Staples High School's 'Inklings News' Earns Gold Crown Award

WESTPORT, CT — The student-run publication Inklings News at Staples High School has been awarded the Gold Crown Award in the High School Hybrid General Magazine category by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA), marking the second time it has received the honor.

The Gold Crown, the highest recognition given by the CSPA for excellence in student journalism, was announced last week by Columbia University. The award recognizes Inklings News for its work during the 2023-2024 school year. The publication previously earned the distinction in 2022.

“This repeat recognition demonstrates our students’ unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence,” said Stafford Thomas, principal of Staples High School. “It validates the countless hours our staff dedicates to pursuing stories that matter.”

Inklings News, which publishes both in print and online at inklingsnews.com, operates entirely under student leadership, producing content without prior review or censorship. The publication covers Staples High School and the Westport community, emphasizing comprehensive and factual reporting.

The CSPA’s Crown Awards are determined by a panel of judges who evaluate student publications based on content, design, coverage, photography, writing, and editing. The Gold Crown distinction was first introduced in 1982 and recognizes outstanding work in student journalism.

Founded in 1925 and based at Columbia University, the CSPA provides training, networking opportunities, and recognition programs to support student journalists nationwide.

Photo caption: Back row from left: Adviser Joseph DelGobbo, Paige Miller, Genevieve Frucht, Ava Cordella, Alex Gaines, Mia Bomback, Zara Saliba, Catie Campagnino, Lily Hultgren, Elsa D'Elia, and Adviser Mary Elizabeth Fulco. Front row from left: Caitlin Jacob, Angelina Matra, Talia Moskowitz, Ruby Kantor, Talia Varsano, Jolie Gefen, and Paige Tighe.