Editor-in-Chief Mary Wang ’26 and Sports Editor Tavio Mares Van-Praag ’27 captured regional honors yesterday, earning two of 17 spots on the New England Scholastic Press Association’s All-New England High School Journalism Staff.

“Through traditions like affirmations, weekly donuts, and shared moments of camaraderie, I’ve worked to create a space where writers feel supported, seen, and confident in their voices,” Wang wrote in digital portfolio submission, included in her online portfolio for award consideration.

In addition to being named to the All–New England High School Journalism Staff, Mares-Van Praag also earned the “Rising Star” distinction, a new honor introduced this year to recognize the top journalists in grades 9, 10, and 11.

“You are officially one of the top high school journalists in New England,” NESPA Board Member Brian Baron wrote in his congratulatory message to Mares-Van Praag.

In his online submission, Mares-Van Praag described his evolving love of student journalism.

“When I first walked into the newsroom, I wasn’t sure if journalism was right for me,” Mares-Van-Praag said in his digital portfolio submission. “I thought I would either fit into The Gator’s mold or not. However, I found that journalism wasn’t the mold — I was. I could shape my journey as a reporter into whatever I wanted.”

NESPA will recognize both editors as All–New England Staff members during the awards ceremony at its spring convention at Boston University on May 1.