ESD Journalists Earn National and State Awards
April 27, 2026
*Photos taken by Allison K. '33, Middle School DIrector of Communications for the day.
In the journalism classroom, where the clicking of keys and the meticulous alignment of page layouts serve as the soundtrack to student life, something remarkable has been brewing. The ESD journalism programs were recently met with a host of national and state accolades.
A Triple Crown Year
The Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) awarded its highest honor, the Gold Crown, to both our newspaper, Eagle Edition, and our literary magazine, Itinerary. Not to be outdone, the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) named Eagle Edition a Pacemaker Finalist, a distinction often referred to as the "Pulitzer Prize of scholastic journalism." Closer to home, the Interscholastic League Press Conference (ILPC) bestowed Gold Stars upon both Eagle Edition and the Carillon yearbook, signaling excellence across every medium our students touch.
While the collective honors speak to a culture of excellence, the individual awards highlight the diverse talents of our Upper Schoolers. Our students aren't just reporting the news; they are shaping perspectives through sophisticated design, rigorous reporting, and artistic photography.
- State Champions: Several students earned "Tops in Texas" honors, including Gracie Nealon ‘27 for her entertainment features, and the design teams of Lincoln Clarke ‘27, Kate Lewis ‘27, Veda Bodhanampati ‘28, Emmy Moss ‘26, and Reese Rawson ‘26, who proved their visual storytelling is second to none in the state.
- National Voices: On the national stage, Stella Bartley ‘27, Reese Rawson ‘26, and Lauren Shushi ‘25 earned a 2nd Place CSPA award for their deep dive into political shifts, while Lincoln Clarke ‘27 and Craighton Jefferies ‘27 were recognized for their timely coverage of campus cell phone policies.
- The Art of the Story: From Barrett Coble’s ‘27 photo stories to the intricate infographics designed by Cassidy Brausa ‘28, the awards reflect a mastery of both the "how" and the "why" of modern media.
These awards represent more than just trophies on a shelf; they are a testament to the late hours spent proofreading, the courage required to interview peers on difficult topics, and the collaborative spirit that defines the ESD experience. Whether it was Emma Allen documenting a historic 100th win on the field or Valentina Boltchi analyzing global election results, our students have shown that they are ready to engage with the world with clarity and integrity.
Please join us in congratulating these talented storytellers.
