The weekend of March 16-18, 10 staff members from The Voice and huntleyvoice.com attended the Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s annual spring conference in New York City. Back in October, staffers learned that the publication was up for a Crown Award from the CSPA in the hybrid magazine category.

Crown Awards are one of the most prestigious awards in high school journalism, similar to a Pulitzer Prize.

“It was a really cool experience to not only be able to see New York City, but also accept this huge award,” current Online Editor Camille Paddock said. “The award has just really validated all of the hard work and time we have put into this publication.”

The Voice/huntleyvoice.com was awarded a Silver Crown Award on Friday, March 17 at Columbia University. The Huntley High School publication was one of seven to win a Silver Crown in the Hybrid Magazine category, and one of five in Illinois to be awarded a Crown Award.

Dennis Brown, adviser of The Voice, put the award in perspective.

“In my 20 years with the journalism program, this is one of the top awards we’ve ever won,” Brown said. “The Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s Crown Awards only recognize the best of the best. I’m so proud of the accomplishments of the students who run The Voice.”

While in New York, the group also did some sightseeing. They explored Times Square while trying classic NYC foods such as pizza and street vendor hot dogs. They also spent some time in Central Park, taking in all of the beautiful sights of the city.

After the awards ceremony, the group traveled to the 9/11 Memorial and visited the museum, which was a powerful experience.

“Even though I was really little when it happened, showed me how it affects my life and the lives of others around me to this day,” Print Editor Maddy Moffett said.

The award will be displayed in the newspaper display case in the commons area of HHS.

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