The Wildcat has achieved a remarkable milestone by earning the 2024-2025 School Newspapers Online (SNO) Distinguished Site designation. This prestigious recognition marks The Wildcat’s excellence in online scholastic journalism, meeting the highest standards across all six categories of the Distinguished Sites program: continuous coverage, site excellence, audience engagement, story page design, writing, and multimedia.
“I am proud beyond what words can describe,” said The Wildcat’s Editor-in-Chief Lauren Ko. “Only 21 sites nationwide out of 472 participating schools have earned the distinction so far.”
Launched twelve years ago, the SNO Distinguished Sites program was developed to establish clear standards of excellence in online journalism for scholastic and collegiate publications. The Wildcat’s accomplishment reflects not only the dedication and talent of its student news staff but also the exceptional leadership and guidance of their adviser, Alexander Koers.
“The entire staff worked incredibly hard- editors and staff writers, experimenting with new writing styles and story angles, and us all working in tandem with the extremely talented artists, photographers, and media producers who produce elements that make our publication as widely encompassing as possible with all forms of content,” said Ko. “Our advisor, Mr. Koers, devotes an immense amount of time to teaching us all the Associated Press stylistic guidelines, helping us refine sentences, and empowering us to tackle tough subjects and seek our highest potential.”
This recognition highlights the outstanding work that The Wildcat produces daily, showcasing their commitment to journalistic excellence and their ability to engage and inform their audience.