ABOUT

BACKGROUND

Welcome to the website of the Knight Errant, the student news organization of Benilde-St. Margaret’s School in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.

All content on this website is written and produced by the students of the Journalistic Writing and Editorial Leadership classes at Benilde-St. Margaret’s School. This online edition (bsmknighterrant.org) is updated on a daily basis and the newsmagazine is published quarterly. The editors and members of the Knight Errant strive to uphold their integrity as journalists and resist censorship.

Benilde-St. Margaret’s is located at 2501 Highway 100 South, St. Louis Park, MN, 55416. The Knight Errant, which is advised by the teachers of the Editorial Leadership, Journalistic Writing, and Video Journalism courses, can be reached by emailing [email protected].

Please contact us with story ideas, opinions, or corrections by emailing [email protected]

POLICIES

The role and goal of the Knight Errant staff is to inform and entertain their readers through accurate and factual reports. The Knight Errant aims to be accurate, fair and impartial in its coverage of all issues. The staff strives to report all issues in a legal, objective, accurate, and ethical manner, according to the NSPA Code of Ethics for High School Journalists.

The Knight Errant’s publications work to avoid bias and/or favoritism and endeavor to make coverage and content meaningful and interesting. In order to strive for objectivity, journalists try to avoid covering stories with which they are involved. Every effort is made to avoid printing libel, obscenities, innuendos, or invasions of privacy.

Student journalists learn responsibility and other valuable skills when they make their own publication choices; prior review or restraint can limit their ability to produce journalism of the highest quality. The Knight Errant empowers the staff to make decisions freely. Editors of the Knight Errant make all decisions of content without prior review from school officials or the public, and the adviser does not act as a censor, but provides feedback and mentors students.

The editorial board consists of the editors of the Knight Errant’s publications. The editorial board will discuss coverage concerns in light of journalistic ethics and with an eye toward creating an inclusive environment for all staff members. If content receives complaints, the editorial board will review the content with the administration and evaluate whether it should be taken down.

Editorials, columns, reviews and any other opinions expressed in this publication that appear under a byline are the opinions of the writer and not necessarily those of the staff, advisers, or BSM administration. Staff editorials are not written under a byline and reflect the majority opinion of the editorial board of the Knight Errant and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of all students on the staff, of the adviser, or of the administration.

The Knight Errant welcomes letters to the editors and general commentaries and expressly reserves the right to edit those letters due to space limitations, copyright laws, or journalistic ethics. Letters should adhere to the same requirements as found in the online-comment policy and be submitted to [email protected].

The Knight Errant staff moderates all comments made on this website. Comments are expected to adhere to our standards and to be respectful and constructive. As such, we do not permit the use of profanity, foul language, personal attacks, or the use of language that might be interpreted as libelous. The Knight Errant does not allow anonymous comments, and the Knight Errant requires a valid email address. The email address will not be displayed but will be used to confirm comments.

All questions, concerns, and requests for coverage should be directed to [email protected].

ONLINE COMMENTS

The Knight Errant intends for this area to be used to foster healthy, thought-provoking discussion. Comments are expected to adhere to our standards and to be respectful and constructive. As such, we do not permit the use of profanity, foul language, personal attacks, or the use of language that might be interpreted as libelous. Comments are reviewed and must be approved by a moderator to ensure that they meet these standards. The Knight Errant does not allow anonymous comments, and the Knight Errant requires first and last names and a valid email address in order for comments to be published. The email address will not be displayed but will be used to confirm comments. We inherit the rights to delete a part of a comment if it is rude and unnecessary to prove a point, but will only delete parts that don’t change the intended message.

ADVERTISING

The Knight Errant does not advertise online nor in print.

CORRECTIONS

Corrections will be published online when mistakes are found and/or brought to the attention of the staff.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media will be used to promote published content and to engage readers. Information posted on social media platforms will be held to the same standard as all other forms of reporting.

PRIVACY

Like most websites, bsmknighterrant.org collects and logs information automatically and through the use of electronic tools that may be transparent, such as an IP address, the type and version of a browser, the length of time on the site, search queries, click-stream data, the location linking to the site and the number of pages viewed. This information is logged for systems administration and troubleshooting purposes and may also be used to gather general demographic. Your personal information (usernames, passwords, and any other sensitive data) will not be used or sold for any purpose.

DEATH

Reporting on the end of life is a sensitive matter; therefore, the Knight Errant will consult with the family of the deceased before covering the death of a student or faculty/staff member.

COPYRIGHT

All content on bsmknighterrant.com or in a printed Knight Errant publication is strictly protected by copyright laws. Use of our photos and other content is allowed once permission is granted. Contact [email protected] for usage of content. If you believe that the Knight Errant has infringed your copyright in any material way, please notify us at [email protected].

