The Gator Wins National Award

The Gator placed as a Crown Finalist, the highest recognition for collective newsroom excellence in scholastic journalism by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. Click here to see the CSPA video announcement.

 

"A panel of Crown Judges assembles each year at Columbia University to view all entrants, whether they are newspaper, magazines, yearbooks or online media," according to CSPA. "Judges are experienced former advisers to student media, professional journalists who understand student media or professionals such as photographers or online specialists with particular expertise needed for the judging exercise."

 

The coveted award recognizes The Gator's work during the 2019-2020 academic year, including in the spring when students localized coverage of the pandemic and redesigned the site—all while campus remained closed and students were learning remotely.

 

According to Gator Adviser David Cutler '02, only 17 schools nationwide received this distinction this year. In Massachusetts, the student publications at Phillips Academy and Wayland High School were also recognized.

 

"The amazing Gator students deserve all of the credit," Cutler said. "I know that they are honored to share the stage with Phillips Academy and Wayland. I couldn't be happier for the newsroom, which continues to produce some of the best content in the nation. That's really saying something for a School as small as Brimmer, and the recognition serves as a tremendous testament to not only the skill and drive of our students but also the quality of education that they get here."