For many students at Cardozo, journalism is more than just writing articles or producing broadcasts; it is a way to share stories and push the truth. Behind the growth of the journalism program is the Assistant Principal Mrs. Kierez, who was recently recognized with the Press Pass NYC Administrator of the Year Award for her dedication to strengthening student journalism.
Mrs. Kierez, who has worked in education for 24 years and served as an Assistant Principal for over a decade, was surprised when she learned she had received the honor.
“I was not aware at all,” she said. “It was a very cool surprise.” She was nominated for the award by Mrs. Gutterman, the advisor of “The Verdict.”
Although humbled by the award, Mrs. Kierez views the award as a reflection of the collaborative effort behind Cardozo’s journalism program. Over the years, she has worked closely with journalism teachers and staff members to expand the program into a true four-year experience that continues to evolve alongside modern media.
Mrs. Kierez shared that, “Journalism is one of my babies…my goal was to branch it out and make it a true four-year program and to make sure that we keep up with the times.” She also shared that she inherited the program from former English Department Assistant Principal, Mrs. Messina.
Under her leadership, the program has expanded beyond traditional print journalism to include broadcast media, digital storytelling, and social media innovation. This year, Cardozo’s broadcast program and newspaper earned international recognition, while the school also re-introduced the literary magazine, which they hope to keep growing.
Upcoming plans for the program include phasing out the sophomore elective, which focuses on public relations and advertising, to include a more diverse and hands-on class experience where students can learn about the upper-level, production courses in the program.
As the Assistant Principal of English, Mrs. Kierez believes journalism and writing go hand in hand. While she enjoyed writing growing up, she said her passion for journalism comes from something deeper—a dedication to truth and integrity.
“I love the fact that you can teach young people that your voices can be heard,” she shared. “But you just have to do it with integrity.”
According to Mrs. Kierez, one of the most important lessons journalism teaches students is objectivity. She emphasized the importance of researching thoroughly, listening to multiple perspectives, and ensuring articles remain fact-based rather than emotionally driven.
“It’s really about objectivity,” she explained. “You have to make sure that articles are fact-based.”
Throughout the years, there have occasionally been disagreements surrounding certain stories or topics covered by student journalists. However, Mrs. Kierez believes open communication and honesty are key to resolving conflicts.
“Not everyone is always going to agree about what we write about,” she said. “But once you share how things are going to be done and that you’re looking at both sides, it usually works out.”
Looking ahead, Mrs. Kierez also hopes to continue modernizing the journalism program by introducing more ethics-based curriculum and adapting to the changing ways students consume media. She has studied the media programs at universities such as Hofstra to better understand how Cardozo can continue preparing students for future careers in journalism and media.
Mrs. Kierez explained, “TikTok and social media are where many students get their news now, so we have to find ways to adapt while still making sure students are getting true news.”
More than anything, Mrs. Kierez believes that journalism is built on teamwork. Whether students are working in a newsroom, producing broadcasts, or creating digital content, she wants them to understand the importance of collaboration and the truth.
“You cannot be on your own,” she said. “You have to be a team.”
