Hinsdale South's Vespa Scores Repeat All-American Award from National Scholastic Press Association

Submitted by Hinsdale Township High School District 86.

Hinsdale South High School today proudly announced that its yearbook Vespa earned a rating of All-American from the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) – the highest rating available, and a Gold Medalist Certificate from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA).

This is the second straight year for both honors.

“This was volume 50 so we were excited to celebrate 50 great years,” adviser Jim Kelly said. “This was a group of hard-working and talented journalists so it is especially nice to be recognized nationally like this.”

Each year, Vespa submits its finished product to New York’s Columbia University and the NSPA, based in Minneapolis, as well other scholastic press associations, and the book is critiqued by an out-of-state judge on many elements, include writing, photography, design and coverage.

The 2015 book, “The Golden Thread,” is a 316-page book led by editors-in-chief and Illinois Journalist of the Year Ashley Yong. It capped a successful year which saw the Hinsdale South’s journalists earn their second consecutive third place trophy in the IHSA Journalism competition.

Current editor-in-chief Maya Ramirez said, “Making the yearbook is never an easy process; this time around we all felt even more pressure to make this one the best yet since it was such a momentous occasion. Being recognized like this validates our tireless work to fabricate something we can all be proud of.” Ramirez was the people editor on “The Golden Thread” and was specifically mentioned for her individual work in the critique.

Other editors include alumni David Carli (Index), Marissa Dupont (Student Life), David Forner (Copy), Natalie Garino and Laura Gomez (Organizations), Caitlin Miller and Claire Onchuck (Sports), Lauren Petrich and Michelle Wojcik (Senior Ads), Paige Trzupek (People) as well as current junior Mary Ann Tharian (Academics).

“These are students who are dedicated to the craft,” Kelly said. “And I truly believe that all the skills learned both in and out of the journalism classroom pay dividends. They couldn’t do this without the support of all their teachers and school.”

The Hinsdale South yearbook Vespa has been recording the history of Hinsdale South every year since the school was founded 50 years ago. English teacher Jim Kelly has been the adviser for the last 11 years.