This past weekend, 15 students from the Digital Mass Media Program traveled to Philadelphia to participate and compete in the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) Convention, a national gathering for students across the nation. Students experienced firsthand the competitive and rigorous field of journalism. 

Over the three-day convention, students attended workshops, met accomplished journalists, and showcased their digital mass media entries to a panel of judges.

“Events like these offer opportunities to network with students from other schools, while also providing an incentive to sharpen skills through competition,” Upper School Digital Mass Media Department Chair Monica Rodriguez said.

Students brought home several awards at the national level, 

“[putting] the Digital Mass Media Program on the map,” senior Editor-in-Chief Tommy Thornton said. 

Thornton, alongside senior content creator Kate Caballero, earned a Superior award for their podcast “Independence”. Thornton and Caballero’s award-winning podcast explored the financial struggles of college students post-graduation.

“To be recognized at this level for something we worked so hard for felt super rewarding,” Thornton said. 

Sophomore sports editor Chase Samole received an Honorable Mention award from the NSPA judges for his sports feature photography entry.

“I was shocked when they announced my name on stage. I didn’t think I’d win anything since I was competing against 4,000 other students,” Sample said. 

Full List of Raider Winners:

• Tommy Thornton ‘25 and Kate Caballero ‘25: Superior in Podcasting
• Isa Damas ‘28: Excellent in Yearbook Copy Clubs
• Honorable Mentions:
  • Sadie Scheiner ‘27: Lit Mag Layout
  • Paola Malpica ‘27: Lit Mag Photography
  • Gine Bonati ‘27: Review Writing
  • Samantha Alonso ‘27: Yearbook Copy Sports
  • Chase Samole ‘27: Sports Feature Photography

For students, the NSPA convention was more than just about the awards—it was a chance to learn and build on skills. Sophomore Sadie Scheiner, the People section editor for the yearbook, shared that the workshop facilitated new approaches and techniques for years to come. 

“It’s inspiring to see what other students across the nation are creating. It pushes me to bring my best—not only to the competition but to everything I create,” Scheiner said. 

The group also explored the streets of Philadelphia and prominent landmarks including The Philadelphia Inquirer headquarters, where they participated in an editors meeting, the famous “Rocky” steps, Love Park, and Independence Hall.  They also enjoyed Philadelphia’s food scene.

“I loved the food, especially the cheesesteaks,” sophomore Samantha Alonso said.