Recent Graduate Wins Journalism Scholarship

The National Scholastic Press Association awarded the 2021 Wikoff Scholarship for Editorial Leadership to Alam Alidina ’21. The award recognizes Alam’s outstanding leadership on the St. Mark’s journalism staff, where he most recently served as The ReMarker student newspaper’s Opinions Editor for the 2020-2021 school year and contributed regularly to Focus magazine.

 

“With each issue of our publication, Alam brought a broad world view of experiences to the table,” said Ray Westbrook, publications advisor and Gene and Alice Oltrogge Master Teaching Chair. “It was because of his awareness and deep sense of justice that The ReMarker had an opinions section with a clear voice and distinct purpose and inclusivity.”

 

As Opinions Editor, Alam led a 12-person editorial board that pitched opinion pieces on campus issues and broader social or political issues. Alam then helped coordinate three to four pages of opinion content for each issue of The ReMarker, while also ensuring that personal opinion columns were balanced and pertinent.

 

Last year, while preparing for his role as Opinions Editor, Alam sought inspiration from opinion pieces printed in previous issues of The ReMarker. “Through the use of detailed evidence and a measured tone, they were able to convey the unique perspective of students on the cusp of adulthood in a way that was both respectful and direct. But those editorials that were enjoyable to read years later reached beyond the school community to address issues of local and national importance.”

 

Throughout the 2020-2021 school year, The ReMarker’s Opinions section tackled topics including the Equal Rights Amendment, gun control, and the School’s new daily schedule.

 

Click here to read the latest issue of The ReMarker.