From what was originally a blank website that took almost four months to fill up, was ultimately turned into an award-winning website, that was given the most preeminent award presented to student journalists by the National Scholastic Press Association.
The Innovation Pacemaker award showcases the out-of-the box thinking, towards improving services to the community. This award is not an easy one to receive. First you have to get nominated which is hard on its own. While other Pacemakers such as yearbook and online which can have over 40 nominations, the innovation award only gives out five or six nominations out of more than 1,000 entries from around the world. Out of those five or six nominations, only two are ultimately selected winners, which will be announced at the NSPA/JEA Spring National Convention in April.
Only six schools were nominated for the Innovation Pacemaker award this year. LHS Publications was the only school from Missouri to get nominated in the innovation category, along with schools from four other states in the U.S. and one school from across the pond in London, England.
The website entitled, “By Students. For Students.” that was entered was created to inform readers about LHS Publications’ annual Town Hall event, which showcases the upcoming Wentzville School District Board of Education candidates. Town Hall is a unique event that is planned and executed 100% by student journalists. Everything from contacting the candidates, advertising, lights, sound, and every other aspect needed to produce an event like this, is completely ran by LHS Publications students.
This is the second year in a row that LHS Publications has been nominated for the Innovation Pacemaker award. Last year was first ever time the program was nominated for this category but did not win. This year however, there is hope for two Pacemakers. The 2024-2025 yearbook themed “No One Can Tell Your Story Like You” was named as a Yearbook Pacemaker finalist, along with about 40 other schools from around the country.
“Due to having two nominations gives us a better chance of breaking through and getting at least one,” LHS Publications adviser Jonathan Hall said. “I think we have a good shot. I’m not expecting it necessarily, but it is exciting for the program to have multiple projects being recognized at the national level.”
In recent years, no Wentzville school has ever won a Pacemaker award, however this year LHS Publications has two chances to break that, which leaves everyone anxious for the big announcement on April 19 at the NSPA/JEA National Spring Journalism Convention in Minneapolis.
Two staff members and Executive Producers of the 2026 Town Hall, Emily Nguyen (12) and Will Nolan (12), led the program to its second innovation nomination. The two worked for almost four months on the website starting in October 2025 and submitting it in January 2026.
“Being nominated is an extra, but a very important symbol of how dedicated our student team is to serving the WSD community through their creativity, collaboration, and journalism,” Nguyen said.
As April 19 slowly comes around, the anxious pressure will continue to grow. However, until then, all we can do is wait.
