Germantown High School’s award-winning broadcast program, GHS-TV, has been named one of 17 finalists in the National Scholastic Press Association's prestigious Pacemaker competition. Germantown High earned the honor for its flagship student newscast, GHS Insider. Germantown High is the only Tennessee high school nominated for this year’s award, which recognizes scholastic news broadcasts.
The Pacemaker is one of the highest honors in student journalism, often referred to as the “Pulitzer Prize” for high school media. GHS-TV’s recognition places the program among the top broadcast journalism programs in the nation.
“This is our first year to submit entries in the Pacemaker competition and to be a finalist right out of the gate was a shock but not surprising,” said GHS-TV faculty member Mallory Kenney. “I’m excited the students are recognized among some of the best high school journalism programs in the country. It confirms what we are teaching, and the students are learning excellent journalistic skills.”
To qualify, GHS-TV submitted three editions of GHS Insider produced during the 2024–25 school year. Each was reviewed by a panel of three judges, collegiate broadcast professors and professionals in the broadcast industry, who carefully analyzed the strengths and weaknesses before selecting finalists and, ultimately, Pacemaker winners.
Behind GHS-TV’s polished broadcasts are hardworking students who balance their academic responsibilities with the demands of producing professional-quality programming. They cover everything from school news and sports to community events, often capturing stories that matter most to Germantown families.
Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) is proud of Germantown High School for this outstanding achievement. Interim Superintendent Dr. Roderick Richmond praised the program, saying, “The arts, whether on stage, canvas, or camera, give our students the tools to express themselves and connect with their communities. GHS-TV’s recognition shows how powerful arts education can be when students are given the opportunity to shine. We couldn’t be prouder.”
Winners of the 2025 Broadcast Pacemaker Awards will be announced at the National High School Journalism Convention in Philadelphia in November. For Germantown High, the recognition as a finalist is already a milestone achievement, one that reflects both the talent of its students and the dedication of its teachers.
No matter the outcome in November, GHS-TV’s nomination is proof that Germantown High students are learning and leading at the highest levels and that GHS-TV is certain to keep telling stories that inspire.
You can check out GHS-TV's work on their Youtube channel.
If you have a story about a MSCS student, teacher, or school to highlight, please email us at communications@scsk12.org. Include the school name, story details, and an SCSK12.ORG email for follow-up.