Kaitlyn Richards has written for Medway & Millis Local Town Pages since 2023  

The New England Scholastic Press Association (NESPA) has chosen Millis High School senior Kaitlyn Richards as one of the top high school journalists in New England. 

“NESPA named Richards to its first-ever All New England High School Journalism staff, which recognizes the top high school journalists working on newspapers, yearbooks, broadcasts, or literary magazines throughout the six New England states,” said NESPA in an email to Millis school officials announcing Richards as one of 17 regional recipients. 

Richards is the editor-in-chief of the Millis High School newspaper, The Crimson Post, and has also been a student writer for Medway & Millis Local Town Pages since 2023.

“I am extremely excited to be recognized as one of the top high school journalists in New England,” said Richards. “This honor means so much to me, and I see it as a reflection of the dedication I have put into journalism during my four years of high school. I believe that the award indicates that I have excelled in the field, along with creating a real impact within the community. I have worked very hard with the Crimson Post and the Medway/Millis Local Town Pages during high school, making this acknowledgment all the more meaningful. I am thankful to everyone who has helped me get to this point and to the impact journalism has had on my education.” 

Richards believes the award “is a great way to represent Millis in a field that is different from many other students.” She hopes to continue with journalism in college (she has not yet chosen which school) by joining a student publication. 

“I was truly impressed by Kaitlyn’s work and naming to the first All New England High School Journalism staff,” said Millis High School Principal Patrick Nash. “I couldn’t help but feel proud of Kaitlyn’s accomplishments and so happy that she was deservedly recognized for all of her work.”

Nash describes Richards as conscientious, hardworking, and detail oriented. “She is impressive in putting her thoughts together, whether it be for a newspaper article or a mock trial in her law class.” 

Nash added, “Anytime a recognition like this happens in our ‘Small School, Big Family,’ we celebrate the accomplishment as it really means a lot. Our students have been performing at such a high level this year with amazing accomplishments. Our staff are working incredibly hard to grow and support all of our learners. As a staff, we are elated when a recognition like Kaitlyn’s occurs.” 

Millis School Committee Chair Robyn Briggs said, “Kaitlyn’s work with the Crimson Post and the Medway & Millis Local Town Pages has already had such a positive impact on our community, and this well-deserved recognition highlights the exceptional quality of her journalism. To be selected as one of only 17 students across all of New England is an extraordinary achievement, we could not be more proud.”

To enter the contest, Richards submitted a portfolio of her work [bit.ly/NESPArichards2025], a résumé of her journalism experience, and a reflective essay. To be included on the staff, a panel of judges determined her portfolio represented excellence in at least one area of journalism. 

Richards and her cohort will be recognized on May 2 at the annual New England Scholastic Press Conference in Boston. 

To read more about Richards and the other recipients, visit www.instagram.com/p/DG4Jkk8xHqp/.