Top Student Podcasters Showcase Their Creativity and Insightful Stories
The annual Student Podcast Challenge hosted by NPR has once again brought forth a diverse array of thought-provoking and engaging podcasts from middle and high school students across the country. This year marked a significant milestone as the competition was opened up to fourth graders for the first time, expanding the pool of talent and creativity. With nearly 2,000 entries received, the NPR Ed team delved into each submission over the summer, identifying the top 10 middle school and high school finalists who will compete for the Grand Prize in their respective age groups.
Middle School Finalists
Branded a Teen
Student: Etta Nevius
School: Charles N. Holden Elementary School, Chicago
Teacher/Sponsor: Mark Stickler and Anna Renken
Etta Nevius challenges stereotypes commonly associated with teenagers in her podcast, questioning where these misconceptions stem from. Inspired by her sister’s warm personality despite growing older, Nevius delves into the perceptions of moody, antisocial, insecure, and rebellious behavior among teens.
Food Fight
Students: Kaylee DeBolt, Ansley Mehlus, and Olivia Thayne
School: Pioneer Middle School, Walla Walla, Washington
Teacher/Sponsor: Kate Van Cleve
The trio of students at Pioneer Middle School tackle the topic of school lunches in their podcast, delving into whether students enjoy the meals provided and exploring ways to enhance the school lunch experience. Through interviews with classmates and discussions with school district officials, they aim to bring about positive change in school nutrition.
Humanitaria Podcast – “What happens to immigrants when they first arrive?”
Student: Sam Roman
School: Princeton Day School, Princeton, New Jersey
Teacher/Sponsor: Matt Trowbridge
Sam Roman sheds light on the experiences of immigrants in his community, weaving together their narratives to understand the challenges they face upon arriving in the United States. By sharing the stories of newcomers and their settlement journeys, Roman aims to foster empathy and support for new immigrants.
Lopez The Rainbow-Tailed Service Dog
Student: Lilla Lanivich
School: Rochester Hills, Michigan
Teacher/Sponsor: Adam Hettler
Lilla Lanivich recounts her journey of living with long COVID and the transformative impact of her service dog, Lopez. Through a first-person narrative, she shares how Lopez has become a cherished companion, providing support and companionship during challenging times.
Moving Words
Student: Maeve Dubois
School: Lincoln School, Providence, Rhode Island
Teacher/Sponsor: Rebecca Sullivan
Maeve Dubois offers a personal reflection on her experience of learning to read and write with dyslexia, highlighting the unique challenges she faced in her educational journey. Through introspection and interviews with her mother, Dubois articulates the struggles and triumphs of overcoming learning differences.
It’s Elemental
Student: Anushka Garg
School: Northstar Middle School, Kirkland, Washington
Teacher/Sponsor: Anirudh Garg
Anushka Garg presents an educational and entertaining dialogue between two elements, hydrogen and helium, as they discuss the properties of noble gases. Through creative storytelling, Garg engages listeners in a whimsical exploration of chemistry concepts.
Part-time Egyptian
Student: AyaSophia Abdrabo
School: Herricks Middle School, Albertson, New York
Teacher/Sponsor: Michael Heit
AyaSophia Abdrabo shares her experience of straddling two cultures as a “part-time Egyptian,” navigating life in the U.S. while maintaining a strong connection to her Egyptian heritage. Through personal reflections, Abdrabo explores the complexities of cultural identity and belonging.
Prison vs. the Mind
Student: Rachel Yordon
School: Waynflete School, Portland, Maine
Teacher/Sponsor: Alyssa Goodrich
Rachel Yordon engages in an open dialogue about the challenges faced by individuals during and after their time in prison. By interviewing a formerly incarcerated person in her community, Yordon sheds light on the struggles of reintegration and the importance of understanding the human stories behind incarceration.
Rice is Life
Students: Alivia Chu, Sophia Lee, and Katelyn Seo
School: Tenakill Middle School, Closter, New Jersey
Teacher/Sponsor: William Tantum
Alivia Chu, Sophia Lee, and Katelyn Seo celebrate their love for rice in a lively podcast that explores the cultural significance and culinary versatility of this staple food. From discussing different rice varieties to highlighting its role in diverse cuisines, the trio showcases the universal appeal of rice.
The Important Structures of Medieval Europe
Student: Ava Reagan
School: Arroyo Seco Junior High School, Valencia, California
Teacher/Sponsor: Janelle Burkholder
Ava Reagan takes listeners on a historical journey through medieval Europe, focusing on the architectural marvels of castles. Drawing on historical research, Reagan illuminates the significance of these structures and the stories they hold from the past.
High School Finalists
A Relationship Behind Bars
Student: Eden Alonso-Rivera
School: Grandville High School, Grandville, Michigan
Teacher/Sponsor: Mike Cox
Eden Alonso-Rivera shares a poignant exploration of her evolving relationship with her incarcerated father through voiceover recordings of their letters. With vulnerability and candor, she delves into the complexities of growing up with a parent in the criminal justice system.
Empty Plates: A Deep Dive Into The Reality Of NYC’s Food Insecurity Crisis
Students: Richa Patil, Julie Wong, and Rebecca Friedman
School: Edgemont Jr./Sr. High School, Scarsdale, New York
Teacher/Sponsor: Molly Earle
Richa Patil, Julie Wong, and Rebecca Friedman delve into the issue of food insecurity in New York City, shedding light on the challenges faced by vulnerable communities in accessing nutritious food. Through firsthand accounts and interviews, the students highlight the importance of addressing food inequities in urban settings.
