Senior Bryce Infald, Editor in Chief of The Courant, was recognized by the New York Press Association in the 2025 Better Newspaper Contest, winning second place in New York state for his Arts and Entertainment feature. 

His article, “Ashley Reyes: From the CHS Stage to Global Screens,” published in November of 2025, was one of 40 high school student journalists’ work recognized. The contest received 2,732 entries from 150 newspapers across the state, varying from high school, college, and regional newspapers. 

The judge’s comments regarding his article included that the feature was  “…very well written and a great get for a high school newspaper to secure a feature on such a prominent actor.”

The feature focused on the career and journey of actress and alumna Ashley Reyes ’13 through her past, present and future.  

“This award feels like a reward for the work I have put into my articles over the years and my dedication to journalism,” said Infald. 

Infald has committed to Quinnipiac University and plans to major in journalism. He is also a member of the Quill & Scroll International Journalism Honor Society’s student advisory board and is a Sports Editor for Crossroads Yearbook. 

“My hope for the future is to take what I have learned from The Courant and gain more skills from the Quinnipiac newspaper, The Chronicle, and the classes I will take,” said Infald. 

The award is number 461 for the student-run online publication since 2001, under the advisership of English teacher Christina Semple.

“Bryce has been the beating heart of The Courant and I am so proud he is receiving the recognition he deserves for all his hard work and commitment towards the craft of writing and student journalism,” said Semple.

You can check out Bryce’s award-winning article here https://commackcourant.com/3010/features/ashley-reyes-from-the-chs-stage-to-global-screens/