Salk Student-Journalists Win National Newspaper Award

LEVITTOWN, NY — Student-journalists from Jonas E. Salk Middle School recently earned the second-place 2020-21 Scholastic Newspaper Award from the American Scholastic Association. The recognition was part of the annual Scholastic Review and Contest. Schools from across the country submit their publications in the form of magazines, newspapers and yearbooks, to be considered. The school paper, Salk Spirit, was one of five school publications to receive the second place honor this year.

Publications are judged by a panel of educators who are experienced faculty advisers for scholastic publications. Included with the point scores and awards is a written review with suggestions, hints for improvement and encouragement for student staff members and editors.

Led by newspaper adviser Colleen Eck, Jonas E. Salk’s newspaper club has been around for years and has shifted from a print format to an online format. Members meet throughout the school year following schoolwide events and work together to publish the Salk Spirit twice a year. The student-journalists pick what they want to research and write about as they fill the pages each year. This includes crafting stories about school events and current trends. The students also conduct interviews, and create surveys contests.

“I am so proud for our students to be recognized for their hard work and dedication,” said Eck. “They put hours of time into researching, reporting, writing and editing their articles. It was rewarding for them to place second in this prestigious nationwide competition. I am so lucky to be able to work with such a talented group of students.”

Salk Spirit will be featured in the awards booklet, The American Scholastic Journalist, along with the other school newspaper winners.