North Springs High School is celebrating a standout year in journalism, with three educators recognized by the Georgia Scholastic Press Association for their leadership, innovation, and impact on student media programs.
“These honors reflect the strength of our programs and the dedication of our educators to empowering students,” North Springs Principal Scott Hanson said. “Their work continues to inspire excellence, creativity, and meaningful engagement across our school community.”
Adam Throne
North Springs educator Adam Throne has been named GSPA’s 2026 Adviser of the Year, an honor recognizing a journalism teacher who goes above and beyond in supporting student media. Throne advises The Oracle news website and The Echo literary magazine and has spent more than two decades championing student voice, creative expression, and journalistic integrity.
In addition to leading award-winning North Springs publications, Throne played a key role in launching the Vox Podcast Initiative, securing grant funding and guiding students through its early development. His leadership extends statewide through his service on GSPA’s Teacher Advisory Council and his presentations at journalism conferences, including the Southern Interscholastic Press Association.
One nominator described Throne as “principled, student-centered, innovative, and deeply collaborative,” noting that his influence on students and colleagues is profound and lasting.
John Wilkerson
Audio Video Technology & Film teacher John Wilkerson received the First Year Adviser Award, which honors educators with one to three years of experience who have made a significant impact on their student media programs.
Wilkerson brought professional expertise from his Emmy Award-winning career as a sports broadcaster into the classroom. Since joining North Springs High School, he has expanded North Springs News to a bimonthly broadcast and encouraged students to pursue independent film and audiovisual projects. He also revitalized the school’s podcast efforts by launching the “Spartan Scoop,” a series of student-led discussions.
Colleagues note that Wilkerson fosters a collaborative environment, responds quickly to ideas, empowers students to take ownership of their work, and provides consistent guidance, according to the North Springs press release.
Nicole Motahari
Nicole Motahari, adviser of the school’s “Phalanx” yearbook, received the Yearbook Turnaround Award, which recognizes an adviser and staff who have significantly improved the quality of their publication from the previous year.
Yearbook staff strengthened their commitment to high-quality journalism by focusing on accurate reporting, ethical storytelling, meaningful student voices, and purposeful visual coverage, the school’s press release said.
Under Motahari’s leadership, “The Phalanx” transformed from a club-style operation into a comprehensive journalism program. She worked closely with both staff and students to navigate editorial challenges while encouraging creativity and growth. Her efforts energized the program and elevated its reputation, including helping a student earn national recognition through the Journalism Week Poster Contest.
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