On June 5, 2026, R-Hi advisor Mrs. Erica Muszynski inducted five graduating seniors into the Quill & Scroll Honors Society for student journalists. Although the school has had a charter with the honors society since 1947, it has been decades since an active charter nominated students for membership at RHS.
The five graduating seniors inducted into the honors society include Matthew Chu, Hanna Nishikawara, Jiwon Kim, Aastha Desai, and Kelly Dudonis.
To be eligible for induction, students must meet the following requirements: (1) be of freshman, sophomore, junior or senior classification (2) have the equivalent of a B grade average, or be in the upper third of their class in general scholastic standing (3) have done superior work in some phase of journalism or school media work (4) be recommended by the supervisor or by the committee governing the media (5) be approved by the Quill and Scroll Associate Director.
Mrs. Muszynski noted that each inductee represented a different strength within student media. Matthew Chu was recognized for his four years of dedication to the R-Hi staff and for reviving the publication’s comic section, bringing creativity and personality back to the website. Hanna Nishikawara earned praise for producing polished, professional articles that consistently reflected a high standard of journalistic excellence.
Jiwon Kim was celebrated for documenting the life of Rutherford High School through event coverage and photography, preserving memories of the school community while also contributing thoughtful entertainment reviews. Meanwhile, Kelly Dudonis and Aastha Desai were recognized for launching and independently producing the R-Hi podcast, Bulldog Wisdom, where they interviewed members of the Class of 2026 and offered advice to younger students through conversations about extracurricular involvement.
“I think this class of inductees is a strong example of what student media can be,” Mrs. Muszynski said. “I am proud to recognize their hard work and contributions to our school and to scholastic journalism as a whole.”
The Quill & Scroll International Honors Society for High School Journalists was founded in 1926 from “Renowned pollster George H. Gallup and a group of high school advisers for the purpose of encouraging and recognizing individual student achievement in journalism and scholastic publication,” as per the society’s website. Celebrities that have been Quill & Scroll members include Fred “Mr.” Rogers, Robert Ebert, and Debra Messing.
Today, Quill & Scroll recognizes excellence in student media in its many forms, including yearbook, literary magazine, podcasts, and scholastic journalism. Every year, the organization gives scholarships and awards to students and advisers who have made an impact in their communities in the field of scholastic journalism and student media.
Mrs. Musyznski acknowledged the timing of the revival of Quill & Scroll at RHS: “In an era shaped by algorithms, artificial intelligence, and the rapid spread of information online, students need opportunities to practice discernment, curiosity, and ethical communication,” she said. “Scholastic journalism gives them those opportunities. By celebrating truth, accuracy, and responsible storytelling, we are preparing students not only to consume information critically, but also to contribute to the world thoughtfully and with integrity.”