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For the first time in program history, Lake Forest Academy's student publication, The Spectator, has been recognized in an esteemed nationwide competition.
The Private School Journalism Association (PSJA), co-sponsored by the national honors society for journalism, Quill and Scroll, held their awards ceremony over the weekend of April 6-7 at the National Journalism Convention. LFA won third place in Continuous Team Coverage, the only group category that encompasses the staff as a whole rather than individual pieces or students.
The Spectator received the award for their coverage of college decisions being impacted by national issues like the overturning of Roe v. Wade and current gun laws and legislation. Their entry was judged by professional journalists and college professors and received the following feedback: "Interesting approach to examining how students select or reject their schools on the basis of legislation (gun and abortion), athletics and financial means."
A special recognition was given to The Spectator staff members Tanya Ganesh ’24, Olivia Kelly ’25, Amelia Sexton ’25, and Emma Swanson ’25 as they co-wrote the articles featured in the winning entry.
PSJA hosts this annual contest to recognize the best journalism produced by private and independent high school students from across the country. It is a "portfolio" contest, seeking to reward a pattern of excellence over the course of the year. Historically, private and independent schools have been less likely to receive national journalism recognition, as they are not protected by state press rights. PSJA's annual contest allows these schools a space to compete on a national level, while working to support fair rights for all student journalists.