HONORS & AWARDS

Section |01 The Rolling Stone

Based on my creative and operational leadership as Editor-in-Chief of the award-winning redesign of the student newspaper during my junior year, I was the first student in over fifty years to be named Editor in back-to-back years.

Section |02 Academic Achievement

I have a dedicated, intentional approach to academic excellence.

Section |03 "Goodbye, Mr. Ball"

When Baxter Ball, the long-time Head of School at Manlius Pebble Hill School passed away unexpectedly during my senior year, I had both the tremendous privilege and awesome responsibility of documenting his farewell for The Rolling Stone. This singular issue garnered multiple awards from the Empire State Scholastic Press Association.

Just a sample of my work. To see more or discuss possible work >>

Gold Award: Best Newspaper

Empire State Scholastic Press Association - 2011

Gold Award: Most Improved Newspaper

Silver Award: Feature Story

Bronze Award: In-Depth Coverage

Daniels Scholarship: Academic Scholarship

Dean's List: Fall 2011

Spring 2012

Fall 2012

Crosby Scholarship: Academic Scholarship

AP Scholar with Distinction

National Merit Commended Scholar

National Honor Society

Mock Trial: Onondaga County Champions - 2010

Central New York Region Runner-Up - 2010

English Award - 2011

MPH student newspaper earns eight gold awards
Advisor credits impassioned students for paper’s success

Melissa Chessher [advisor to the MPH student newspaper and assistant professor at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications] was especially proud of her students’ efforts toward the paper’s May edition, for which the entire staff worked on a story covering the passing of the school's headmaster, Baxter Ball.

“I was so impressed with the main writer of that piece, Erin Simmonds,” Chessher said. “She conducted many interviews for that feature, and she had to interview members of his family, including his children, who were grieving the passing of their father. That's difficult for a seasoned journalist, and she managed to get some amazing quotes.”

SPECIAL REPORT - May 2011

Goodbye, Mr. Ball

by Erin Simmonds

Cherie Bisnett stepped up to the podium at Baxter Ball’s memorial service on Saturday, February 19th, 2011. As assistant to the headmaster for 12 years, Ms. Bisnett served as his friend, confidant, and watchdog. She ran his office, sitting at a big desk in the room outside of his office. At his memorial service, she said choking
back tears, “second only to his family, this school, these students, and this community meant everything to him from the moment he stepped on this small, slightly-rundown campus over twenty years ago.” ...

The Rolling Stone

Gold Award: Front page design portfolio

Gold Award: In-Depth Coverage