Press Release: Crown Award Finalist
The Columbia Scholastic Press Association recognized the iliad Literary-Art Magazine as a 2025 Crown Finalist on Dec. 11.
Above: WRITING WORKSHOP: The 2023-24 iliad Editorial Board poses outside of the Clarke Central High School Ceremonial Entrance on Aug. 23. iliad Writing Director Margo McDaniel, a junior, worked last year to publish student writing in the iliad magazine. “My efforts (last year) to get a diverse amount of submissions, and edit creative writing helped with pairing pieces for the magazine,” McDaniel said. “(It) helped give perspective to each spread, (and) contributed to the overall quality of the magazine.” Photo by Aza Khan
The Columbia Scholastic Press Association released its Crown Award Finalists for the Magazine category on Instagram and Facebook on Dec. 11. The Crown Awards honor top student publications in design, photography, concept, coverage, and writing. The iliad Literary-Art Magazine and its sister website were recognized as a Finalist - a gratifying recognition for its editor-in-chief.
“I’m really proud of my team for making it as far as the finalist for the Crown (Awards),” iliad Editor-in-Chief Olivia Hendershot, a senior, said. “I’ve watched Editor-in-Chief's before me (receive) Crown awards, so having my magazine be in that legacy feels really good.”
For Margo McDaniel, the iliad’s Writing Director for the past two years, the recognition was fulfilling.
“It feels like all the hard work we did last year really paid off and that professionals are recognizing us for all the work we put in,” McDaniel said. “It’s pretty motivating to know that if we continue to keep up our work ethic, more (awards) are achievable.”
The Crown categories are divided into three groups: Magazine, News, and Yearbook. The iliad program received recognition as a Hybrid Literary-Magazine, meaning that they were commended for both their work in print, and their live coverage via their website.
“The program continues to stay professional and diligent with our work,” Hendershot said. “We're always posting content on our website and our social media, and we're constantly thinking of new ways to improve our magazine and make it better than it was last year.”
The iliad was one of 25 Magazine programs recognized as Crown Award Finalists. As production for the 2025 magazine continues, Hendershot will use this recognition to motivate herself and her staff.
“I really enjoy helping my Editorial Board think more about the students in our school, (and) it always feels good to win (awards),” Hendershot said. “I hope that my team will continue to improve our magazine’s program after I graduate.”
Above: A MUSING MISS: A spread from the iliad’s 2024 edition “Prometheus” is displayed above. The 2023-24 iliad team worked to create the magazine over the course of the academic year. “I’m pleased to see Olivia Hendershot’s diligence and leadership continue to be rewarded,” iliad Literary-Art Magazine adviser David Ragsdale said. “She’s applied hard-won skills and insight during her tenure. Kudos to the team and I expect even bigger things from this year’s veteran staff.”
Story by Niles Flath
Niles Flath is a junior at Clarke Central High School in Athens Georgia. She serves as Outreach Director for the iliad Literary-Art Magazine. Flath hopes to make connections with creators both inside and outside the CCHS walls and showcase their work through the iliad program. In her free time, she likes playing tennis, swimming, and hanging out with friends.