Pair Of Mepham Students Win College Journalism Contest

BELLMORE, NY — A pair of students from Mepham High School have won the inaugural Purchase College Awards for Excellence in High School Journalism.

Iris Pineda won the features category with a compelling portrait of a new guidance counselor. Sofia Tibaldi won the arts category for her review of an Olivia Rodrigo concert.

The students were nominated by their advisor Heather Castellano.

"These young reporters show the impact that good journalism can have on a community,” said Ross Daly, associate professor of journalism and director of the contest. "It’s impressive that they can do this so early in their careers."

The winners will be honored at a lunch on the campus of Purchase College, where they will meet with journalism faculty members at the State University of New York school.

Contest winners will also be offered partial housing scholarships of $3,000 per academic year if they choose to attend Purchase in the future.