The Spence Voice, the School’s student publication since 1983, has received a Silver Medal from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s Medalist Critique. “This was our first journalism competition,” said Editors-in-Chief Annie T. and Eliza B., who submitted six Voice issues and 30 individual articles for the CSPA competition in June. The award is particularly exciting for the two seniors who had led efforts to revamp the Voice last year. “We worked on the organization, doubled the number of issues and created more student leadership positions,” Eliza B. said.

 

The Medalist Critique contains a written set of standards developed by the association to itemize the best practices for student media. The adviser-judge reads the print or online publication and analyzes its strengths and weaknesses as outlined by the Critique. The judge then provides comments for building on current strengths and correcting deficiencies noted in the Critique. CSPA awards gold, silver and bronze medals to outstanding student publications.

 

Voice editors said 64 students—10 in an editorial capacity—contribute to the Spence publication. The group is among the largest ever involved in the publication, which was expanded to nine issues last year. Annie T. noted that adding student artists was among the features introduced last year that garnered praise in the judges’ comments. The Voice also received high marks on the balance of reporting between school issues and relating outside news back to the school community: “The coverage of national, state and school news is a great quality in your school newspaper. Good job ensuring that your student body and community are informed.” Both editors noted that the award affirmed their commitment to developing greater reporting skills, presenting balanced and diverse opinions, and building on the positive changes that they have instituted.

 

Annie T. and Eliza B. also expressed great appreciation to faculty advisors Kelleher Jewett (retired in 2018) and Sandor Weiner for their support of the editorial staff.