Grytte Staffers Attend Journalism Conference at Columbia

For the second consecutive year, boys from The Browning Grytte newspaper staff, along with the editors of The Grytte yearbook, attended the 77th Annual Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s (CSPA) Annual Fall Conference at Columbia University. The students partook in a variety of sessions, with 80 from which to choose, with themes ranging from sports reporting, to editorial writing, to creativity. They experienced both learning from professional journalists and writers and from being on a renowned college campus.

The boys from Grade Four to Form VI gathered insight into what makes their writing, visuals and paper itself more appealing. They appreciated this opportunity to learn more about what they do outside of class.

“The team was able to learn about best practices from experts in student journalism,” said George Grimbilas ’18, co-editor-in-chief of the Grytte newspaper. “The Grytte staff learned about the intricacies of putting together a great student newspaper."

“[CSPA’s] goal is to unite student journalists and faculty advisers at schools and colleges through educational conferences, idea exchanges, textbooks, critiques and award programs," according to its website.

The various sessions students attended throughout the day were beneficial for journalists and editors of all ages, not just for veteran writers. Indeed, students younger and older found themselves in the same sessions throughout the conference, and each left the conference with new information.

“I thought it was an exciting new experience, and I would love to do it again,” said a sixth grader, who is one of the youngest members of the Grytte newspaper staff.

The CSPA Annual Fall Conference was a chance for students to ameliorate their writing, develop their leadership, and experience being on a university’s campus. Both Grytte staffs took full advantage of this opportunity.