YC writer Melanie Mata’s story “Keeping Immigrants Out Isn’t the Key to Our Safety — Gun Control Is” was a finalist in the Ippies Awards (Best Editorial/Commentary category), sponsored by the Center for Community and Ethnic Media at the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism.  

Melanie competed with the top journalists in community and ethnic media. She couldn’t attend the awards ceremony because it was the same day as her graduation from Renaissance Charter High School. YCteen magazine Editorial Director Holly St. Lifer accepted the award on her behalf at the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism on June 21, 2018.