The Columbia University campus hummed with creative energy as student journalists gathered for the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) Spring Convention. Among them were LWHS LitMag co-editors Benjy C. ’26, Amelia C. ’27, and Sona K. ’26, who traveled to New York City to attend the national conference and to accept a prestigious Crown Award for last year’s issue of the magazine. They were accompanied by their advisor, Dr. Angela Wall and LWHS’ Associate Director of Communications, Maya Landucci. 

At LWHS, LitMag has long been a space where student creativity takes shape. As an award-winning, student-run publication, it brings together writing, art, and photography into a single, cohesive vision, while building a creative community that evolves with each new group of editors and contributors.

The recognition at the conference marked a defining moment, made even more significant because CSPA’s Board of Judges selected only 221 finalists from 527 entries submitted from across the country and around the world; LitMag was recognized among the very best. For Benjy, the award captured something essential about the student body itself:

“To be recognized at a national level by the CSPA shows that LWHS students all have incredibly unique voices, and that is reflected in the art and writing we create… This award is proof of the exceptional creativity of Lick students.”

Crafting the LitMag each year is a process that is both demanding and deeply collaborative. As Sona described, producing LitMag means balancing leadership and artistry at every stage—working closely with writers and artists, shaping their pieces, and assembling a final product that feels cohesive while still honoring individual voices.

“As co-editors of LitMag, we have to balance holding editorial meetings… communicating with the artists and writers, adding developmental and copy edits… and laying out the final magazine… while maintaining a close-knit, supportive community,” she explained. “While it is certainly hard work… it is so rewarding to see the magazine finally come together.”

The award-winning issue was shaped by a strong commitment to excellence. It was created by co-editors Sawyer L. ’25, Frances P. ’25, and Sona. The magazine not only showcased impressive writing but also featured a reimagined visual identity. Frances led a complete redesign that enhanced the publication's overall look and feel.

At the convention, the team found themselves surrounded by new ideas that expanded their understanding of what a literary magazine could be and how LitMag might evolve. 

But some of the most meaningful moments came away from the conference itself. One night, after exploring New York City, the editors returned to their hotel and chose to keep working—reading, editing, and sharing pieces with one another.

“We met up and wrote some emails, did some layout work, and I got to read some pieces that really touched me,” Amelia said. “It really represented who we are… both friends who enjoy spending time together and people who are really passionate about our school’s LitMag.”

That balance—between friendship and creative dedication—defines the publication. For many students, LitMag is not just a place to publish work, but a space to grow into their voices and connect with others doing the same.

As the trip came to an end, the Crown Award served both as a recognition of achievement and a source of motivation. The editors returned home inspired, brimming with new ideas and a renewed sense of purpose. That spirit continues to influence how they welcome fresh voices into the magazine. As Benjy emphasized, LitMag is “a wonderful, accessible way to get your writing or art published in an award-winning publication,” but just as importantly, “a welcoming community of artists and writers who want to support each other and help others improve their skills”—an open invitation to anyone ready to create, share, and grow.

Read the award-winning Spring 2025 issue of LitMag here.