Our Awards

National Awards and Honors

CSPA Silver Crown 2024 (hybrid category)
CSPA Silver Crown 2022 (hybrid category)
NSPA Pacemaker Finalist for KEQ
NSPA Online Pacemaker 2021
CSPA Silver Crown 2021 (hybrid category)
NSPA Online Pacemaker 2020
CSPA Critique: Gold Medalist 2018-2019 (hybrid category)
NSPA Online Pacemaker Finalist 2019
CSPA Critique: Gold Medalist 2017-2018 (hybrid category)
NSPA Online Pacemaker Finalist 2018
NSPA Online Pacemaker 2017
CSPA Silver Crown 2016 (hybrid category)
NSPA Print Pacemaker Finalist 2015 (KEQ)
CSPA Gold Circle 1st Place Certificate 2015 (KEQ)
NSPA Online Pacemaker 2015
CSPA Gold Crown 2015 (hybrid category)
CSPA Critique: Gold Medalist with All-Columbian Honors 2014 (hybrid category)
NSPA Critique: 1st Class 2014 (online edition)
NSPA Critique: 1st Class 2014 (print edition)
NSPA Online Pacemaker 2014
CSPA Silver Crown 2014 (hybrid category)
CSPA Critique: Gold Medalist with All-Columbian Honors 2013 (hybrid category)
NSPA Critique: All-American 2013 (online edition)
NSPA Critique: All-American 2013 (print edition)
NSPA Online Pacemaker Finalist 2013
NSPA/JEA 2013 Spring Convention Website Best of Show (Small Schools) — 3rd Place
NSPA/JEA 2013 Spring Convention Print Best of Show (Tabloid Size) — 6th Place
NSPA Critique: All-American 2012 (online edition)
NSPA Critique: 1st Class 2012 (print edition)
NSPA Online Pacemaker 2012
NSPA/JEA 2011 Fall Convention Website Best of Show (Small Schools) — 4th Place
NSPA Online Pacemaker 2011
NSPA/JEA 2010 Fall Convention Website Best of Show (Small Schools) — 6th Place
NSPA Online Pacemaker 2010
NSPA Online Pacemaker 2009

Minnesota Awards and Honors

All-State Gold Online Edition 2021
All-State Silver KEQ 2021
All-State Silver Print Edition 2020
All-State Gold KEQ 2020
All-State Gold Online Edition 2020
MHSPA Website Best of Show 2020 – 4th Place
MHSPA Gold Medallion Website General Excellence 2019 – 3rd Place
MHSPA Website Best of Show 2019 – 3rd Place
MHSPA Newspaper Best of Show 2019 – 7th Place
All-State Silver Print Edition 2019
All-State Gold KEQ 2019
All-State Gold Online Edition 2019
MHSPA Newspaper Best of Show 2018 – 1st Place
MHSPA Feature Magazine Best of Show 2018 – 3rd Place
2018 MHSPA Website General Excellence – 3rd Place
All-State Gold Online Edition 2018
All-State Gold KEQ 2018
All-State Silver Print Edition 2018
All-State Gold KEQ 2017
All-State Gold Print Edition 2017
All-State Gold Online Edition 2017
MHSPA Feature Magazine Best of Show 2017 – 3rd Place
MHSPA Newspaper Best of Show 2017 – 6th Place
MHSPA Publication Website Best of Show 2017 – 3rd Place
MHSPA Gold Medallion Website General Excellence 2017 – 1st Place
MHSPA Newspaper Best of Show 2016 – 3rd Place
MHSPA Gold Medallion Website General Excellence 2016 – 6th Place
MHSPA Feature Magazine Best of Show 2016 – 1st Place
All-State Silver KEQ 2016
All-State Silver Print Edition 2016
All-State Gold Online Edition 2016
MHSPA Website Best of Show 2015 — 3rd Place
All-State Gold Print Edition 2015
All-State Gold Online Edition 2015
All-State Gold KEQ 2015
MHSPA Website Best of Show 2013 — 1st Place
MHSPA Print Best of Show 2013 — 5th Place
All-State Gold Print Edition 2013
All-State Gold Online Edition 2013
MHSPA Website Best of Show 2012 — 1st Place
MHSPA Print Best of Show 2012 — 1st Place
All-State Gold Print Edition 2012
All-State Gold Online Edition 2012
All-State Gold Print Edition 2011
All-State Gold Online Edition 2011
MHSPA Website Best of Show 2011 — 1st Place
All-State Gold Print Edition 2010
All-State Gold Online Edition 2010
MHSPA Website Best of Show 2010 — 2nd Place
MHSPA Website Best of Show 2009 — 1st Place
MHSPA Print Best of Show 2009 — 4th Place

