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I’d like to tell you a story about @kpbrend, the latest to join the ranks of award-winning journos. (Welcome, we’re very happy to have you.) About a year ago, she was a couple months into her life as a cub reporter at The Riverdale Press when a huge story broke. 1/
An administrator at a local school had been axed following some truly HEINOUS charges. Like anyone with good reportorial instincts, Kirstyn wanted to get someone from the school on the record. She kept at it until finally someone at the school said to get over there. 2/
The school was holding an assembly to help heal after what had been a brutal week for them. Kirstyn and I raced over there. We got the invite at the tail end of the assembly, but we made it. Most importantly, Kirstyn got an on-the-record interview with the principal. 3/
No publication had gotten that. My internal crisis was that I had to get to my next assignment. A bit about me: I was the sole photographer for that paper for 3+ years, and was often out with reporters. I’d help guide and ask questions where appropriate. 4/
I was fiercely protective of my colleagues, and wanted them to do a stellar job. Kirstyn had hooked a big fish, and with her deft handling, I felt okay leaving her to handle it on her own. And whaddya know, she won an award for precisely that story. 5/
I couldn’t be prouder. She’s got a bright future in this biz. Editors, pay attention to her! Here’s the story that won second place in the New York Press Association awards today: https://riverdalepress.com/stories/sar-struggles-after-enduring-institutions-hardest-week,70117
