Students in John F. Kennedy High School’s Broadcast Journalism and Communications Academy in Silver Spring earned national recognition this year, taking home two Student Production Awards from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) for their work on The Sword, the school’s student-produced news magazine show.
The awards were given by the Capital Emmy Chapter of NATAS for the October 2024 edition of The Sword, which included a standout story focused on teacher retention, a topic that resonated deeply with judges and the broader community. While the awards are often casually referred to as Emmys, school leaders emphasized that the proper designation is Student Production Awards, a distinction NATAS is careful to maintain.
For student editor Amanda Santiago, the moment was unforgettable. “I felt so excited when I found out we had won in two categories,” she said. “I told all of my friends and family immediately. I was really proud of myself and of our program for creating such high-quality stories that were good enough to be recognized at such a high level.”
Santiago was not part of the teacher retention reporting team, but she played a key role in the overall October episode, which also highlighted community-centered stories, including coverage tied to Hispanic Heritage Month. She said the energy of those events translated directly into the final product. “When I was editing this story and saw it coming together in such a way that the energy I had felt really came through, I realized that this story was an important and special one to share,” she said.
She credits the depth and variety of stories in the October edition for elevating the episode to award-winning status. “We found unique stories in our community and showcased them in a skillful way,” Santiago said. “Everyone put a lot of time and hard work into refining our ideas into working stories, and I think that really came through in the final product.”
The process was not without challenges. Time management stood out as one of the biggest hurdles, with students balancing classwork, editing hours, and large volumes of footage. Santiago said communication made the difference, from coordinating working lunches to making sure every team member could fulfill their role. “That sort of communication and dedication helped us create a great story in the end,” she said.
Broadcast Journalism and Communications Academy lead teacher Mrs. Wischmann said the moment the awards were announced is something she will never forget. Watching the ceremony live with her students, she said the room erupted when Kennedy High School was called not once, but twice. “I jumped out of my seat and the kids cheered,” she said. “I couldn’t believe that we had just won two Student Production Awards from the Capital Emmy Chapter, which is part of NATAS. I was on cloud nine.”
Wischmann, who moved into the role three years ago after transitioning from the English department, said the recognition affirmed her decision to take on the program. “Winning means that I am exactly where I need to be,” she said. “This is a dream come true.”
She believes the teacher retention story stood out because it addressed a reality many educators face but that is often misunderstood. “People think teaching is easy. It is not,” she said, noting that teachers often serve as mentors, counselors, and support systems in addition to delivering instruction. The story’s thoughtful approach and sensitivity were key, especially given the emotional weight of the topic.
The Sword, she explained, gives students opportunities to report beyond the walls of the school and into the broader Montgomery County community. The October edition also included stories addressing issues like Narcan use amid county overdoses, alongside lighter features that showed students could inform while still engaging audiences.
Wischmann described her teaching style as hands-on but student-driven. After teaching foundational skills, she encourages students to own their stories. “Most of the time, their story is their story,” she said. “When you give students ownership, their creativity thrives.”
She said the experience reminded her of the power of curiosity and teamwork. “They care deeply,” she said. “Their passion, their collaboration, and their desire to tell stories that matter remind me why journalism education is so important.”
Principal Karla Lopez-Arias said the achievement is a major point of pride for Kennedy High School and the entire district. “Being the only school in MCPS, and in all of Maryland, to earn this recognition highlights the talent, dedication, and professionalism of our students and staff,” she said. “It affirms that our students are producing work that meets industry-level standards.”
She added that programs like the Broadcast Journalism and Communications Academy help define the school’s identity by elevating student voice and encouraging inquiry, creativity, and accountability. “Journalism has the power to inform, uplift, and bring communities together, and these students understand that responsibility,” she said.
For Santiago, the recognition has already had a lasting impact. Winning the award boosted her confidence and clarified her future goals. “I’m definitely interested in pursuing a career in broadcast journalism,” she said. “It’s great to know that all of my hard work has paid off and that from here, I can only keep growing.”
Both school leaders and students hope the recognition draws more attention and support to journalism and media programs across MCPS, underscoring the importance of funding, equipment, and opportunities that allow students to tell meaningful stories and develop real-world skills.
