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The awards ceremony for the CSPA took place at the Columbia University in the city of New York on Friday, March 25 at approximately 3 p.m.

The ceremony lasted about two hours in which crowned finalists were named and their products were exhibited.

“There was the cream of the crop at Colombia University and having our students be among them was a real experience,” stated assistant principal Magdalena Sanchez.

Members of the Gazette and chaperones arrived in New York on Wednesday, March 16 and did not leave until Sunday, March 20, which gave them plenty of time to play tourists.

While in New York, chaperones took extra precautions to ensure that no student became lost. At no point were students supposed to go anywhere without the presence of a chaperone.

It cost students in the Grizzly Gazette roughly $1,000, plus food money to attend this trip. Since the trip was planned on a very short notice, the money had to be paid upfront and there were not many opportunities to fundraise for this trip.

“It was rather expensive to pay for this trip, but it was worth it because Victor had fun,” stated parent Marina Espinoza. “This trip was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am glad that he got to experience it. I wish that I was there to also experience it.”

The Grizzly Gazette stayed in the Sheraton Hotel throughout their duration in New York.

Upon arriving in the Sheraton Hotel, students and chaperones did not even have rooms, even though they had reservations. One group of students did not receive their room until 10 p.m.

In New York, students and chaperones visited the Metropolitan Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, the New York Times, the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism, Central Park, Columbia University, Ground Zero, and so much more.

“I was glad that everyone behaved well and we got to see as much as we did,” stated chaperone Glen Stailey.

On Friday, March 18, the Grizzly Gazette attended a group dinner at the Empire Steak House, courtesy of Sanchez.

Members of the Grizzly Gazette and chaperones also went on a tour around Central Park via carriage ride and attended a water taxi tour where they saw the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and other attention-grabbing sights via boat.

“I loved New York; it was everything that I thought it would be,” stated Sanchez. “I was very impressed by the quality of the students that we have and how well behaved they were.”

Times Square was an adventure all in its own with flashing lights, stores, enormous buildings and billboards everywhere in sight.

“New York was a great learning experience for the students who attended this trip,” stated chaperone Jane Kisling. “I think this trip opened up students eyes to the fact that there are more opportunities and places than just Porterville in the world.”

Unlike Porterville, the extremely large city of New York seemed to be dominated by walkers rather than cars; cars were plentiful and filled up every lane, but the sidewalks of the “Big Apple” were overcrowded with people walking.

“Central park was my favorite, so close yet so far from a big city and buildings,” stated chaperone Jeanette Knight. “I'm so proud of all of the Gazetters. I know that your families in town are proud.”

The other widely used form of transportation was via subway. Riding on a subway for the first time was an interesting experience for many students and chaperones being that the subway took off at a rather fast pace that took countless people by surprise.

The sidewalks of New York, despite having a massive amount of people, were not very chaotic; police officers were even standing outside on the streets interacting with the people, rather than staying in their vehicles and being isolated from everyone.

All in all, New York was a great experience for everyone who attended the trip.

“I was very pleased with the New York trip: I think that it was a great success. I would like to thank all of the parents and staff who helped fund this trip,” stated journalism coordinator Evan Hackett. “I would also like to thank Hansen Travel for organizing the trip, Mrs. Kisling for all of her dedication, Ms. Sanchez for coming along and providing the group dinner and thank you for introducing Carina Felix to Elena Cavral, Hispanic journalism outreach counselor, Mr. Stailey for helping to get the kids going and helping to provide meals and a limo, Caryn Hernandez for helping chaperone the kids, and Mrs. Knight for supervising and putting a smile back on Mrs. Kisling’s face. I would also especially like to thank all of the Porterville business community who purchased advertisements and made this once in a lifetime opportunity possible for our children.”

To Learn More:

The New York Times

CUNY Graduate School of Journalism

Columbia Univeristy in the City of New York

The Gazette staff would like to thank the following local businesses for sponsoring our trip to New York.