We are writing on behalf of Vashon High School’s student newspaper, asking you to help send our editorial staff to journalism camp this summer.

If you have picked up a copy of the VHS Riptide lately, you have seen our work in covering high school and local news in a readable, journalistic style that informs our readers.

We know that what moves a staff from good to great is getting the best education. That was our aim when 12 of our staff attended the Spring Convention with our advisers at Columbia Scholastic Press Association in New York City. The journalistic workshops we attended on Columbia University’s campus in March gave us an incredible opportunity to network with other student journalists, learn from outstanding professionals and brainstorm new ideas.

We even toured The New York Times under the guidance of the newspaper’s senior science reporter, thanks to a parent who connected us to him.

We want to build on this by sending our entire editorial staff to journalism camp in August, led by the Washington Journalism Education Association at Western Washington University in Bellingham. The cost is $325 per student for room and board.

If you would like to help make this happen — creating a stronger, more professional VHS Riptide — please consider donating.

There are two ways you can do this. You can send a check to the school at 9600 204th St., earmarked for camp scholarships, or donate directly to our GoFundMe account at The Vashon Riptide (www.gofundme.com/n3ahlg).

By doing this, you will contribute to a student-led organization that has pursued excellence for decades.

We look forward to seeing your donation. Thank you.

— Sarah Rada & Lilly Hennessey

2015-16 editors, The Riptide