Silver Quill wins Columbia Scholastic Press Association Award

Silver Quill, Blair's yearly literary magazine, received the Gold Circle Award from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) during the week of Sept. 4.

According to Silver Quill adviser Valerie Josenhans, the publication entered the competition by submitting the most recent issue of the magazine, titled "Aperture," to the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. The magazine was judged on "design and layout, how well the theme is carried through the magazine, content and art," said Josenhans.

All publications in the competition received a score out of 1,000 possible points. Silver Quill received a score of 945, which earned them the highest award in the contest: the Gold Circle. Silver and Bronze Circle awards were given to other publications with lower overall scores.

Josenhans found Silver Quill's success exciting. "It's a well deserved award and the students worked incredibly hard to get it," said Josenhans.

Silver Quill has previously entered Columbia Scholastic Press Association contests, but had only earned Silver Circle awards. According to Josenhans, earning a Gold Circle Awards has been a longtime goal for the magazine.

In addition to the Columbia Scholastic Press Association contest, Silver Quill is also currently participating in three other competitions. Organizations hosting the other contests include: the Maryland Scholastic Press Association, the American Scholastic Press Association and the National Council of Teachers of English. According to Josenhans, Silver Quill is also planning on entering the National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker competition for the first time later this year.

To find out more about Silver Quill, visit their website here.