly to establish The Delphi as an exemplar of student journalism has been incredible.”
Roberts is equally as impressed by The Delphi’s ability to reach a milestone that she imagined would be much farther in the future.
“Pacemaker is honestly one of those things that I’ve dreamed of for years but never saw us accomplishing in my time on the paper,” Roberts said. “I thought it would be a day where I looked back at the paper reminiscing on my time and congratulating those still there. I never imagined I would get to be a part of something so impressive.”
Roberts attributes this rapid success to the dedication of each and every member of the staff.
“The Delphi never has, and never will be, a one-man show,” Roberts said. “What puts our paper over the edge is the fact that we have so many people who care.”
Smith concurs with Roberts wholeheartedly.
“The editorial team is one of the best groups of people I could ask to work with — not students, but people,” Smith said. “This recognition truly is a team effort. From our Editor-in-chief to our newest reporters, everyone on staff contributes to The Delphi.”
While The Delphi is undoubtedly excited to bask in this accomplishment, Roberts also sees it as motivation to continue working at the highest possible level.
“Honestly, it’s just a reminder to work even harder,” Roberts said. “As exciting as this achievement is, we want to be the best, and to be the best, you have to work harder than anyone else.”
Roberts’ thinking aligns with the framework of the competition. Historically, only about 25% of finalists are awarded a Pacemaker. Winning publications are to be announced at the JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention in April.
“As we continue to be judged over the next month, the standards need to stay exactly where they are,” Smith said. “Being named a finalist is great, but our editors said they want to win a Pacemaker….I’m sure the excitement will add even more enthusiasm to what we do, but at the end of the day, I just want to see quality journalism and excited students.”
As The Delphi continues to give 110%, Smith wants everyone on staff to take a moment to be proud of their contributions to this extraordinary achievement.
“I hope they all know how incredible of an honor this award is,” Smith said. “I couldn’t be more proud of them, and I can’t wait to see how this publication continues to grow in the years to come.”
