The Point News, St. Mary’s College of Maryland’s student newspaper, was named “Best College Newspaper for 2007-2008” by the American Scholastic Press Association (ASPA) earlier this month. The Point News tied with Knight News CUNY at Queens College in Flushing, New York.

The Point News was also given a First Place with Special Merit award. The biweekly publication is created by an all-student staff of approximately 30.

The editor-in-chief is Eric Schlein, assistant editor-in-chief is Melanie Zuckerman, and the managing editor is Julia Copley.

In their award letter, the ASPA told The Point News, “You have an excellent school newspaper, which shows the talent of your editors, reporters, writers, photographers, layout designers, and advisor[s]. Congratulations to all on your First Place with Special Merit award.”

Marc Apter, associate vice president for marketing and public relations and staff advisor for the newspaper, said “The paper’s readership on campus has grown substantially in the last few years. The quality of reporting and editing is better and better. This is the highest possible ranking in this nationally recognized competition….The staff are to be congratulated.”