Ranney Honored with Literary Awards: Updated

In what is now becoming a tradition of award-winning for Middle School students and advisor Lorrie Benditt, the division’s literary magazine known as The MAG was once again honored by the Columbia and American Scholastic Press Associations—this time for the publication’s 15th edition: “Myths and Glyphs,” Volume 1.

Earlier in the school year, the publication received a gold medal from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, marking the eighth consecutive year that The MAG has been recognized. Over the holiday break, the American Scholastic Press Association announced that Ranney earned first place with special merit in the category of “private/parochial school from 500-1,000 students.” The publication was also recognized as “Best Literary Art Magazine” in this same category. “Since 2006, The MAG has won gold five times at Columbia and won silver once in 2011, and bronze in 2009. We also have won first place every year from the American Scholastic Press Association and since 2008, first place with special merit,” explained Mrs. Benditt.

In the 2009–2010 school year, the “50th (of Ranney School) Anniversary Edition,” released during the fall/winter, and “The Elements” edition, released in the spring, together won “Best Literary Art Magazine” for the nation in Ranney’s respected division. Last year, the publication earned the Gold Award from The Columbia Scholastic Press Association and a first-place award with special merit from the American Scholastic Press Associations for the “Origins” edition (Volume 1) of the 2011–2012 MAG and the “Future of Technology” (Volume 2). Brittany Hofferber ’17 (Bay Head) also was honored with the Outstanding Poem Award for her poem “Fall Is Like A Show.”

“I am very proud of the fine work our editors and staff have contributed over the years, especially in this 15th edition,” said Mrs. Benditt.

Judges from Columbia Scholastic Press Association described The MAG as “a wonderful outlet for the creativity of the Middle School students at Ranney” and noted that the students should be proud of their work. “A good story is one which celebrates language, takes the reader on a short journey and touches the heart or mind or the imagination. Your magazine has succeeded on doing that. It's evident how much pride the youngsters take in their work and how dedicated each one is.”

The Upper School also has seen a pattern of literary success in RSVP Magazine; a student-produced magazine showcasing original student writing and art. Advised by Upper School English Teacher Joan Fernandez, RSVP received first place with special merit from the American Scholastic Press Association this year along with “Most Outstanding Private School Literary-Art Magazine.” Over the past few years, RSVP has been awarded one bronze medal, five silver medals and six gold medals, including the 2012–2013 edition by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and one first place, eight first place with special merit and two Outstanding Private School Literary Magazine awards from the American Scholastic Press Association. Ranney School’s school newspaper The Torch also recently received a silver medal from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association for its 2012–2013 issues.

Congratulations to all participating students and advisors on these wonderful accomplishments!