City College Journalism Students & HarlemView Win Honors

Two journalism students at The City College of New York (CCNY) took top honors in the regional Mark of Excellence Awards given by the Society of Professional Journals (SPJ) on April 10, 2021, and another was a finalist. HarlemView was a finalist in the Independent Online Student Publication category.

Susan Thorson, Managing Editor of HarlemView, won for Best Online Digital News Videography for “Free Fridge Movement Offers Free Food.” Samir Dominguez won for Best Online Feature for “Coronavirus Turned Me into a Caregiver.” Sajina Shrestha was a finalist in that same category for her story, “A Humble Community Leader.” HarlemView was a finalist in the Best Independent Online Student Publication category.

SPJ honors the best student journalism by region. The Northeast Region 1 includes schools in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Central and Eastern Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont. First place winners in each region will compete at the national level against winners from the 12 SPJ regions. National winners will be announced in late spring.

This year because of the pandemic, winners were announced via Zoom rather than at a conference where students and journalists mingle. But the students felt the thrill of the honor.

Susan Thorson said, “It was such a great experience to report on the Free Fridge Movement. I learned so much and felt inspired by the volunteers’ care for their communities. I’m honored to win this award, and I hope it causes even more people to get involved with this great movement.”

Samir Dominguez said, “The fact that my name was put up with students from Harvard or Yale was exciting enough for me. Winning the award wasn’t as special to me as sharing my story. I had an experience, and telling people about it was a ride itself. Winning this made me realize that it doesn’t matter where you come from, you don’t need a fancy name or money, or anything like that. You need a story to tell. When you have it, go out there and share it. Everyone has something to share with the world, and the world is eager to hear it! I want to thank my mother, Chaitali, and brother, Jai, who are both healthy and well now, and my journalism professor, Barbara Nevins Taylor. for allowing me to share my story to all of these schools!”

Sajina Shrestha said, “It makes me extremely happy to know that the stories I write are reaching people. It makes me even more motivated to find unique communities and tell their stories.”