Legacy’s 2011 yearbook, The Arena, will earn it’s second Crown Award from the distinguished journalism program at Columbia University in New York. The Columbia Scholastic Press Association has posted the list of finalists for it’s Crown awards program for scholastic and collegiate publications.This award totals as the fifth national award for the journalism program. The 2009 Arena Yearbook won a Silver Crown.”It’s a huge honor and a great way to prove to yearbook students and our student body that we work hard and have a great product,” Journalism Adviser Leland Mallett said.The Arena staff, along with other high school yearbook finalists, will be presented with either a Gold or Silver Crown Award during CSPA’s annual convention, held from March 14-16, 2012 at Columbia University.

“Words cannot express how proud I am of staff members. I was so excited when Mr. Mallett called to tell me that I accidentally hung up on him,” Arena Editor-In-Chief, Bethanne Glover said. “Their dedication and passion to the journalism program was finally recognized, and this award would not have been possible without each and everyone of them.”

The 2012 yearbook sales end Jan. 9, and Mr. Mallett is apprehensive about the sales this year.

“I know our students love the yearbook, but I’m hoping parents and students have just put off buying the book until later,” Mr. Mallett said. “I’m also worried that the economy may financially hurt families.”

Glover and Mr. Mallett see a huge value in the yearbook. Glover predicts even better things with the 2012 yearbook and hopes to win another Crown award and a Pacemaker Award from the National Scholastic Press Association.

“There is literally nothing you will have 10, 20, 30 years from now from high school except for your high school yearbook,” he said. “You can’t really put a price tag on memories.”