Student Journalists Attend Columbia's Scholastic Press Association Conference

November 10, 2022

On Monday, November 7th, staff members of “The Bullhorn”, Léman’s Upper School newspaper, visited Columbia University for its 82nd Annual Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) conference. Presented and hosted by the Ivy League university, the annual conference gathers aspiring high school journalists from across New York to engage with and learn from industry professionals during a series of panels and discussions. Panels touched on a variety of prescient topics including copyright issues, mastering the art of the interview, designing effective print and online publications, best practices for social media, and more. “It was such a privilege to be able to attend this year’s Columbia Student Press Association’s Fall Conference at Columbia University, and give the students on the newspaper’s editorial team a chance to learn from professionals and professors involved in various aspects of journalism,” said “Bullhorn” Advisor and Upper School Social Studies Teacher Mr. Johnson.

Beyond providing access to professional perspectives, the conference also allowed for “Bullhorn” writers and editors to exchange ideas with their peers as they continue to plan not only for the start of this year’s publication cycle, but to also bolster their strategies to increase “The Bullhorn’s” reach. “Our time spent delving into [different] workshops…let our students gain knowledge and skills they can use to grow the newspaper (and soon-to-be website) and teach the rest of our staff how to become better writers, photographers, artists, designers, and creators,” started Mr. Johnson. “I also really enjoyed getting to see our high schoolers navigate a college campus and get a feel for the “university life” they will soon be entering.”

Each year, “The Bullhorn’s” website is refreshed and redesigned by a student on-staff. The paper then publishes articles throughout the week that touch on topics like school-centric news, arts & entertainment, politics, and more. “The Bullhorn” will release its first batch of articles in the coming weeks.

Each year, Upper Schoolers at Léman join and start a variety of clubs and affinity groups which help foster senses of leadership, community, and belonging. This year, there are 42 clubs and groups which students can take part in both during designated parts of the school day and after school. Click here to learn more about student life at Léman.