Excursions 2025: Chord of the Gods Earns National Recognition from NCTE

The Academy of the Holy Names is proud to announce that Excursions 2025: Chord of the Gods, the High School's student literary and arts magazine, has earned a REALM First Class distinction from the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE).

The honor comes through NCTE’s Program to Recognize Excellence in Student Literary Magazines (REALM), a national contest that celebrates outstanding student-produced publications supported by educators. This year’s competition was especially competitive, with 456 student magazines nominated from schools in 44 states, Washington, D.C., and six countries. Of those submissions, only 135 magazines received the contest’s highest honor, REALM First Class.

Excursions 2025: Chord of the Gods stood out for its artistic vision, literary quality, and cohesive theme, showcasing the creative voices of AHN high school students across poetry, prose, visual art, and design. The magazine reflects the Academy’s commitment to academic excellence, creativity, and student expression.

The REALM program exists to encourage schools to develop literary magazines that celebrate the art and craft of writing while highlighting student creativity at the middle school, high school, and collegiate levels. Schools across the United States, U.S. territories, Canada, and American schools abroad are eligible to participate.

Congratulations to the student editors, writers, artists, and faculty moderators whose dedication and talent brought Excursions 2025: Chord of the Gods to life and earned this prestigious national recognition.

For more information about the REALM Program, visit
👉 https://ncte.org/awards/program-to-recognize-in-student-literary-magazines/