The NECC Observer recently learned that it was awarded an honorable mention in the 2014 New England College Newspaper of the Year contest.
The award is bestowed by the New England Society of News Editors.
The awards were handed out at NESNE’s 2014 spring conference at the New England Newspaper and Press Association headquarters in Dedham, but the Observer just received its plaque last week.
The Heights from Boston College was honored with first place, with The Gatepost of Framingham State University capturing second place and The Quinnipiac Chronicle of Quinnipiac University winning third place.
Along with the NECC Observer, The Defender of St. Michael’s College and The Brandeis Hoot of Brandeis University were also named honorable mention award-winners.
NESNE presents several prestigious awards each year, honoring those who have mastered the craft of journalism and “New England journalism’s most promising up-and-comers,” according to its website.
College newspapers at both large universities and small colleges enter the college newspaper of the year contest, which honors the region’s best student journalists
Under the supervision of faculty adviser, Mary Jo Shafer, the NECC Observer staff in 2014 included Editor-in-Chief Matt Gingras, Features Editor Everson Taveras, Opinion Editor Ashlee Ferrante, News Editor Chad Gorham, Campus Life Editor Kathryn Gagon, Entertainment Editor Faith Gregory, Sports Editor Esther Nieves, Staff Writer Chrstina Hillner and Copy Editor Thomas Shamma.
Returning staff in fall 2014 included Faith Gregory as editor-in-chief, Copy Editor and Web Editor Thomas Shamma, News Editor Chad Gorham, Opinion Editor Ashlee Ferrante and Staff Writer Christina Hillner.
New staff in fall 2014 included Web Editor Danielle Coppola, Staff Writer Joe Meli, Entertainment Editor Kim Whiting, Features Editor Rebecca Westerman and Sports Editor Mike Alongi.
Previous staff who returned for fall 2015 include Chad Gorham, who is now campus life editor, Joe Meli, copy editor, and Rebecca Westerman, arts and entertainment editor. Kim Whiting is now the editor-in-chief
The 2014 NECC Observer was also honored as a silver medalalist by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association.
