Dos Pueblos High School News Teams Shine as Best in the Nation

The DPNews team, renowned for its excellence in video production and broadcasting, made a lasting impression at the recent Student Television Network (STN) national competition in Long Beach. Out of 3,200 students representing 187 schools nationwide, DP News stood out with 24 students led by advisors Doug Caines and John Dent. They earned Silver Medals for both their daily news show and podcast programs, ranking among the top 15 programs in the country.

At the heart of their success was the Crazy 8’s competition, where DP News produced an eight-minute news show highlighting Long Beach stories, demonstrating their ability to excel under pressure.

Reflecting on the event, student Jude Kadi shared his excitement at being recognized by peers from across the country, showcasing the impact and reach of DP News. “One of the most exciting moments was when a group of students came up to me and said ‘You’re that guy from DPNews Flash’,” said Kadi.

DP Media Director John Dent emphasized the value of the experience, highlighting the camaraderie and learning opportunities beyond awards. “This event is the premiere contest for high school broadcast teams and I am very proud of our success. But the biggest win is what the students learned, and the memories made. Over and over again we hear from students about how much fun they had, how they met so many people and bonded with each other, and that is the best prize of all.”

Building on their success, DP News continued their winning streak at the National Scholastic Press Association conference in Kansas City, clinching 1st place in Best of Show in two individual categories and Best Broadcast Show. This victory solidified their position as one of the premiere broadcast programs in the country.

Meanwhile, the DP Yearbook team also celebrated remarkable achievements. Their 2023 publication was featured in Jostens – Look Book, a collection of the best books in the nation. At the conference in Kansas City, they secured an Innovation Pacemaker finalist award for their inclusive coverage and earned recognition for their outstanding design.

The awards were presented at the Spring National High School Journalism Convention, where more than 2,500 high school journalists and advisers gathered. Dos Pueblos High School stood out among the crowd, demonstrating excellence in both broadcast journalism and yearbook publication.

“I am truly inspired by the accomplishments of DPNews,” expressed Superintendent Hilda Maldonado. “Their dedication to excellence is a testament to the passion and talent within our school community.  DPNews sets a shining example for our students, demonstrating the power of teamwork, creativity, and perseverance. I look forward to witnessing their continued success.”

As DPHS looks to the future, the media teams remain committed to excellence in student journalism. With eyes set on upcoming competitions, including next year’s STN in Tampa Bay, Florida, DP News and DP Yearbook are confident to continue their legacy of success.