Once again, the Carmel High School HiLite newspaper has been named a Crown Finalist by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. The award is based on the 2009-2010 newspaper. Finalist status guarantees that the HiLite will earn either a Silver Crown or Gold Crown, the CSPA’s two highest awards, at the organization’s convention in March.

The HiLite is one of only 42 newspaper finalists from around the country. In Indiana, it is one of two publications and the only newspaper to earn this distinction. In its annual critique received earlier this year, the paper earned Gold Medalist status, a preliminary distinction that is separate from the Crown competition.

Traditionally, the HiLite has performed well in the Crown competition, earning additional Gold Crowns in 1995, 1999, 2005, 2009 and 2010 and Silver Crowns in 1994, 2004, 2006 and 2007.

The HiLite is a tabloid newsmagazine for two years now after switching from a broadsheet newspaper in order to follow changes in the newspaper industry. The emphasis for the paper is on lengthier, in-depth stories. The HiLite Web site, HiLite Online, is the primary outlet for breaking news and upcoming events. The HiLite Online also received a Gold Crown last year in the High School Online category.

The 2009-10 editor in chief was Michelle Hu ‘10, now at Harvard University. The managing editors were Rosemary Boeglin ‘10 (Oberlin College) and Sarah Sheafer ’10 (College of Charleston).

For a full list of Scholastic Crown Award finalists, click here.