A new spot on the walls of room D115 awaits a plaque, marking a milestone years in the making.
The Gold Crown is the highest honor bestowed by the CSPA, recognizing overall excellence in scholastic journalism. To qualify for a hybrid distinction, a publication must demonstrate a seamless integration of its print newspaper and digital platform, maintaining high standards in design, photography and writing across both mediums.
The program previously received CSPA Gold Crown awards in 2020 and 2025 for Hybrid News.
“We are in a campus, community and a district that is high achieving, so it is rewarding to see our newspaper program can match that level,” The Sidekick adviser Chase Wofford said. “The staff’s names are tied to something whether it is photos, design or writing, and it carries value.”
The Sidekick staff members recognize the dedication to local, community-focused reporting the program stands by.
”Our mission to uphold the Society of Professional Journalists code of conduct and ethics code helps us operate at a high standard,” editor-in-chief Yug Talukdar said. “It is important for content to dig deep so local stories do not get overlooked; it improves the content we publish.”
As the award was given by work evaluated from the 2024-25 school year, former staff members express gratitude for being recognized for their work.
“Last year, The Sidekick had the largest staff in program history, which was definitely an adjustment for everyone because we had to figure how to adapt to a staff that was almost two times the size of the previous year,” 2024-25 editor-in-chief Sukirtha Muthiah said. “Without the unique talents, interests and strengths of all the staff members, it would have been difficult to maintain such high standards across multiple mediums.”
As the staff returns to the newsroom, they do so not just as student reporters, but as national champions of their craft.
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