The Pennsylvania School Press Association is pleased to announce that Ben Shapiro of Conestoga High School in Berwyn is the 2024 Dr. Jane Blystone Pennsylvania Student Journalist of the Year.
"This honor motivates me to continue striving for excellence in journalism, to uncover truths and to shed light on the issues that matter most. I'm grateful for the recognition and inspired to keep pushing boundaries in pursuit of informing and engaging audiences,” Shapiro said.
Shapiro is the Editor-in-Chief and a four-year staff member of The Spoke, Conestoga’s student-run newspaper. He previously served as News Editor and Copy Editor. During his time as a student journalist, he has been recognized for his reporting and writing by the Pennsylvania Newsmedia Association Foundation, Quill and Scroll and the Pennsylvania Federation of Press Women.
As for his future plans, Shapiro is attending Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University in the fall where he will study journalism.
In her recommendation letter, broadcast journalism teacher and co-newspaper adviser, Alison Ferriola, says Ben is “the model for student journalism at Conestoga High School,” and co-adviser Laura Howard adds that “he’s constantly searching for the truth both within our school community, as well as our regional community and the world at large. He tackles sensitive topics with grace, while still teaching our readers about themselves.”
Student Journalist of the Year candidates submit comprehensive portfolios which are judged on categories of the Journalism Education Association’s curriculum, including News and Reporting, Law and Ethics, Leadership, Photojournalism, Broadcast Journalism, Commitment to Diversity, Web and Social Media, Audience Engagement and Design. A panel of judges evaluates the portfolios and provides specific feedback to the student entrants.
Not only is Shapiro a model student journalist at school, he is also an advocate for student press rights. One judge noted “If anyone in this state has been more involved with ethics, law and real news literacy, I need to meet them. From an in-school leader to an outspoken community leader Ben's fight for the rights of High School Journalists is unwavering.”
Shapiro will submit his portfolio for national SJOY consideration, where his work will be judged alongside other current winners from across the country. The national winner and runners-up will be announced April 5 at the National High School Journalism Convention in Kansas City. Shapiro will also be honored at the PSPA state finals April 3 at Penn State University, where he will be presented with a $500 scholarship.
PSPA also congratulates honorable mentions, Angie Wang of Germantown Academy and Eden Savoy of Berwick High School, with commendations to Tanisha Agrawal of Conestoga High School, Zorian Edwards of Saegertown High School, Ethan Kurtz of Lower Dauphin High School and Vanessa Stauffer of Parkland High School.