Every spring, graduating seniors from across North Carolina compete for the prestigious N.C. Journalist of the Year (JOY) Award, established to recognize outstanding contributions in the field. The winner receives a $3,000 scholarship from the N.C. Press Foundation, and is given the opportunity to advance to the national Journalism Education Association (JEA) High School Journalist of the Year contest held in April. Beyond writing a simple essay, students are then required to create a massive portfolio, meaning the award is based on years of documented work, leadership and journalistic integrity. The 2026 JOY representative for North Carolina is senior and Co-Editor-in-Chief of The Howler, Caroline Rhoad.

Rhoad has been active in journalism since her sophomore year, when she first applied to be on staff for The Howler. Since then, she has written countless articles covering a large range of topics, from Wakefield’s theatrical performances to the filtering of the White House’s press pool. Through her steadfast commitment to student media, Rhoad recognizes that receiving the JOY Award is no easy feat.

“Winning reinforced that journalism is what I want to go into,” Rhoad said. “It was very nice validation that all of the things I’ve been working on for the past three years were, in fact, good-quality work.”

Regardless of what stories she reports on, Rhoad understands the importance of accuracy and the approach to journalism with integrity. This perspective is shared and appreciated by long-time adviser for The Howler, Joy Tekotte. Tekotte attributes much of Rhoad’s achievements to her intentionality and maturity in informing the public — characteristics that reflect true persistence and responsibility rather than a pursuit of recognition.

“It’s really so special because you know it’s something that she has been genuinely working on for herself for all of these years,” Tekotte said. “Not because it looks good or she wants it for her college portfolio, [but because] it’s just really who she is. I think for a lot of people it takes a lifetime to get to that point.”

Rhoad’s passion for student journalism became especially apparent in the spring of 2025, when high school newspapers across Wake County, including The Howler, nearly lost their publishing platform, SNO (School Newspapers Online), as well as access to other WordPress-based sites. Not only were years of archived articles and portfolios at risk, but schools also had no clear replacement, raising serious concerns for students and administrators alike. Rhoad was among those who spoke at the Wake County Board of Education meeting on April 8, 2025, advocating for its protection. She additionally created and advertised a petition to preserve these programs within the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS). Their efforts resulted in the school board removing the immediate ban and granting a one-year extension for SNO use — something Rhoad and her peers had worked tirelessly to achieve.

“I think [saving SNO] reinforced something in me that I wasn’t even sure I had in the first place,” Rhoad said. “I didn’t think a 17-year-old could make a change like that. Obviously, that happened [while collaborating with] the school board, but now I think through my writing, I can make a change as well.”

It was through the campaign to protect SNO that Wakefield school counselor Jessica OBerto witnessed Rhoad’s drive and compassion firsthand, as well as her skill in advocating for the causes she cares about. She believes that Rhoad’s sense of purpose, initiative and dedication to her craft exemplify the qualities that define a true journalist.

“That’s what sets [Caroline] apart from somebody who [simply] enjoys writing and was a part of their newspaper,” OBerto said. “She’s somebody who knows ‘This is the career for me and I’m prepared for it.’ That’s why she’s gotten the accolade she [has] and her plans [are] set up the way [they are], because people can see she’s willing to do things.”

Yet, the confidence and readiness Rhoad now exudes were not always defining aspects of her high school career. In fact, former Co-Editor-in-Chief for The Howler and close friend, Katie Spampinato, remembers a time when Rhoad was far more reserved — a striking contrast to the assured presence she shows today.

“[When I first met Caroline], I noticed how shy she was, and that was one of the things that made us click, as we’re very similar,” Spampinato said. “The more I got to know her, however, the more I got to see her personality and her humor. She really started to grow in the classroom and become better friends with everyone. She would volunteer to talk more or would give out her article ideas, and she really stepped outside of herself.”

Rhoad’s diligence and growth led her to apply for, and receive, the title of Co-Editor-in-Chief for Wakefield’s 2025-2026 school year. In this role, she is responsible for co-running the classroom and teaching her peers the fundamentals of high school journalism, in addition to showcasing industry-level work. Her experience has given her success as both a mentor and an emerging expert in the field. Fellow staff member and friend, Natalie Howard, can attest to the significant impact Rhoad has on the overall atmosphere of The Howler.

“In our class specifically, because [Caroline] is such a good leader and so on top of everything, she’s trustworthy,” Howard said. “Because she’s so organized, she knows what she’s talking about. Whenever someone’s unsure, I know people feel like they can go to her for help. She says something, and you just have to believe it.”

Like Howard, many of Rhoad’s peers perceive her as someone who can be trusted, especially because of her extensive knowledge of the field. Her natural leadership and perseverance will not only help her adapt to the environment around her but also shape the stories she tells and the viewpoints she amplifies. These characteristics will inevitably serve her well as she enters college and eventually, the competitive world of journalism.

“To do this as a career, you have to [possess] those skills, and you have to be able to communicate in a way that people want to hear what you have to say,” OBerto said. “From what I’ve read of what [Caroline has] written, she’s able to really get her point across and convince people that what she cares about is important. Not everybody is comfortable going out and sharing their voice with the world.”

Evidently, it’s Rhoad’s eagerness to maintain public involvement that inspires her to keep writing. This drive to engage with the community fuels her specific interest in investigative work and advocacy, and she aims to use her voice to shed light on issues that are often left in the dark.

“I hope to write stories that inform people of what’s really going on behind closed doors and how policies are going to impact their lives,” Rhoad said. “Another thing I’m passionate about is advocating for people who don’t have a voice, so underrepresented communities. That’s my main [goal] — to speak up for people who can’t speak up for themselves.”

Needless to say, Rhoad’s clarity of purpose has made a lasting impression on those watching her professional development. Her determination is a strong indicator of the impact she is bound to have on the field of journalism.

“No matter what, I know she will be making a huge difference through her writing,” Spampinato said. “I’m really excited for what these opportunities are going to lead her to.”