Student journalists at Pendleton Heights High School are being recognized for their work in educational broadcasting, bringing state-level honors to their school radio station.

WEEM, the student-run radio station at Pendleton Heights, received state awards that were formally acknowledged during a South Madison Community Schools Corp. Board of Trustees meeting last week, according to the Herald Bulletin. The recognition highlights the growing role of student media programs in developing journalism and communication skills among high school students.

School-based radio stations like WEEM serve as practical training grounds for students interested in broadcasting, journalism, and media production. These programs typically give students hands-on experience in content creation, audio production, interviewing, and live broadcasting — skills that translate directly to college programs and careers in media.

Student Media in American Schools

Educational radio stations have experienced a resurgence in recent years as schools recognize the value of experiential learning in media literacy. While many schools eliminated broadcasting programs during budget cuts in previous decades, a growing number are now investing in student media as part of broader STEM and arts education initiatives.

Student-run stations often cover school news, sports, community events, and feature music programming selected by student DJs. The experience provides students with portfolio material for college applications and teaches responsibility, teamwork, and deadline management in a real-world setting.

The South Madison Community Schools Corp., which oversees Pendleton Heights High School, has demonstrated support for its student media program by publicly recognizing achievements at the board level. Such institutional backing is considered crucial for the sustainability of student journalism programs, which often operate on limited budgets and depend on faculty advisors who volunteer their time.

While specific details about the awards and categories were not disclosed, state-level recognition typically evaluates factors including production quality, content originality, journalistic integrity, and student leadership within the program.

The acknowledgment comes at a time when media literacy education is increasingly viewed as essential preparation for navigating an information-saturated world. Programs like WEEM not only teach technical skills but also critical thinking about sources, ethics, and responsible communication.