CSPA is an international journalism publication convention that was founded in 1925, and every year they recognize hundreds of schools on yearbooks, lit mags, newspapers, and online media. This spring, like many others, Palm Harbor’s Aftermath staff is being awarded for last year’s yearbook.

“Being recognized at such a high level is truly an honor, I was so proud of the staff for making a book with so much character,” Chloe Ballestero (‘19) said.

“So Here’s The Thing” was the theme of last year’s book, and it highlighted personalities of students and found each “thing” about them. It received a Silver Crown award on March 22 at Columbia University.

“‘So, Here’s the Thing’ was my baby, and my first book as co-editor-in-chief. All the hours spent after school were worth it and asking ‘Is what I’m doing even good enough?’ was  answered when I found out the news. I couldn’t be prouder of anything,” Anna Tam (‘19) said.

Not only were there awards to be collected, but Tam, Ballestero, Hannah Pinnell (‘20), and Natalie Tajeddine (‘20) along with Adviser Mrs. Judy Cannaday also took classes at Columbia for inspiration and ideas for next year’s yearbook.

“It’s never too early to get a head start,” Tajeddine said.

Developing a theme and figuring out how to carry it throughout the book is a process, and starting at an early time gives wiggle room for changes and additions.

“All the classes gave us a jumpstart for what we have in mind for next year’s book. It narrowed down things that we don’t like and things we do! There was a lot of really good inspiration that we found,” Pinnell said.

The grading for a CSPA crown award is a 12 month process, so all hopes are in for this year’s book starting around now.