media by photo courtesy of Anna Bauer

Black & Gold Yearbook Photography Editor Hannah Rozen ‘25, The Rock Online Newspaper Editor-in-Chief Claire Bauer ‘24 and Social Media Managers Elly Brooks ‘25 and Sanaa Sow ‘25 celebrate the publications’ national wins with a photo at the National Student Press Association (NSPA) Boston Convention Nov. 4. In total, The Rock Online and Black & Gold won 11 national awards, including two first place national wins from Bauer in Sports Game/Action Photo of the Year and in Photo Slideshow of the Year. “I can’t even begin to describe how I feel about the awards. Not only was I incredibly happy and humbled to receive my six national awards, but I am so, so proud of my fellow staffers who won awards, and honestly proud of the whole staff. They’re all amazing and fully deserve these awards,” Bauer said. “Our trip to Boston was incredible. We all learned so much from the sessions we attended and the people we met, whether that was other students and advisers or reporters and professors from top-notch groups. We were excited to represent Canyon, the district and Colorado as a whole so well.” Read the full story here. Reporting by Sanaa Sow

Room 4113: home of the Rock Online Newspaper and Black & Gold Yearbook. There are currently three class periods, one for news and two for yearbook, of students who work to make articles, graphics, spreads and more.

Their time spent on this work isn’t in vain: Nov. 1 through Nov 5, Black & Gold Yearbook Photography Editor Hannah Rozen ‘25, The Rock Online Newspaper Editor-in-Chief Claire Bauer ‘24 and Social Media Managers Elly Brooks ‘25 and Sanaa Sow ‘25 traveled to the National Student Press Association (NSPA)/Journalism Education Association (JEA) Fall National High School Journalism Convention.

While at the conference, the students attended sessions and speakers, documentary viewings and the awards ceremony, where they received 11 national awards.

“Winning the staff awards was amazing! We honestly had no idea. As we were sitting at the ceremony, we were all so nervous, holding each other’s hands and praying together. I’m so proud of everyone on staff. Everyone has worked so hard,” Bauer said.

While the entire staff placed well as a group, individuals such as Bauer showed their individual skills as well. She won two national championships for her work, amongst other awards.

“The individual awards are always so incredible because they announce them from last to first, so you’re always holding your breath, hoping to hear your name–but not too soon. Hearing any of our names called always resulted in screams and celebrations,” Bauer said.

See below for the full list of awards received: