Georgian Court University’s student-run Fountain Spray Art and Literary Magazine has received a 2025 Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines (REALM) Award from the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). It earned distinction as an “Excellent” publication among student literary magazines nationwide.
The REALM program honors outstanding student-produced literary magazines at the middle school, high school, and collegiate levels. This year, 456 magazines from 44 states, Washington, D.C., and six countries were nominated. NCTE is the nation’s oldest organization of literacy educators, spanning pre-K through graduate study.
“Receiving the REALM Award for the Spring 2025 Issue of Fountain Spray brought public recognition from external reviewers to the students who have invested in building a community around the publication,” said faculty moderator Professor Kristen Wedlock. “The magazine resonates with our GCU community of creatives and beyond.”
Reflecting on the collaboration behind the publication, she added, “The editorial board refined their review process with professional development sessions from our partners at Project Write Now, adopted an inclusive management style, and found ways to bring joy to all parts of the process, from promotional events for building readership to launching parties to celebrate community.”
Behind the publication is a student editorial board that shapes Fountain Spray as a creative outlet and collaborative campus platform. The magazine encourages students to express their authentic voices and creative abilities while highlighting the creativity of the Georgian Court community.
The 2024–2025 editorial team included Editor-in-Chief Naima Towns, Art Director and Designer Blake Lucas, Managing Editor Baileigh Rosenthal, Promotions Manager and Event Coordinator Belynnda King, Budget Manager Thomas Sanchez, and editors Brianna Briggs, Molly Thamrong, and Mahoganie Ortiz.
Editor-in-Chief Naima Towns shared, “To me, this award is nothing more than true recognition that art, politics, and writing are more important than ever. I am proud to be a recipient, and I am even more proud to have had such an amazing team to work with.”
Professor Wedlock concluded, “It feels good to see the arts celebrated — to see these students recognized — and to reaffirm that Georgian Court University is committed to the creative arts.”
The recognition comes as Fountain Spray prepares to release its Spring 2026 issue at its Launch Party on Thursday, April 30th, 2026, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Casino Ballroom. The event continues its tradition of highlighting student writing and artwork through campus celebration and community engagement.
