Room 4113: home of the Rock Online Newspaper and Black & Gold Yearbook. There are currently three class periods, one for news and two for yearbook, of students who work to make articles, graphics, spreads and more.
Their time spent on this work isn’t in vain: Nov. 1 through Nov 5, Black & Gold Yearbook Photography Editor Hannah Rozen ‘25, The Rock Online Newspaper Editor-in-Chief Claire Bauer ‘24 and Social Media Managers Elly Brooks ‘25 and Sanaa Sow ‘25 traveled to the National Student Press Association (NSPA)/Journalism Education Association (JEA) Fall National High School Journalism Convention.
While at the conference, the students attended sessions and speakers, documentary viewings and the awards ceremony, where they received 11 national awards.
“Winning the staff awards was amazing! We honestly had no idea. As we were sitting at the ceremony, we were all so nervous, holding each other’s hands and praying together. I’m so proud of everyone on staff. Everyone has worked so hard,” Bauer said.
While the entire staff placed well as a group, individuals such as Bauer showed their individual skills as well. She won two national championships for her work, amongst other awards.
“The individual awards are always so incredible because they announce them from last to first, so you’re always holding your breath, hoping to hear your name–but not too soon. Hearing any of our names called always resulted in screams and celebrations,” Bauer said.
See below for the full list of awards received: