2025 Achievement Award Winners revealed

GSPA honored outstanding individuals and student publications during the Spring Awards ceremony on March 24, 2025.

The Administrator of the Year award recognizes an administrator who goes above and beyond in their support of student journalism and media programs. This year’s recipient is Lavar Hickerson, assistant principal at New Manchester High School.

Administrator of the year lavar hickerson of new manchester high school proudly holds his award alongside Social media club students during GSPA’s awards march 24, 2025. Photo: Sarah Freeman

Hickerson’s leadership extends far beyond traditional administrative duties; he has empowered the school’s Social Media Club to take ownership of the school’s digital presence by granting students creative freedom, according to the club’s adviser, Serena Robertson. Under his support, the club has transformed into vital platform for student expression and school representation, she said.

“There is little doubt that Mr. Hickerson’s commitment to empowering students, fostering a vibrant school culture, and embracing the power of modern media makes him a standout candidate,” Robertson wrote in a nomination letter.

Hickerson’s commitment to student leadership and innovation makes him a standout administrator who is shaping not just a school, but the future of its students, Robertson added.

The Community Service Award recognizes a journalism staff that has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to civic engagement and community involvement. This year’s winner is The Pitchfork at Marietta High School.

the pitchfork staff celebrate during the spring awards. photo by sarah freeman

The Pitchfork has actively encouraged students to participate in community service and civic efforts throughout the school year. According to adviser Andrea Lyons, one of its key initiatives, the “Rock the Vote” campaign, involved collaborating with teachers and students to promote voter registration and awareness through social media and school publications. Additionally, the staff played a role in “The Big Give” by highlighting local service organizations and contributing donations as part of Marietta High School’s annual giving tradition.

“It is our goal to make students aware of the many opportunities that they have to better their school and community,” the nomination letter stated.

By integrating journalism with service, The Pitchfork has shown how student publications can serve as a catalyst for change within their schools and communities.

Adviser of the Year recognizes a journalism adviser who goes beyond the “call of duty” in supporting their staff. This year’s winner is Andrea Shupert, adviser of the Green & Gold newspaper at Wesleyan School. Read more about Shupert here.