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Teen journalist wins award

Jason Dean  —  4/28/2008 10:39 am

For the first time in the 35-year history of the School Bell Award, a student journalist will accept an award in the Public Media Category.

The award is given to one Wisconsin reporter, broadcaster or school journalism teacher for excellent coverage of critical education issues. The Wisconsin Education Association Council presents the School Bell Award in two categories: public media and school media.

La Follette High School junior Deidre Green's "Bridging the Achievement Gap" column was nominated by her teacher, Sarah Schnuelle. Green has reported for the Simpson Street Free Press for four years, focusing on health and education stories.

The Simpson Street Free Press is a Dane County newspaper for teens. It is written by students and has a circulation of 22,000. Since it is not a school-produced newspaper, Green was nominated in the Public Media Category.

"Deidre's entry was of outstanding quality because of her research on state and national educational initiatives," said Jane Weidner, chair of WEAC's Public Relations Committee. "I was amazed that a 16-year-old student was able to not only understand and care about achievement gaps, but also that she can write so well and be so inspiring on a major educational issue."

The Wisconsin Education Association Council will present the award in a ceremony May 3 at the Alliant Energy Center. The ceremony is scheduled to start at 6:15 p.m.

Jason Dean  —  4/28/2008 10:39 am