National Individual Awards

2023 CSPA Gold Circle – Certificate of Merit – Flint Frohman – Sports News
2023 CSPA Gold Circle – Certificate of Merit – Aidan Marks – General or Humor Commentary
2022 CSPA Gold Circle – 2nd Place – Andrew Lyons and Jackson Bisson – News Feature
2021 NSPA Individual Cover Design – Finalist – Emily Barron
2020 NSPA Digital Story of the Year – Honorable Mention – Podcast – Keegan Gustafson
2020 NSPA Digital Story of the Year – Honorable Mention – Sports Story – 2019 Sports Writing Class
2020 NSPA Digital Story of the Year – 4th Place – Blog – Mia Rheineck
2020 CSPA Gold Circle 2nd Place Award – Cover Design for General or Feature Magazine – Emily Barron
2020 CSPA Gold Circle Certificate of Merit – Typography – Emily Barron
2020 NSPA 3rd Place – Blog – Mia Rheineck
2019 NSPA 1st Place – Photo Illustration – Carson Sando
2019 CSPA Gold Circle 1st Place Award – Photo Illustration – Carson Sando
2019 CSPA Gold Circle 1st Place Award – Editorial Writing – Staff
2019 CSPA Gold Circle 1st Place Award – Feature Photograph – Carolyn Mason
2019 CSPA Gold Circle 1st Place Award – Photo Illustration – Michael Koch
2019 CSPA Gold Circle Certificate of Merit – Sports Photograph – Henry Witterschein
2019 CSPA Gold Circle Certificate of Merit – First-Person Experience – Kailyn Pedersen
2019 CSPA Gold Circle Certificate of Merit – News Writing – Allison Brooks
2018 CSPA Gold Circle 1st Place Award – Typography – Andrew Cadle
2018 CSPA Gold Circle Honorable Mention – Art/Illustration – John Beutz
2018 NSPA 2nd Place – Comics Journalism – John Beutz
2018 NSPA 1st Place – Comic Panel/Strip – John Beutz
2018 NSPA Honorable Mention – Illustration – Andrew Cadle
2018 NSPA Honorable Mention – literary/Specialty Magazine Cover – Andrew Cadle
2018 CSPA Gold Circle 1st Place Award – First Person Experience Article – Nathanael Ashton-Piper
2018 CSPA Gold Circle 2nd Place Award – Video Commercial – Emily Platt, Meagan Steck, and Lauren Chevalier
2018 CSPA Gold Circle 2nd Place Award – Informational Graphics – Elizabeth Kupecella
2017 NSPA 2nd Place – Diversity Series Story of the Year – Kate Janda, Mary Youngblut and Molly Keady
2017 NSPA 4th Place – Editorial/Opinion Story of the Year – Nathanael Ashton-Piper
2017 NSPA 5th Place – Newspaper Page/Spread Design of the Year – William Krane
2017 NSPA Honorable Mention – Multimedia Sports Story of the Year – Nathanael Ashton-Piper, Lauren Chevalier and Brad Shibley
2017 CSPA Gold Circle 3rd Place Certificate – Personal Opinion: Off-Campus Issues – Andrew Torrance
2017 CSPA Gold Circle Certificate of Merit – First Person Experience – Nathanael Ashton-Piper
2017 CSPA Gold Circle 1st Place Certificate – General or Humor Commentary – Gunnar Lundberg
2017 CSPA Gold Circle 3rd Place Certificate – Entertainment Review – Alec Lawrenz
2016 CSPA Gold Circle 2nd Place Certificate – Cultural Feature – Alec Lawrenz
2015 CSPA Gold Circle 3rd Place Certificate — Sports Feature — Will Jarvis
2015 CSPA Gold Circle Certificate of Merit — Personal Opinion — Jack Youngblut
2015 CSPA Gold Circle Certificate of Merit — Personal Opinion — Sarah Letscher
2015 CSPA Gold Circle Certificate of Merit — Humor Commentary — Jackie Lawyer
2015 CSPA Gold Circle Certificate of Merit — Personality Profile — Jack Youngblut
2015 CSPA Gold Circle Certificate of Merit — Feature — Sarah Karels and Sofie Madden
2014 CSPA Gold Circle 1st Place Certificate — Computer Generated Art/Illustration — Keara Clacko

