Golden Leaf Receives First Class Rating in National Press Competition

The Golden Leaf's "First Class Award" from NSPA

The Golden Leaf yearbook has been awarded a First Class rating with the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) as part of its 2024 All-American critique for the 2024 yearbook "Tradition Runs Deep: 170 Years".

The book earned 425 out of a possible 510 points, placing it among the top student publications nationwide.

The NSPA, which works in partnership with the Journalism Education Association, evaluates yearbooks across key categories including coverage, writing, photography and design.

Judges provide detailed feedback and award ratings of Third Class, Second Class, First Class or All-American.

“Thanks for sharing this 170th year in Bear Country with me,” the critique judge wrote. “This is a big book, full to the edges with photos, quotes, copy and coverage. That’s great to see.”

This national honor follows a series of high-profile awards for the 2024 Golden Leaf, including a Superior rating from the Tennessee High School Press Association and First Place in the American Scholastic Press Association’s yearbook competition.

“I could not be prouder of our yearbook staff, both graduated and current members,” said Mr. Judkins, yearbook adviser. “They continue to raise the bar for student journalism at our school.”

Founded in 1921, the National Scholastic Press Association is one of the largest student media organizations in the United States. It provides critiques, contests and educational resources for high school publications, and its All-American critique is considered one of the most rigorous yearbook evaluations in scholastic journalism.