Nine staff members from the Bronx River News attended the Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s spring conference on March 19. The three-day event featured panels and presentations from media professionals and educators on the campus of Columbia University in Manhattan.

With help from grants provided through Columbia University, students Jomayra Amparo, Roua Yabai, Fahima Akter, Lathania Williams, Xavier Lyons, Hawaou Kobeogo, Zoe Reyes, Hashan Chowdhury and Cesar Jimenez attended the event, which attracted student journalists from across the country.

Roua, a 10th grader, took part in the conference for the first time. “They taught me how to keep conversations going and prevent me from using the words ‘uh’ and ‘hmm’ in an interview,’’ she said.

Fahima, a senior, who has attended the event before, found navigating the campus easier on this visit. “So the first time I went there I got lost and it was really hard for me to find the sessions across the campus,’’ she said. “ But as this was my fourth time going to Columbia, I finally can find the sessions without getting lost.”

Jomayra, a junior, enjoyed the spring day on the Columbia campus. “It was very nice and very peaceful and the weather was amazing,’’ she said. “It was so gorgeous outside. I had a wonderful time at the University.

She said the best part of the day was having an advisor provide a critique of the newspaper “because the lady was helpful and kind and she exchanged views of information.”