Journalism students continue winning ways, earning 25 individual state awards

Journalism staff members brought in 25 individual state awards from the Interscholastic League Press Association (ILPC) along with another prestigious national Silver Crown Award from Columbia University’s Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) for The Gavel hybrid print and online publications. The Silver Crown is the first back-to-back Crown Award received in Holmes’ 50-plus year history, and only the fifth overall.

With a larger staff of 18 students compared to past years, the staff was able to cover more and increase overall production, while maintaining the quality that won them their honors.

“We have a bigger staff and that helps a lot. It’s better especially when the people enjoy what they do,” Co-Editor and senior Keren Cumpian said.

Some of the new staff members had no prior experience in the jobs and responsibilities that they were given when they joined.

“Being new to something I haven’t done before, I’m challenged. But being around people who have done this before and are driven pushed me. I feel great, and this was an awesome experience,” senior cartoonist Jorge Osorto said. 

Including new comers, there are members that have been involved with the program for as many as three years. Through hard work, they were able to be recognized for their dedication and skills.

“It’s just the fact that the leaders of the staff and everyone on staff has been involved with the program for three or more years so they’re passionate,” senior staff member Brittany Volz said. 

Compared to other schools throughout the state, the journalism program doesn’t always have as the funding for equipment and extra printing, but the staff finds a way to be competitive with the larger, more well-funded programs in the state and nation.

“It goes to show that it doesn’t matter what supplies you have. It is about the people who take the pictures, write the stories and have the dedication,” senior Arts and Culture director Lizbeth Perez said.

The following are all of the awards that the Gavel and individuals won for the 2016-2017 school year: