East High Video Feature Wins Statewide Journalism Honor

Two students from the Madison’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 contest for their video feature, “NextGen Fire Academy.” The project was evaluated by a panel of professional and educational judges organized by WisJEA, and was recognized by judges for its strong videography and 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.

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.