End Hair Discrimination
Student: Naomi Myers
School: Half Hollow Hills High School East, Dix Hills, New York
Teacher/Sponsor: Chris Beatty
Naomi Myers confronts the issue of hair discrimination, emphasizing the cultural significance of Black hair and challenging societal norms that marginalize diverse hairstyles. By sharing personal experiences and narratives from Black women, Myers advocates for inclusivity and acceptance of natural hair.
Forgetting Family
Student: Kyle Bradford
School: Santa Rosa High School, Santa Rosa, California
Teacher/Sponsor: Hollis Fennen
Kyle Bradford reflects on the impact of memory and brain diseases on his family across three generations, highlighting the emotional toll of witnessing loved ones struggle with cognitive impairments. Through intimate interviews, Bradford shares his journey of coming to terms with the challenges of caring for family members with dementia.
Growing Up with Marijuana
Student: Ryder Hucek
School: Mendocino High School, Mendocino, California
Teacher/Sponsor: Marshall Brown
Ryder Hucek delves into the history of marijuana farming in his community and explores the enduring presence of cannabis cultivation despite changing legal landscapes. By investigating the cultural and economic factors driving marijuana production, Hucek offers insights into the complex dynamics of the industry.
Into The World of Social Anxiety
Student: Vinnie Acosta
School: Morton East High School, Cicero, Illinois
Teacher/Sponsor: Joel Ruvalcaba
Vinnie Acosta shares her personal journey of navigating social anxiety as an aspiring actor, challenging misconceptions about mental health and seeking to destigmatize discussions around anxiety disorders. Through candid reflections, Acosta advocates for understanding and empathy towards individuals facing social anxiety.
Keshav’s Party
Students: Ezra Levy, Keshav Kollipara, Connor Schofield, and Luke Murray
School: Newton South High School, Newton Centre, Massachusetts
Teacher/Sponsor: David Weintraub
Ezra Levy, Keshav Kollipara, Connor Schofield, and Luke Murray recount a memorable house party hosted by a high school sophomore that leads to unexpected insights on parenting, teenage independence, and the lessons learned from youthful mistakes. Through their engaging narrative, the students explore themes of responsibility and growth.
Let’s Spill the Tea
Students: Ellen Lin, Sanjana Dhanwantri, and Tanisee Nagaldinne
School: Edgemont Jr./Sr. High School, Scarsdale, New York
Teacher/Sponsor: Molly Earle
Ellen Lin, Sanjana Dhanwantri, and Tanisee Nagaldinne delve into the cultural histories of chai and matcha, challenging westernized perceptions of these beloved beverages and celebrating their rich traditions. Through lively discussions, the trio explores the cultural significance and global appeal of these popular drinks.
Mixed In Minidoka
Student: Malcolm Barry-Kao
School: Lowell High School, San Francisco, California
Teacher/Sponsor: Angelina Cowan-Byrns
Malcolm Barry-Kao explores the experiences of a mixed-race individual who grew up in the Minidoka Camp during the internment of Japanese Americans in World War II. Through interviews and historical insights, Barry-Kao sheds light on the complexities of identity and resilience in the face of adversity.
Paper Dolls
Students: Riley MacArthur and Lila Shaw
School: Montgomery Blair High School, Silver Spring, Maryland
Teacher/Sponsor: Kyle Wannen
Riley MacArthur and Lila Shaw engage with strangers to discuss personal style and fashion choices, exploring the creative expression and individuality that clothing represents for teenagers. Through candid interviews, the students celebrate diversity and self-expression in the realm of fashion.
Honorable Mention Winners and Future Prospects
While the Grand Prize winners will be announced in September, the Honorable Mention category promises to showcase additional talent and creativity from students across the country. As the competition continues to grow and inspire young podcasters, the future looks bright for the next generation of storytellers and content creators.
In a rapidly evolving media landscape, student podcasters are carving out their unique voices and perspectives, tackling complex issues with creativity and empathy. Through engaging storytelling and thoughtful analysis, these young creators are shaping the narrative landscape and fostering meaningful conversations on topics ranging from cultural identity to social justice.
As the finalists eagerly await the announcement of the Grand Prize winners, their innovative podcasts stand as testaments to the power of youth voices in shaping our collective understanding of the world. With each episode, these student podcasters offer fresh insights, diverse perspectives, and heartfelt stories that resonate with audiences of all ages.
In the spirit of collaboration and creativity, the NPR Student Podcast Challenge continues to inspire and empower students to share their stories, amplify their voices, and spark meaningful conversations in their communities and beyond. As we celebrate the achievements of this year’s finalists, we look forward to the continued growth and impact of student podcasting in the years to come.
From thought-provoking reflections on cultural identity to investigative reports on social issues, the podcasts created by these talented students offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of youth perspectives and experiences. As we applaud their creativity and dedication, we recognize the profound impact of storytelling in fostering empathy, understanding, and positive change in our world.
As the winners prepare to be announced and the competition draws to a close, we extend our congratulations to all the students who participated in this year’s Student Podcast Challenge. Your voices, stories, and insights have enriched our lives and inspired us to listen, learn, and grow together. Thank you for sharing your talents and passion with the world, and may your podcasts continue to spark conversations, ignite imaginations, and make a difference in the world of audio storytelling.