Minnesota Gold Medallion Awards

2023 MHSPA Editorial/Opinion – 5th Place – Staff
2020 MHSPA Newsmagazine Spread Design – 1st Place – Emily Barron, Alice Petty, Flint Frohman, Blake Mesenberg
2020 MHSPA Photo Illustration – 1st Place – Jack Shields
2020 MHSPA Newsmagazine Feature Story – 4th Place – Seamus Foley, Andrew Lyons, Alice Petty
2019 MHSPA Online Multimedia Package – 3rd Place – Kayla Farrey
2019 MHSPA Newspaper Review – 3rd Place – Kailyn Pedersen
2019 MHSPA Single Page Design – 2nd Place – Emily Barron
2019 MHSPA Page One Design – 1st Place – Flynn Skahan
2018 MHSPA Newspaper Sports Story – 5th Place – Braeden Fitzgerald
2018 MHSPA Newspaper Review – 6th Place – Sol Doyscher
2018 MHSPA Page One Design – 5th Place – Michael Koch
2018 MHSPA Newspaper News Story – 8th Place – Allison Brooks
2018 MHSPA Newsmagazine Feature Story – 6th Place – Kayla Farrey
2017 MHSPA Center Spread Design – 2nd Place – Andrew Cadle
2017 MHSPA Broadcast Feature Story – 3rd Place – Leo Linder
2017 MHSPA Newspaper News Story – 3rd Place – Grace Gyolai, Leo Driessen
2017 MHSPA Online Multimedia Package – 3rd Place – Staff
2017 MHSPA Newsmagazine Feature Photo – 4th Place – Ashley Ortizcazarin
2017 MHSPA Broadcast News Story – 2nd Place – Connor Lawler
2017 MHSPA Broadcast Feature Story – 2nd Place – Brad Shibley, Lauren Chevalier
2017 MHSPA Newsmagazine Page One Design – 3rd Place – John Landry
2017 MHSPA Newspaper Sports Story – 1st Place – Will Whitmore
2017 MHSPA Online Multimedia Package – 1st Place – Tommy McGinn, Joey Simpson, John Landry
2017 MHSPA Newspaper Editorial/Opinion – 3rd Place – Nathanael Aston-Piper
2017 MHSPA Newspaper Review – 2nd Place – Nathanael Aston-Piper
2016 MHSPA Newspaper Feature Design – 1st Place – Will Krane
2016 MHSPA Newspaper Feature Design – 6th Place – Will Krane
2016 MHSPA Newspaper Feature Story – 6th Place – Abby Letscher
2016 MHSPA Newspaper News Story – 6th Place – Molly Keady
2016 MHSPA Online Multimedia Package – 1st Place – 2016 Staff
2016 MHSPA Newspaper Feature Photo – 5th Place – Collins Jones
2016 MHSPA Newspaper Review – 6th Place – Alec Lawerenz
2016 MHSPA Newspaper Editorial Column – 5th Place – 2016 Staff
2016 MHSPA Newspaper Spots Photo – 2nd Place – Collins Jones
2016 MHSPA Newspaper News Photo – 4th Place – Keenan Schemer
2016 MHSPA Newspaper Page One Design – 1st Place – Johnny Byrnes
2016 MHSPA Newspaper News Photo – 10th Place – Sisay Shannon-Tamrat
2016 MHSPA Newspaper Single-Page Design – 6th Place – Kasey Desmond, Anna von Kampen
2016 MHSPA Newspaper Feature Story – 1st Place – Lizzie Ambre, Rachel Lyons
2016 MHSPA Newspaper Page One Design – 7th Place – Keenan Schember, Rachel Lyons
2015 MHSPA Online Multimedia Package — 1st Place — Grace Gyolai
2015 MHSPA Newspaper Sports Story — 1st Place — Libby Grygar
2015 MHSPA Newspaper Review — 2nd Place — Adam Eldred
2015 MHSPA Newspaper Single-Page Design — 2nd Place — Jason Kang
2013 MHSPA Newspaper Sports Story — 1st Place — Anne Arnason and Michelle Sauer
2013 MHSPA Newspaper Sports Story — 2nd Place — Peter Best and David Nelson
2013 MHSPA Newspaper News Story — 1st Place — Mary Pat Ross
2013 MHSPA Newspaper News Story — 2nd Place — Katie Sisk and Ruby Ford
2013 MHSPA Newspaper Editorial — 1st Place — Staff
2013 MHSPA Newspaper Editorial — 2nd Place — Kate Whitney
2013 MHSPA Newspaper Feature Story — 2nd Place — Anne Arnason, Arthur Boyle, and Michelle Sauer
2013 MHSPA Newspaper Page One Design — 1st Place — Anne Arnason
2013 MHSPA Newspaper Single-page Design — 3rd Place — Kiley Petersen
2013 MHSPA Newspaper Sports Photo — 1st Place — Megan Beh
2013 MHSPA Website General Excellence — 1st Place — Staff
2013 MHSPA Website Multimedia Package — 1st Place — Anne Arnason