John Sevier Middle School's Student Newspaper and Student Journalists Capture National Awards

KINGSPORT, Tenn. – The National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) has announced the winners of its annual journalism competition, with John Sevier Middle School's student newspaper, The Sequoyah Scribe, winning the "Pacemaker" award along with several student placements.
 
The “Pacemaker” is a publication-level award where judges consider a student journalism program’s output across one school year. This is the third time The Sequoyah Scribe has been named a “Pacemaker” recipient and is the only Tennessee "Pacemaker" winner this year. The "Pacemaker" has been awarded annually by NSPA since 1927.
 
Several Sequoyah Scribe student journalists won individual awards for their work; Anton Barrera placed third in the Design category; Jessica Cook placed second in the Feature Writing category; and Mikaela Pyatte placed third in the News Writing category.

"Our middle school journalists continue to impress,” said David Flanary, Sevier Middle School Social Studies Teacher & Journalism Adviser. “It is astonishing what they can accomplish when given the tools and the freedom to express themselves. Every year, I challenge students to do good journalism, and this group most certainly did.”
 
In addition, Sydney Gentry earned an honorable mention in Feature Writing category; Cali Groenwold earned an honorable mention in News Writing category; and Gabriel Whitehead earned an honorable mention in the Design category.

The Sequoyah Scribe is the extracurricular journalism program at Sevier Middle School which produces student-written, student-designed, and student-led newspapers, yearbooks, social media, and a website. View the newspaper here

The National Scholastic Press Association, based and incorporated in Minnesota as a non-profit educational association, provides journalism education services to students, teachers, media advisers and others throughout the United States and in other countries. It was founded in 1921.
 
Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a public school district located in Kingsport, Tenn., serving students in Sullivan and Hawkins county. The district is comprised of 13 schools, including a Pre-K, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, a high school program of choice, and an alternative learning program; with a total enrollment of over 7,900 students. 
 
KCS has been ranked the "#1 Best Place to Teach in Tennessee" by the 2023 NICHE Best Schools Ranking and the City of Kingsport has been voted as the "Nicest Places in America" in the October 2022 Reader's Digest.
 
For more information visit www.k12k.com, listen live on WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, or call the KCS Administrative Support Center at (423) 378.2100. We’re social too; follow us on Facebook (kcsdistrict), Instagram (kcs__district), Twitter (@kcs__district), LinkedIn (kcsdistrict), and check out our YouTube Channel (@kcs__district).  
 
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