Recognizing the essential role journalists play in increasing understanding of public schools
SAN JOSE, CA – Sharon Noguchi, of Chalkbeat, and formerly of the Mercury News, has been chosen as one of 25 recipients of the Golden Quill Award, presented in recognition of fair, insightful and accurate reporting on public school news by print, broadcast and online news media representatives. The inaugural Golden Quill Awards are presented by the California School Boards Association (CSBA) to recognize outstanding education journalism and highlight the essential role journalists play in increasing understanding of the objectives, operations, accomplishments, challenges and opportunities related to public schools.
Noguchi was presented with a Certificate of Excellence in Reporting by the Santa Clara County Board of Education. CSBA will publish winners on its website (www.csba.org) and in the spring edition of California Schools magazine.
"We are thrilled to recognize a longtime friend to education and a name that is synonymous with local education coverage," stated Board President, Rosemary Kamei. "I've known Sharon for a very long time, and it is a voice in education that is very, very, focused on the needs of students and I think that is something that is still needed."
Sharon Noguchi was honored for her longtime dedication to education in local media including 33 years with the Mercury News, Bay Area News Group, and currently Chalkbeat.
"You did extraordinary work, and I congratulate you for all the work that you did," added Trustee Di Salvo.
Upon receiving the award, Noguchi thanked the County Board of Education, the County Office of Education, County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Mary Ann Dewan, and the California School Boards Association for the award and transparent communication.
"It also speaks to your respect for the idea that facts matter and that an informed public matters, particularly in this day and age, and that being transparent and having an understanding of what you do are important for making your institutions work, our institutions work, our democracy work and our community work. So thank you very much for the job that you do every day."
School district and county boards of education nominate journalists for the Golden Quill Award by highlighting work that was reported in an accurate and insightful manner and identifying stories where the nominee demonstrated a holistic understanding of the local educational agency and its stakeholders. Nominees must also have developed relationships with the board and relevant district and site-level staff, in addition to understanding the district or county office of education's missions, goals and/or strategic vision during the reporting process.
"Journalists who accurately and fairly explore the issues that districts and county offices of education face perform an essential public service by providing meaningful insight into public schools, one of our country's core civic institutions," said CSBA President Mike Walsh. "The Golden Quill Awards celebrate strong reporting that informs audiences and illuminates the critical issues facing local schools and California's 6.2 million public school students."
To learn more about the Golden Quill Awards, visit the California School Boards Association's awards webpage at https://bit.ly/2QuvhKr. Check back in August 2019 for information on next year's awards program.
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About the Santa Clara County Office of Education
Working collaboratively with school and community partners, the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) is a regional service agency that provides instructional, business, and technology services to the 31 school districts of Santa Clara County. The County Office of Education directly serves students through special education programs, alternative schools, Head Start and State Preschool programs, migrant education, and Opportunity Youth Academy. The SCCOE also provides academic and fiscal oversight and monitoring to districts in addition to the 22 Santa Clara County Board of Education authorized charter schools.
CSBA is a nonprofit education association representing the elected officials who govern public school districts and county offices of education. With a membership of nearly 1,000 educational agencies statewide, CSBA brings together school governing boards and district and county office administrators to advocate for effective policies that advance the education and well-being of the state's more than 6 million school-age children. Learn more at www.csba.org.