Carroll ISD Students Named Texas Yearbook Editors of the Year

Carroll Senior High School is proud to announce that seniors Cailyn Cashon and Jacqueline Schultz have been named Texas Yearbook Editors of the Year by the Interscholastic League Press Conference (ILPC). The duo received the prestigious honor on April 12 during the grand awards assembly at the LBJ Auditorium on the University of Texas at Austin campus.

Cashon and Schultz were selected from a highly competitive pool of nominees across the state. A panel of judges reviewed a comprehensive portfolio of their work, along with letters of recommendation from advisers and peers, and personal statements reflecting their leadership and journalistic experience.

The award recognizes the top student journalistic talent in Texas, celebrating Cashon and Schultz’s exceptional leadership, creative vision, and dedication to producing a high-quality historical record for their school community. As editors-in-chief of the nationally recognized “The Dragon” yearbook, the pair leads a staff of 28 student journalists and oversees every aspect of production, from developing the annual theme and designing page layouts, to editing content and guiding their team through each deadline of the 400-plus page publication.

The Interscholastic League Press Conference, an affiliate of the University Interscholastic League, is one of the nation’s largest and most respected high school press associations. Its Editor of the Year award is highly competitive and is awarded only to student journalists who demonstrate outstanding editorial leadership, a deep understanding of journalistic ethics, and the ability to inspire their peers.

Natalie Brown, Carroll Senior High School yearbook adviser, praised both students for their impact on the program. “Both young women are the most talented photographers I have ever had on staff; their photos consistently capture the emotion, energy and authenticity of Carroll,” Brown said. “Their design work and storytelling have set a high standard for creativity and quality that continues to inspire everyone around them. Their integrity, reliability and creativity make them a joy to work with. They lead with empathy, motivate by example and bring out the best in those around them.”

Reflecting on the honor, Cashon emphasized the importance of growth and impact throughout her time in the program. “Editor of the year is not about the titles; it reflects consistency, accountability, and the ability to elevate the people around you,” Cashon said. “Over four years, I have grown from someone learning how to navigate leadership into someone intentional about shaping it. Jacqueline and I worked to make our program more collaborative, more inclusive, and more unified than when I entered it. The results are visible in the strength of our staff, the confidence of younger editors, and the culture we leave behind.”

Schultz added that the recognition reflects the supportive culture built within the journalism program. “Leadership is more than just instruction. It requires a present, empathetic, and accountable leader,” Schultz said. “It means building a community that protects quality with an abundance of support. My staff has taught me patience, flexibility, and humility. They have supported me through the depths of deadline season, and most importantly they have given me a second family that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”

Dragon Media at Carroll Senior High School is a comprehensive student journalism program that includes “The Dragon” yearbook, The Dragon Tribune online news, Dragon Sports Media, and KDGN Broadcast. The program is dedicated to excellence in storytelling, photography, and digital media, consistently earning national recognition for its student-led coverage of the Carroll community.

“Dragon Media could not be prouder of the work these two young women have done during their time in the program and cannot wait for you to see their work in the 2026 yearbook when it is distributed next month,” said Natalie Brown, Carroll Senior High School Student Media Advisor.

Read the full press release from Dragon Media here.