CAPTION: Gavel staff members hold up the latest edition of the CSPA-award-winning Gavel Magazine just after delivery, along with their ink-stained hands from distributing the issue across campus, embracing the age-old identity of journalists and writers as “ink-stained wretches.”
By Amber Villanueva and Janelle Martinez
Out of the thousands of high school newspaper and online newspapers in the nation, fifty-three were chosen as finalists for the Columbia Scholastic Press Association Crown Award, only four from the State of Texas were selected in this category, and The Gavel and Gavel Online, was one of them. CSPA, based out of Columbia University in New York, chose from the publications based on a overall “top-down” view of general excellence in design, photography, concept, coverage, and writing.
First hearing the news, last year’s graduate and former editor, Zackarin Necesito was proud to have been a part of the honor.
“I’m honored to be a part of a group of talented individuals. I’m really proud of what we have done because I know this will positively reinforce the current staff members as well as Holmes in the best way possible, and show the world that we’re capable of big things as a school,” Necesito said.
Last year’s staff was dedicated, and for the issues they developed to get recognition is a special honor.
Current editor and former reporter on last year’s staff, Alicia Yanez, was overjoyed with the achievement.
“It honestly feels very exciting. As a school, we have gotten so many awards that should be talked about. Especially with all the negativity lately, it’s great to get these moments to really remember what we truly are,” Yanez said.
The achievement also made an impact on journalism adviser Matt Singleton.
“I felt very proud of the staff and the students. I saw staff members really push themselves outside of their comfort zone and go after things that were challenging,” Singleton said.
“Now we’re able to say we did a CSPA-award-winning school paper. When people across the United States look to CSPA for the best journalism programs in the nation, they see Holmes High School on that list,” Singleton said.
For more information on the award, visit http://cspa.columbia.edu/news-2016-crown-finalists-announced.
Last year’s Gavel magazine staff, whose work led to the national CSPA Crown Award.
The Gavel Online team from last year whose work also contributed to the award.