The Bobcat Prowl’s very own Editor/Sports Specialist, Eli Schwartzman, has been recognized for his prestigious writing abilities through the National Scholastic Press Association Clips and Clicks contest, and will venture to the 2025 Washington Journalism and Media Conference at George Mason University, representing South Windsor, CT as a National Youth Correspondent.
Throughout his three years in South Windsor High School journalism, Schwartzman has made many major contributions to the program, particularly in the sports category. Eli capitalizes on providing quality coverage of athletic teams, and individual athletes within the high school community.
In acknowledgement for his consistent excellence in sports writing, Schwartzman placed 4th in the National Scholastic Press Association Sports Article Division and received Best of SNO awards for featured athlete articles, “King of Hearts” and “The Payoff Pitch.”
Joining The Bobcat Prowl as a freshman, Eli Schwartzman’s writing abilities were apparent to his older brother, and former Editor-In-Chief, Max Schwartzman, who had a hand in advancing Eli’s commitment and contributions to The Prowl.
“The Bobcat Prowl was founded on the principles of excellence, and I am extremely proud that this culture and mindset has continued with Eli,” Max Schwartzman commented. “His work has helped keep The Prowl the greatest newspaper in the history of news, and he’s just getting started.”
In addition to writing, Eli discovered his love for photo-journalism early on. Attending various sporting events, Schwartzman has a gift for capturing the essence of critical moments in just one photo.
“I’m always impressed that Eli’s photographs seem to capture raw emotion, as well as the action or event that precipitated it,” Schwartzman’s mother, Jennifer Tolman, told The Prowl.
As a consistent source of support in Eli’s life, his mother is an attestation of his devotion to furthering his journalistic prowess, and the qualities that allow him to be successful in this realm of communication.
“Eli has always had a gift – even as a young child – for knowing how to reach people “where they are” and to make others feel heard. During his time in high school and as a part of The Bobcat Prowl team, I’ve seen him hone that skill and use it to evolve both his writing and his photojournalism,” Tolman explained.
Advisor to The Bobcat Prowl and SWHS English teacher Cara Quinn has seen Schwartzman’s abilities progress throughout his high school journalism career and is incredibly proud of Schwartzman’s invitation to the conference, as well as his numerous other accomplishments over the years.
“Eli is one of the most talented writers I have worked with as a teacher and a driving force behind the continued success of The Prowl. His work has received national recognition from multiple organizations,” Quinn said. “He is a student who I rely on, and I could not be more proud of his accomplishments.”
Schwartzman has been invited to attend the week-long Washington Journalism and Media Conference (WJMC) in July. During the conference, Schwartzman will have the opportunity to attend presentations by prominent journalists and CEOs of major news outlets, meet with congressmen, and build valuable connections within the realm of journalism.
The Bobcat Prowl team is eager to see where Schwartzman’s journalistic endeavors will take him as he branches out beyond the South Windsor community, and is proud of his current achievements.
