Combs High School's 2024 yearbook, *Double Take*, was a standout at the 75th annual Arizona Interscholastic Press Association (AIPA) high school journalism convention, held recently at Arizona State University. The yearbook earned seven awards, including individual recognitions for three talented students: Jen Hamilton, Caelum Cesolini, and Skylar Bares.
Jen Hamilton received three individual honors, while Caelum Cesolini and Skylar Bares each earned two. Their collective efforts helped *Double Take* secure second place overall in the highly competitive Yearbook Excellence competition.
In addition to the main team, several other students were recognized for their contributions. Konnor Knaust, Juan Villalpando, Ava Villegas, Lucas Farr, Raymond McKinney, and Hayley Old-Tucker all earned individual recognition. Former yearbook staffers Ethan Salinas and Taylynn Martin also received awards, adding to the school's impressive showing at the event.
The AIPA convention is one of the largest and oldest student journalism events in the nation, drawing hundreds of students from schools across Arizona. This year’s convention featured professional workshops in writing, photography, design, video, social media, and more, capped off with the annual state awards for the best student work in yearbooks, newspapers, and broadcasting.
Combs High School’s yearbook team was among the top performers at this year's event, continuing a legacy of journalistic excellence. Over the past seven years, Combs’ media students have earned nearly 120 awards at both the state and national levels.
The school’s administration expressed pride in the students' achievements, noting the dedication and hard work required to produce a yearbook of this caliber. With the support of their advisors, these students have not only captured the essence of the school year but also made a mark on the state’s journalism scene.
Combs High School's success at the AIPA convention highlights the growing strength of its student journalism program and sets a high bar for future teams.
