Delaware Valley students win national journalism honors; school to receive First Amendment award

School leaders highlighted national honors won by the district’s student journalism programs and reported on a successful county media convention planned and run by students.

Mr. Brian Smith, who oversees the student media operation, told the board the program earned a First Amendment Press Freedom Award — an honor held by only 67 schools nationally — and that the school is the only New Jersey school to have received that award. "We are the only school in New Jersey that has ever won the award as well," he said. He also said the school was named one of 40 finalists for the National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker and that four students were recognized as NSPA student journalism leaders.

Mr. Smith described a student-led county media convention attended by about 90 students from four high schools and 12 media professionals, and he named student leaders and planning-committee volunteers. Board members congratulated students and invited family photos and refreshments following the recognition.

Next steps: the district will receive a framed award after the national conference and will share results of Pacemaker judging in mid-April.