Last year’s yearbook has been selected as a Crown Award finalist by Columbia University. The Lair is one of 78 yearbooks chosen out of 1,145 eligible books. The award is based on all aspects of the book, including writing, design and photography. 

“Everything has to be on par, and you can’t lack in any area,” junior Rachel Oliver said. “It’s a big deal because Columbia has super high standards.”

The awards will be presented in New York City during March.

“Yearbook does a lot for the school, but we don’t get recognized very often, so this award means that all of our hard work and dedication paid off in a way,” senior Olivia Rutherfurd said. “It’s also a huge confidence booster for everyone on staff, showing them that their countless hours spent up here are for a reason.”

The Columbia Scholastic Press Association said that although they’re called finalists, the Crown Finalists are actual winners of the award.

“Before being on yearbook, I don’t think I realized that I had the ability to make a product from the ground up that could be so good,” Oliver said. “I love the feeling of being part of a team that is capable of creating something amazing, and this award really solidified that feeling.

Order this year’s book now at balfour.com.