MADISON, Wis.—Two students from the Madison Metropolitan School District’s East High School have been recognized with a statewide journalism award from the Wisconsin Journalism Education Association.

Seniors Leander Pottinger and Josemaria Barut were named winners in WisJEA’s February statewide mini contest for their video feature, “NextGen Fire Academy.” The project was selected from 17 entries, each evaluated by a panel of professional and educational judges organized by WisJEA, and was recognized by judges for its strong videography and engaging storytelling.

The piece highlights students participating in a fire academy program and explores how the experience helps prepare them for future careers in public service.

“Leander set out this semester to focus on more traditional journalism, and the work he and Josemaria put into reporting this story showed that commitment from the start,” said April van Buren, business education teacher at East High School. “Josemaria isn’t even rostered for Tower TV because he takes afternoon classes at Madison College, but he still shows up regularly to help plan and produce episodes. Their dedication to telling meaningful stories about their school and community is something to be proud of.”

The recognition continues a strong run for East High’s student journalism program. In October 2025, the school earned 39 awards at the Kettle Moraine Press Association Fall Scholastic Journalism Conference, including first-place overall honors for both the school’s “Tower Tales” yearbook and the revived “Tower Times” newsmagazine. Additionally, former East High and current Yale University student Kadjata Bah was named WisJEA's Student Journalist of the Year in 2023.

Patrice Haste, principal of East High School, said the recognition reflects the strength of the school’s media and career-focused learning opportunities.

“Our students continue to demonstrate curiosity, creativity and a commitment to telling stories that matter,” Haste said. “We are grateful to the educators who support these programs and help students develop skills that will serve them well in college, careers and beyond.”

WisJEA’s mini contests highlight outstanding work produced by student journalists from across Wisconsin throughout the school year.

More information about the co-curriculars and clubs available at East High can be found on the school’s website.

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.