Knight Errant celebrates Journalism Excellence

Written by Knight Errant editor in chief, Casey Butner '25

The Knight Errant, BSM's high school student news publication, was recently honored with five awards from the renowned Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA). This marks the 11th year the Knight Errant has received national awards from the CSPA. “I think it’s really cool for us to be recognized like this. It shows all of the hard work we put into running this website, and how it takes a lot of time and dedication,” said Knight Errant editor and senior Madison Kadlec.

The Knight Errant staff annually submits its best stories to the CSPA for consideration and possible award recognition. Recently, The Knight Errant received news that they were recognized with four specific awards for individual stories or cartoons, and one award for their overall website: the “Silver Crown Award.”

The CSPA Gold Crown and Silver Crown Awards are given each year and are the highest recognition given to top students-publications for overall excellence. The Knight Errant was one of a select few high school news publications in Minnesota that received CSPA awards in 2024. “I’m really proud of our staff and their hard work. It’s an honor to be recognized at the national level,” said Tiffany Joseph, English department chair and journalism adviser.

The CSPA also presents awards for specific stories or cartoons that demonstrate a significant impact on student journalism. Knight Errant editor Kat Mulgrew '25, received a CSPA second place award in cartoons for digital media for her editorial cartoon entitled “Our Country's Future.”

Mulgrew was additionally awarded a Certificate of Merit in Cartoons for Digital Media for her Editorial Cartoon titled “Respect their Home.” “I really enjoy getting the opportunity to combine my artistic abilities with journalism, I feel like it lets me communicate my ideas in a different way. Receiving the silver crown award felt super rewarding. Making editorial cartoons requires a unique process of creation and editing and I hope it can encourage future Knight Errant writers to try new things in journalism,” Mulgrew said.

Knight Errant editor Brynja Lockman ‘25 also received a CSPA award, a Certificate of Merit in Computer Generated Art/Illustration for Digital Media for her story, “Does the First Amendment Apply to Private School Students?”

Additionally, Lockman received a Best of SNO award for her story “In Defense of Intellectualism.” The Best of SNO organization showcases the best student journalism from members of the SNO Network, aiming to recognize and reward excellent work. “I was really excited writing some of these stories, including the one that got Best of SNO because, especially for senior year, I wanted to take on more of my passion projects and delve into topics that I found really interesting. And so those are very rewarding experiences for me, and then to be able to get recognition for it was just amazing,” said Lockman.

While Lockman and Mulgrew were not in attendance when these awards were presented by the CSPA at Columbia University on March 19 in New York City, the achievements represent the talent, creativity, and dedication of the Knight Errant staff. The national recognition in multiple categories is a testament to the quality of writing, creative messaging, and overall high standard for student journalism at Benilde-St. Margaret’s.

At BSM, the journalism writing curriculum aims to give students real-world experience in journalism; students practice interviewing, collecting and reporting data, and delivering it through high quality writing.

Congratulations to the Knight Errant staff on this recognition for your hard work and creative efforts to report on the news to the BSM community. We are BSM proud of your talents and achievements.