Twenty-four high school students graduated from the California Scholastic Press Association’s 2026 journalism workshop on July 24.
The cohort joins several generations of CSPA alumni, many of whom returned to Cal Poly on July 18 for the workshop’s 75th anniversary.
During the 13-day workshop, students learned from industry professionals, reported on mock breaking news scenarios and explored potential careers in journalism.
Students gained a diverse range of reporting and writing skills, learning to cover politics, entertainment, sports and technology beats and producing their own television news broadcast. Students also participated in classes covering libel law, public records and public relations, among other topics.
At graduation, five students were recognized for the highest overall scores based on graded reporting and writing assignments.
Eleanna Swartz of Carlmont High School notched this year’s highest score, winning first place. Eliza Khan of Acalanes High School placed second, followed by Noah Beroukhim of Palisades Charter High School in third. Josie Perlov and Cian Kelly, both of Redwood High School, placed fourth and fifth place, respectively.
Beroukhim also received the Ralph and Millie Alexander Award. Named after CSPA’s founders, the award recognizes the student who demonstrates all-around excellence in and outside of the classroom.
Abby Zarahn of Burlingame High School received the Stan Kelton Award, which goes to the student who best unites their cohort.
Harlow Hamilton of Davis Senior High School received the Jay Berman Award, which is presented to the student who excels in covering a range of topics, from sports to criminal trials to features.
Iris Neevel of Red Bluff High School received the Gil Chesterton Award for her range of demonstrated skills in television, photography and print journalism.
Congratulations to this year’s CSPA graduating class. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.
Dates and tuition for the 2027 CSPA Workshop will be announced in the fall.
— Summer Hu, CSPA counselor
CSPA Summer Journalism Workshop 