Student journalists from The Raider Voice and the yearbook attended the Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s (CSPA) 101st Annual Spring Convention and Centennial Celebration in New York City from March 19-21.

Thousands of student journalists and their advisors from 236 schools and organizations across 35 states, the District of Columbia, Indonesia, Mexico, and the United Kingdom attended the convention, which took place at Columbia University. The three-day program featured workshops and sessions led by professors, industry experts, and student editors who have achieved major success in their respective areas of expertise. In addition to celebrating CSPA’s 100th anniversary, the event focused on the history, prospects of student journalism, and how to create opportunities.

“It was cool seeing all the different kids from across the world come together just for a topic we all love in journalism,” sophomore Mia Hall said. 

Students attended sessions on yearbook design, editorial leadership, law & journalism, podcasting, sports, and more.

“As someone who loves to write about sports, I found the sessions about how to use certain terminology really helpful, along with the session about how to run a sports session,” Freshman Devon Roy said.

Beyond the academic portion, the group explored the city’s landmarks like Times Square & Rockefeller Center.

The convention also featured a special centennial awards ceremony, celebrating the achievements of student publications nationwide. The Yearbook staff won a Gold Crown, the highest honor for the 2024 edition of the Raider Yearbook titled Onto Something Big, creating a milestone moment for the Yearbook program.

“It was so amazing to win a Gold Crown since we have only received one before for the yearbook,” Yearbook Staff Kajsa Brion said. “Our hard work & dedication paid off.”

As the staff returns to campus after spring break, they will bring with them not only notebooks filled with ideas but a new sense of purpose for student journalism at school.