First Prize in this year’s Fall Press Day Write-Off contest was awarded to Samantha Gilbert of West Essex High School in North Caldwell.
The Write-Off is the featured writing competition at Fall Press Day, which was held this year on Dec. 17 at Rutgers University’s Busch Campus Center. Participants were assigned to cover the newspaper keynote speech and immediately afterwards, write a story on the event. About 20 students competed in this year’s Write-Off.
The newspaper keynote was delivered by Martin Gottlieb, editor of The Bergen Record, who spoke about his experiences in newspapering and the current state of the profession.
Gilbert is a staff member of The Wessex Wire student newspaper, which is advised by Cassie Lo. Gilbert won a $100 prize, provided by The Record, which sponsors the Write-Off each year.
Also placing in the competition were Francesca Cocchi of Communications High School in Monmouth County, advised by Andi Mulshine. Her story received second prize, for a $75 award.
Winning third place was Ben Wagner of the Peddie School of Hightstown, who won a $50 award. His adviser is Alyssa Morreale.