The Huron Emery and 16 of its staff members embarked on a trip to New York this past Wednesday to Friday, March 15-17 for the Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s (CSPA) annual conference. This convention, which takes place on Columbia University’s campus, hosts sessions throughout the day relating to all aspects of journalism, ranging from how to be more creative to bringing designs to the next level. 

The Emery’s own team members had the opportunity to present at the conference. Adviser Sara Badalamente and journalism instructor Sara Neevel spoke for two sessions: Cashing in: Fundraising for Your Publication and All in: Creating a Diverse Staff Room. Co-Editor-in-Chief Allison Mi and Managing Editor Tarik Fermin presented on the Art of Interviewing.

“I was honored to talk at such a prestigious event,” Badalamente said. “I enjoyed interacting with schools from across the nation and seeing they’re fundraising for their programs. Many schools have cut budgets for their journalism programs and we have to collaborate as a team to keep programs running.”

CSPA is an opportunity open for all student journalists, but the reason why The Emery went this year is because their publication was nominated for a CSPA Crown Finalist: recognition at the national level. Though this is the second time The Emery has been nominated for a crown, this is the first time they have gone to the conference in-person to pick up the award.

“I felt really proud,” Website co-Editor-in-Chief Anna Esper said. “I know the group worked really hard to get to where we got and to receive the award. I feel like it was something that meant a lot to people, and I was happy to be a part of a special moment for the staff, not just as an editor but also as a friend.”

After sessions on each day, the staff indulged in sightseeing at Times Square, Chinatown, Staten Island, and enjoyed delectable food including authentic New York pizza, Chinatown dimsum, and a variety of Italian delicacies.

“Every opportunity there, whether it was CSPA related or not, was a new, unique, and incredible experience,” Fermin said. “I think CSPA did nothing but strengthen our group’s sense of community and family.”