Laguna Blanca School’s student journalists and advisor Trish McHale have earned one of the nation’s highest honors in scholastic media: the Gold Crown Award from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA).

Student journalists from Laguna Blanca School wear gold crowns, representing their Gold Crown award, as they pose for a group photo. (Tara Broucqsault photo)
Student journalists from Laguna Blanca School wear gold crowns, representing their Gold Crown award, as they pose for a group photo. (Tara Broucqsault photo)

The Columbia Crown Awards, judged by media professionals at Columbia University, represent the highest level of achievement in student journalism.

The national awards honor excellence in content, design, photography and writing across print, digital and hybrid publications at the middle school, high school, and collegiate levels.

Laguna Blanca’s student publication, The Fourth Estate, earned the Gold Crown Award for its 2024-2025 hybrid edition (print and website), presented in 2026.

The recognition places the school among the top student media programs in the country and marks its second Gold Crown, following its 2018-19 win.

“Your staff exemplifies the type of journalism and storytelling that CSPA is proud to recognize and feature during its annual awards program,” said CSPA director Jennifer Bensko Ha.

Under McHale’s guidance, Laguna Blanca student journalists have built a tradition of excellence, consistently producing thoughtful, visually compelling, and impactful work, the school said.

Their continued success reflects both a commitment to high journalistic standards and a collaborative, student-driven editorial process, the school sais.

In addition to its recent Gold Crown distinction, The Fourth Estate has earned numerous accolades over the years:

Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA)
• Gold Crown: 2024-25
• Gold Crown: 2018-19
• Silver Crown: 2011-12, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2019-20
• All-Columbian Honors for Visual & Essentials: 2020-21
National Student Press Association (NSPA)
• 1st Place Best in Show (San Francisco): 2017-18
• Print 1st Class with Two Marks of Distinction: 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22
• Online Pacemaker Finalist: 2011-12

“These awards underscore Laguna Blanca School’s long-standing commitment to fostering student voice, critical thinking, and real-world communication skills through its journalism program,” the school said.