Tri-Cities Podcaster Wins Hearts, Nears NPR Finalist Honor

A Student's Journey Through a Cleft Palate

Owyn Aaberg, a senior at Delta High School, has gained national attention for his audio project that explores his life growing up with a cleft palate. His work has been recognized as one of the "best student podcasts in America" by National Public Radio (NPR). Aaberg never expected to be a finalist in NPR's Student Podcast Challenge, but after receiving a call from his mother about an unexpected phone call from the school principal, he was stunned into silence.

The 7th annual Student Podcast Challenge received nearly 2,000 entries from across the U.S. The selection of 21 middle school and high school finalists represents the top 1% of quality storytelling and creativity, as judged by a panel of national experts and NPR's education team. Two grand prize winners will be announced by the end of September, while nearly 70 other entrants have been recognized as honorable mentions.

Aaberg’s podcast stands out because it was featured in a 3-minute segment on NPR's flagship program, "All Things Considered." His project, titled "Struggling with a Cleft Palate," delves into the impact of this common facial deformity on his life and the challenges his mother faced while raising him.

Embracing Personal Struggles

Aaberg was born with a bilateral cleft palate, which doctors described as a 9 out of 10 severity. In his podcast, he discusses how this condition shaped his early years, including the difficulties his mother encountered in feeding him as a baby and the frequent trips to the dentist and for surgery. He also reflects on how she supported him through these challenges and helped him come to terms with what made him unique.

“I’ve always had a family that has supported me and has unconditionally believed I can do what I want,” Aaberg said. “I know there are people who are not as lucky as me, and people who have been bullied for something they have no control over. I feel like we should all be lucky, and we should all have someone we can fall back on and someone to love and cherish.”

He also compares his experience to that of Katrina Lauderdale, a Spokane child with a similar condition who died in 2007 at less than 3 months old. She starved to death, weighing 3 ounces less than her birth weight. Aaberg reflects on the knowledge that if life had been a little more unkind, he might not have made it this far.

A Story That Resonates

Aaberg’s podcast is not just a personal reflection; it’s a compelling narrative that resonates with listeners. His language arts teacher, Clare Miller, describes him as a "very warm" kid with an "inviting" personality. She submitted about 10 student works to NPR for the challenge, but Aaberg’s stood out for its uniqueness.

“It really captured the hearts of all who listened to it,” Miller said. Aaberg recorded the entire podcast using his phone, then transferred the files into a stock Microsoft editing software and overlaid music. His storytelling has a conversational tone, and he described the process as "humbling."

“I thought it would get a good grade,” Aaberg admitted. “I've never really viewed my life as that different, but now I view it from an outside perspective.”

A Growing Legacy

Aaberg is the third Delta High School student to receive national recognition for his essay skills. Miller noted that two other students recently won and were an honorable mention in John Stossel student contests. She expressed excitement about seeing their kids "shine on a national stage."

"With proper support, Delta students can compete anywhere and shine," she said. Aaberg is the only finalist from Washington, and Miller is proud of his achievement.

A Future Filled With Possibilities

Aaberg lives in Kennewick with his four siblings. He is involved in the National Honors Society, speech and debate club, and dabbles in photography. He enrolled at Delta High School to pursue a career in STEM but is considering becoming a teacher.

His story serves as an inspiration to others, showing that even the most personal struggles can lead to powerful narratives that resonate with a wide audience.