On May 16, 2016,  The Herald presented the second annual Melva Awards. Herald members were recognized for their hard work, excellent writing, and other contributions to our publication. In addition, The Herald inducted its second ever member of The Herald Hall of Fame: HHS teacher Angela T. Sweeney.

Below are the winners of the Melvas posing with their awards and our exclusive photo gallery of the event!

1. Winner of the Matt McAndrew Award for Best Opinion Piece, Maeghan Desmarais for Growing Up On The Wrong Side of the Tofu Curtain – Presented by former Herald Staffer Matt McAndrew

2. Winner of the Melva for Best Professional Sports Article, Marty Keane for College Football Playoff Breakdown – Presented by HHS Math Teacher Jake Belanger

3. Winner of the Melva For Best Staff Profile, Alex Glanville – Presented by HHS Vice Principal Lori Vaillancourt

4. Winner of the Melva For Best Entertainment Article, Nicole Lussier and Julia Swinehart for Shrek Comes To Holyoke High – Presented by HHS Music Teacher Mark Todd

5. Winner of the Melva For Best Feature, Ana Diaz Moore and Ryan Costello for Ana Runs The Road Race – Presented by Herald Features Editor Matt Antil

6. Winner of the Melva For Best Podcast, Summer Kaeppel and Alex Glanville for The Town Crier Episode 2 – Presented by HHS teacher Shaylyn Fitzell-Stevens

7. Winner of the Melva For Media Class MVP, Catherine Pater – Presented by Superintendent Dr. Steve Zrike

8. Winner of The Purple Knight Award for Best Holyoke High Sports Story, Sara Morin for More Than Just Running – Presented by former Herald Sports Editor Nick Edwards

9. Winner of The Ed Meyer Great American Award For Best Human Interest Story, Raegan Loughrey and Nick Elkins for To Protect And Serve – Presented by HHS History Teacher Ed Meyer

10. Winners of The Social Media Master Award, Summer Kaeppel and Ryan Costello for HHS Teachers Read Mean Tweets – Presented by HHS AP English Teacher Meghan Harrison

11. Winners of The People’s Choice Award, Summer Kaeppel and Ryan Costello – Presented by Herald Adviser Joe Courchesne

12. Winner of the Knight Life Award, Josie Moriarty for Changes Come To HHS – Presented by HHS Principal Steve Sullivan

13. Winner of Melva For Best Photo Gallery, Sara Morin for Thanksgiving Day Game 2015 – Presented by HHS Yearbook Adviser Rob Marx

14. Winner of Melva For Herald Staff Rookie of the Year, Emily McGuinness  Presented by HHS Video Production Teacher Dave Langlois

15. Winner of the Jon Dougherty Award for Journalistic Excellence, Feroze Sibdhanny for Back to School BBQ – Presented by Herald Editor-in-Chief and former recipient Melanie Kos

16. Winner of the Best Entry into the Spotlight Series, Melanie Kos for Spotlight on: Dr. Stephen Zrike

Here are some exclusive pictures from the event!