Stamford High School Receives National Honor

From SPS: Stamford Public Schools (SPS) announced that the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA), a department of Columbia University in New York City, recently awarded The Round Table, Stamford High School’s (SHS) digital student newspaper, a Gold Medal for 2017-2018. The paper earned a total score of 936 out of a possible 1,000 points. Additionally, CSPA judges awarded the publication “All-Columbian" honors in two of the three categories judged—Essentials and Visuals.

According to CSPA, Essentials refers to the coverage it contains as well as all of the information that makes the newspaper reader-friendly. Visuals category considers how the design, typography and photography complement each other to present a visually attractive story. The third category reviewed is Verbal, which includes good reporting, substantive quotes and correct style and mechanics.

"These kids have worked incredibly hard on this publication and deserve to be recognized for it,” said SHS Teacher and Round Table Advisor Jonathan Ringel. “They're such great student journalists, and it's rewarding to have Columbia University recognize their professionalism and creativity in their critique."

As part of the award process, the school receives a formal critique of its publication, which provides specific feedback, suggestions for improvement and compliments. One judge shared the following with the Round Table staff and advisor: "The Round Table is an impressive digital publication. The coverage is wide-ranging and in-depth, with excellent reporting and research. Multimedia is seamlessly woven into many stories. Categories are creative and topics are diverse."

This is the third time the Round Table has been recognized with Gold Medal status.

Image via Shuttershock