The Inkblot junior edit board battled the cold, snow and crowds during their annual trip to the Columbia Scholastic Press Association conference at Columbia University from March 15 to 17.

The three day trip led by Inkblot adviser and journalism teacher Andi Mulshine along with parent chaperone Karen Garrett. Editors attended numerous sessions on topics ranging from “Spreads So Shook” to “Reporting on the Apocalypse: Media Coverage In A Year of Passions.”

Mulshine said this year’s trip included more students than previous trips, and therefore, she needed another chaperone to attend.

“This was the first time we took more than 10 delegates, and it was one of the smoothest trips of all. Karen Garrett, Brigid’s mother, assisted me in chaperoning since the school district’s rule is one chaperone to every 10 students.” Mulshine said.

Assistant web editor and junior Dylan Josephson of Lincroft was one of 12 attendees, and he was impressed by the sessions offered during the conference.

“My favorite session was definitely one that was called ‘Elements of an award winning digital team.’” Josephson said. “The session was run by high school students from California that run an entirely online publication, which I found really cool, and they gave a lot of helpful tips.”

On March 14, New York City was hit hard with snow for most of the day, causing the departure for the trip to be delayed by an hour, but features editor and junior Elizabeth Klemm of Middletown said the weather did not slow down the group during the trip.

“The cold really didn’t bother me, but the snow was a pain. I expected the sidewalks to be plowed well since it’s New York, but there was snow, slush and ice all over,” Klemm said.

Mulshine felt that the trip was a success.

“It teaches us the skills we need to run a publication, both print and online; and it gives our students the true sense of being part of something national that’s critically important: maintaining a free and responsible press.” Mulshine said.