Northern Essex Community College’s student newspaper, the NECC Observer, has been awarded a Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Medal for its work and perseverance during the pandemic.

During the 2020–21 school year, the student newspaper did not have a print edition, but articles continued to be published on its website. The judges wrote that the Observer should be proud of what it has accomplished under such difficult circumstances. The Observer also received a gold medal for its work during the previous school year, when it was also fully online. The newspaper had the additional distinction of All Columbia Honors for receiving an exceptionally high judgment score that year.

Mary Jo Shafer, faculty advisor and journalism/communications program coordinator, says she’s proud of the students who have contributed to the Observer, especially Lawrence’s former editor Isa Grullon. Grullon is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree at UMass Boston.

The NECC Observer, an award-winning journal published by student journalism, strives to inform the university community, including students, faculty and staff. It also serves as a public forum for the Haverhill and Lawrence campuses and accepts letters and guest columns from the university community.

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