Pacer NYC has earned recognition from the George Polk Awards for Best New Publication. This marks a major achievement for a program that began just five years ago.
In an interview, journalism advisor Mr. Rohlfing reflected on how the program started and what makes it different.
“When we started in 2021, I knew Pace students needed a platform where their voices could be heard,” Mr Rohlfing said. “We didn’t have the same journalism legacy or resources as other schools, but that pushed us to focus on digital storytelling and student-driven work.”
The program has expanded over time, moving beyond written articles into photography, multimedia, and social media. According to Mr. Rohlfing, this growth has allowed students to connect more deeply with modern journalism.
Support from organizations like Press Pass NYC has also played a key role.
“They’ve helped students build real skills in journalism, editing, and leadership,” Mr. Rohlfing said. “Having professionals guide them has made a huge difference in the quality of work.”
Student editors are at the center of the program’s success. Guadalupe Abarca Vazquez, the editor-in-chief, described the responsibility and impact of her role.
“Being an editor means making sure every story is clear, strong, and meaningful,” Abarca Vazquez said. “It’s a lot of responsibility, but it also feels good knowing we’re helping other students’ voices be heard.”
As a predominantly Black and Latino school, Pace journalism also focuses on representation and telling stories that reflect the student body.
“A lot of voices like ours aren’t always represented in the media,” Abarca Vazquez said. “Through our work, we’re changing that and making sure our community is seen.”
Editors and staff members manage deadlines, edit articles, and prepare content for publication, all while balancing school responsibilities. Despite the challenges, students say the experience has helped them grow as leaders.
“We’re not just writing,” Vazquez added. “We’re building something that represents our school and our experiences.”
Mr. Rohlfing emphasized that the program’s success goes beyond awards.
“This is about creating a space where students feel heard and valued,” he said. “The Polk Award is important, but the real success is the voices we’re helping amplify.”
As Pacer NYC continues to expand, it remains focused on its core mission: giving students the tools and platform to tell stories that matter.
