The newsroom clinched a prestigious Gold Crown at the Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s (CSPA) 100th convention earlier today in New York, marking a pinnacle achievement in high school journalism.
This accolade, which recognizes work done over the previous academic year, cements The Gator’s status among the nation’s top 10 high school digital journalism programs—transcending school type, size, or location. This distinction also comes in the wake of the newsroom being selected as a Crown finalist in December, an honor bestowed upon only 29 other digital publications throughout the United States.
The Gator staff has built an awareness about not only what is happening at its school, but also what is going on outside the school walls, Coverage includes academics and student life but also stretches to current events, including op-eds. The section Amplify allows students to do a deep dive into topics of community interest such as public transportation in Boston or the planet's health. Along with in-depth research and reporting for those stories, the publication expands them by packaging video and infographics. Opinion pieces analyze issues that the editors think students should be aware of, such as disaster management outside the U.S., the importance of global collaboration, and how it's key to fighting climate change. There are also pieces that raise awareness about mental health and the importance of self-care for students.
Co-Editor-in-Chief Evan Michaeli ’24, who went up to receive the award, also had an added reason to celebrate.
“Today is my 18th birthday, and I can’t imagine a better present than winning Gold at CSPA,” Michaeli said. “I am so proud of everyone and what we are able to accomplish. We have a great team, and I’m going to miss the newsroom next year.”
During the convention, Michaeli also presented with his adviser, David Cutler, to a packed crowd of students and teachers about how to write award-worthy opinion pieces.