Crown Point High School students earned multiple awards at the recent Indiana High School Press Association’s state convention.
Crown Point’s Inklings newsmagazine and Excalibur yearbook were both named Hoosier Star winners, the IHSPA’s highest honor that recognizes overall excellence in scholastic journalism.
Additionally, the Crown Town Media website was a Hoosier Star finalist.
“Our students are passionate about telling real stories with impact,” said Jennifer Bianchi, a teacher who advises Inklings. “These awards are a reflection of their dedication, hard work, and the strong communication skills they’re developing every day.”
In addition to the Hoosier Star accolades, the Excalibur yearbook earned a First Class Honor Rating from the National Scholastic Press Association. The rating recognizes the 2024 yearbook for its strong design, writing, photography, and overall presentation.
The IHSPA also honored Crown Point’s publications with several Harvey Awards, which celebrate individual achievements across specific areas of journalism. Awards included:
Yearbook Division III – 1st place: advertising; 2nd place: academics and clubs/organizations and 3rd place: multi-page design.
Multimedia Division III – 2nd place: website for Crown Town Media; 3rd place: social media.
“Winning the Hoosier Star this year drove home that we are more than a simple high school publication,” said Inklings editor Ashley Johnson, a senior. “We are writing on a higher level that deserves to be awarded, and the Hoosier Star has validated our efforts throughout the year.
More than 70 students are enrolled in the journalism co-curricular courses at CPHS, two of which are part of Career and Technical Education pathways.
Students in these programs collaborate as writers, photographers, designers, broadcasters, and editors, gaining valuable experience that can lead to college scholarships, internships, and careers in media and communications.
“Journalism is more relevant now than ever,” said Principal Russ Marcinek, “and we are proud of our students for not only producing award-winning work, but also for embracing their role as storytellers and community voices.”
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
