2022-2023 iliad Editorial Board members (from left to right and from top to bottom) Ethan Caspary Poucher, Cate DeMaria, Olivia Daniel, Salai Diekumpuna, Maya Shrivastav, Kaija Gilbertson Hall, and Ollie Hendershot stand on the steps of Clarke Central High School on Nov 10, 2022. The 2022-23 edition of the iliad, “flourish” was recognized as a Pacemaker Finalist on March 1. “The literary-arts magazines selected by the judges reflect both classic and contemporary formats,” Gary Lundgren, associate director and coordinator of the Pacemaker competition, stated in a press release. “The quality of the art, photography, poetry and prose showcased on the pages of these magazines is amazing.” Photo by Lucas Donnelly
The 2023 iliad Literary-Art Magazine was recognized as one of 17 Pacemaker finalists from across the country.
The National Scholastic Press Association recognized the iliad Literary-art Magazine and the 2022-2023 staff as a 2023 Pacemaker finalist on March 1.
The NSPA Pacemaker is one of the oldest awards for scholastic journalism and has a strong tradition for rewarding excellence. The association started presenting the prestigious award to high school newspapers soon after the organization was founded in 1921. Throughout the years, yearbooks, magazines, online sites and broadcast programs were added to the competition.
“The Pacemaker is the association’s preeminent award,” Executive Director Laura Widmer stated in a press release. “NSPA is honored to recognize the best of the best.”
The iliad is one of 17 scholastic student publications recognized from across the country. Previously, the iliad was named a Pacemaker finalist in 2020 and 2022 and a Pacemaker in 2021.
“Kaija was a co-EIC as a junior and that came with growing pains, which she spoke about during her farewell speech at the banquet last May. I’m incredibly proud that she was able to finish her career on such a high note and that she set the stage for excellence for the members of the current team who served under her leadership.”
— David Ragsdale, iliad adviser
“The literary-arts magazines selected by the judges reflect both classic and contemporary formats,” Gary Lundgren, associate director and coordinator of the Pacemaker competition, stated in a press release. “The quality of the art, photography, poetry and prose showcased on the pages of these magazines is amazing.”
This latest recognition is in addition to previous praise “flourish” has received both locally and in state.
The 2023 iliad Literary-Art Magazine received the rating of Superior for General Excellence and received the All-Georgia Literary Magazine (Best in State) award on November 15, 2023 from the Georgia Scholastic Press Association. Previously, the iliad was named All-Georgia finalist in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Class of 2023 Clarke Central High School graduate Kaija Gilbertson Hall, the Editor-in-Chief of the iliad Literary-Art Magazine receives the Mary Gracy Hager Leadership Award from ODYSSEY Media Group adivser David Ragsdale on May 21 at Trump’s Catering. Gilbertson Hall’s 2023 edition of the iliad, “flourish” was recognized as a National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker finalist on March 1. “Kaija was a co-EIC as a junior and that came with growing pains, which she spoke about during her farewell speech at the banquet last May,” Ragsdale said. “I’m incredibly proud that she was able to finish her career on such a high note and that she set the stage for excellence for the members of the current team who served under her leadership.” Photo by Aza Khan
The 2023-2024 iliad Literary-Art Magazine (iliadlitmag.com) was named a Crown Award Finalist by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association on Dec. 13, 2023. The Crown Awards honor top student publications chosen from CSPA’s members. On March 15, the iliad was named a Gold High School Hybrid Literary Magazine. Previously, the iliad was recognized by CSPA in 2013, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
The 2023 edition, “flourish”, was recognized as a REALM First Class magazine by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) on Jan. 11. Previously, the NCTE recognized the iliad in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022.
For iliad adviser David Ragsdale, the recognition for Kaija Gilbertson Hall, the 2022-23 iliad Literary-Art Magazine Editor-in-Chief, and her team is well-deserved.
“Kaija was a co-EIC as a junior and that came with growing pains, which she spoke about during her farewell speech at the banquet last May,” Ragsdale said. “I’m incredibly proud that she was able to finish her career on such a high note and that she set the stage for excellence for the members of the current team who served under her leadership.”
This story was updated on March 15 with the announcement of the Gold Crown award from CSPA.
