STCC Wins Gold Medallion Award for Student Story

Springfield Technical Community College earned a gold Medallion Award from NCMPR District 1 for a Facebook post featuring an early college student.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Financial Aid

A smooth gold medallion resting on a wooden windowsill with a blurred maple branch and soft overcast light beyond the glass. — Springfield Technical Community College won a gold Medallion Award from NCMPR District 1 for a Facebook post highlighting early college student Elijah Frederick, who earned his associate degree while still in high school. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Springfield Technical Community College earned a gold Medallion Award from NCMPR District 1 for a Facebook post highlighting student Elijah Frederick. The award was presented during the district's annual conference, held Oct. 14-16 in Buffalo, N.Y.

Why it matters

The Medallion Awards recognize design and communications achievement at community and technical colleges in District 1, and the recognition highlights how colleges present student achievement to the public. The award-winning post reached more than 36,000 views.

The gold Medallion Award recognized a Facebook post featuring 18-year-old Elijah Frederick, who earned an associate degree from STCC while completing his high school diploma at Veritas Prep Charter School. The post attracted more than 36,000 views, and the award-winning work was produced by STCC's Marketing & Communications team.

The players

Springfield Technical Community College (STCC)

STCC is the Springfield institution whose Marketing and Communications team produced the award-winning post.

NCMPR District 1

NCMPR District 1 is the regional district of the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations that presents the Medallion Awards to community and technical colleges.

Kaia Sage

Kaia Sage is the presenter of the conference session on intentional visual storytelling and belonging.

The details

Elijah Frederick earned his associate degree while still finishing high school, a path the early college model makes possible. Kaia Sage also presented a session at the conference titled "Who Gets to Be the Hero? Building Belonging Through Intentional Visual Storytelling."

Oct. 14-16: NCMPR District 1 annual conference held in Buffalo, N.Y., where the award was presented.

Season Trajectory

STCC's 10 District 1 Medallion Awards over three years show a sustained pattern of recognition for its communications work. The gold award continues that run within the NCMPR Medallion Awards program.

Students considering early college enrollment can see how a community college's public storytelling highlights real student paths to an associate degree alongside high school completion. Prospective students in Springfield may find the STCC early college route worth researching.

The takeaway

Early college pathways can let students earn an associate degree before finishing high school, reducing time and cost to a credential. Students and families in Springfield can ask STCC about early college enrollment options.