Bill Text: VA HJR357 | 2018 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending The Highlander.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-0)
Status: (Passed) 2018-03-06 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ357ER) [HJR357 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2018-HJR357-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, The Highlander, the student-run newsmagazine of McLean High School, had a banner year in 2017, winning both the Pacemaker award from the National Scholastic Press Association and a Gold Crown from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association; and
WHEREAS, the National Scholastic Press Association's (NSPA) Pacemaker award and the Columbia Scholastic Press Association's (CSPA) Gold Crown are two of the premier honors for school print newspapers, magazines, and yearbooks; publications are judged on their overall excellence in design, photography, concept, coverage, and writing; The Highlander was one of 26 Pacemaker award winners and one of 63 Gold Crown winners nationwide, and it was the only high school publication from the Commonwealth to receive either honor; and
WHEREAS, in addition, The Highlander received fourth place in two categories of the NSPA's Story of the Year contest—in the feature story category for the article "Beyond Gender" and in the diversity series category for the article "Finding Refuge"; and
WHEREAS, released seven times per school year, The Highlander is a high-quality newsmagazine that includes coverage of school and community events as well as feature articles, opinion pieces, and profiles; over the years, the publication has become known for its witty writers, strong reporters, and outstanding photographers, designers, and editors; and
WHEREAS, staff members from The Highlander received the Pacemaker award at the Journalism Education Association/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention held November 16 - 19, 2017, in Dallas, Texas; they accepted their Gold Crown during the CSPA Scholastic Convention held at Columbia University on March 17, 2017; and
WHEREAS, The Highlander's award-winning year is a testament to the skill and dedication of all its staff members, the excellent guidance of its faculty advisor, and the enthusiastic support of family members, friends, and the entire McLean High School community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend The Highlander on receiving the 2017 Pacemaker and Gold Crown awards; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to The Highlander as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the publication's outstanding accomplishments and best wishes for continued success.