At its annual conference in Chicago Saturday afternoon, the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) announced Gabe Bryan ’19 as winner of Opinion Story of the Year for Speak Truth to Power Amid Sexual Abuse Claims
Earning a coveted honorable mention as one of the nation’s top-10 digital stories of the year, Expressing Ourselves, created by Editor-in-Chief Abigail Mynahan ’19 and Executive Editor Jared Heller ’10, also saw their names on the big screen at the event, which attracted over 6,000 student journalists from around the nation.
“I am thrilled about tonight’s outcomes,” Mynahan said. “It’s amazing that we received two awards, particularly given that this was our first time submitting for national individual recognition. I am extremely proud to be a part of the Gator, and congratulations to Gabe, Jared and all of the staff and editors of these well-deserved victories.”
Byran’s article is now officially recognized as the best opinion article written by any student in the nation, from any school. The entry will now compete against first place winners from each Story of the Year category, including News, Feature Story, Sports Story, and Diversity Story for a $1,000 prize.
“This is the highest possible honor for individual recognition,” according to Gator Adviser David Cutler. “I’m in complete shock. This is a huge deal, and while the credit certainly goes to Gabe, the entire newsroom also deserves a big congratulations. This would not have been possible without tremendous leadership and mentorship, and it reflects the best virtues of the newsroom. I’m eating my hat.”
Abigail Mynahan ’19. Gator file photo.
Jared Heller ’19. Gator file photo.
Gabe Bryan’19 won first place for op-ed Story of the Year.
This marks the first time that The Gator has participated in a national individual award competition.
“I’m extremely excited to be a part of the newsroom right now,” Heller said. “It is a huge honor to be showcased nationally and considered for a such a prestigious award. Congrats to Gabe on his victory in a field of such highly talented writers.”
With Cutler’s newborn, he said that he didn’t think to organize the trip to Chicago, which he now regrets.
“I had a lot going on, and I feel bad about not attending. Still, coming right out of the gate, this is all the more impressive,” Cutler said, also noting that he wishes to thank the Massachusetts Scholastic Press Association, which tweeted out the winners. “It’s an amazing newsroom this year with amazing writers and editors, and I couldn’t be prouder of Gabe and everybody else, especially Abby and Jared. This is a national event, and it’s a huge deal.”
Editor’s note: This story was updated at 8:01 p.m. to reflect additional insight from editors.
