Wayland High School Student Paper Wins Press Freedom Award

WAYLAND, MA — The Wayland High School student newspaper is one of just a handful of schools in the U.S. — and the only one in Massachusetts — to win an award for its commitment to press freedom.

Last week, the Journalism Education Association, National Scholastic Press Association and Quill and Scroll International Honorary Society awarded 16 student newspapers the First Amendment Press Freedom Award.

"The award recognizes private and public high schools that actively support, teach and protect First Amendment rights and responsibilities of students and teachers, with an emphasis on student-run media where students make all final decisions of content," the associations said in announcing the award.

As corporate-owned chains have shrunk Wayland news offerings, the Wayland Student Press has stepped in as a local alternative, offering coverage of school sports, local arts and entertainment and hard news.

The paper, co-edited by Genevieve Morrison and Emily Roberge, often tackles tough topics, including turmoil at the top of the school district between Superintendent Omar Easy and the school committee. Since its founding in 2007, the paper and some of its individual reporters have won multiple awards.

Check out some recent work from Wayland Student Press reporters:

• Hidden heroes: The custodial staff of Wayland High School
• WHS Mock Trial team responds to “sexist” comments by competition judge
• Breaking down Superintendent Easy’s discrimination claim
• Infographic: Student opinions on new water fountains