Ruby Sparkles at Shine Awards

Year 12 Media Studies student, Ruby W, clinched the prestigious Best Non-Fiction prize at the Shine Media Awards in London

Ruby receiving her award

On Monday 30^th June Ruby was accompanied by departing NewsKnight editor, Nina A-G and Mr McDermott, after her piece (KTS Roofs are History) was nominated for a gong. Having clinched Best Online in 2024, the group were hopeful but there primarily to enjoy the day. This prize was one that all schools had entered (including entries from as far afield as Taiwan and the Falklands Islands) and the standard was extremely high.

The awards ceremony at the historic Stationers' Hall

After a splendid session of workshops by luminaries from the media world, Ruby, Nina and Mr McDermott, sat down to a sumptuous lunch in the historic Stationers’ Hall - which dates back to 1403 and is where British printing, and newspapers, started. Looking up at the splendour of the stained-glass windows and magnificent wood work, it is a remarkable venue with a little sprinkling of Hogwarts magic. History buffs may be interested to know that the original hall was burnt down in the Fire of London and was rebuilt in 1674, not long after the English Civil War. We felt honoured to be in such a place.

“This breezy, entertaining, and thorough article stood out for its original reporting on a highly relevant school issue"

Nina with Ruby at the Shine Media Awards

Shine Chairman, Richard Chapman, introduced the awards and an excited hush filled the hall. Before long, the category for Best Non-Fiction writer was introduced. The result came like a lightning bolt. “Ruby W. of KTS NewsKnight for KTS Roofs are History”… As Ruby and Nina (who’d co-written the piece) came up to collect their award, their smiles could not have been wider.

Here is the commendation written by the Shine Media Awards: “This breezy, entertaining, and thorough article stood out for its original reporting on a highly relevant school issue. Emphasizing the idea that all news is local, the writer vividly captured the chaos of leaking roofs with strong quotes, stats, and national context. Thoughtful use of video and images further brought the story to life.”

Congratulations to Ruby, Nina and the NK team on a job well done. Here’s to another successful year at the best student media outlet in Hertfordshire.

Does your son and daughter want to follow in Ruby’s steps? NewsKnight meets Thursday and Friday in K15 where they can learning writing, video, photography, web design, word/video editing and leadership. NK is truly KTS’ student voice.