The 2011 Howelltonian yearbook and the 2010-2011 Spotlight newspaper each received Gold Medalist ratings from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA).

Gold Medalists are given for total scores from 800 to 1,000 points; Silver Medalists, from 600 through 799 points; and Bronze Medalists, 599 points and below. The Gold Medalist is the highest ranking given to critiques.

This is the first year the Spotlight newspaper has earned the coveted Gold Medalist rating. In addition, the Howelltonian yearbook scored 986 out of 1000 possible points, meaning the yearbook earned all three available All-Columbian honors. All Columbian Honors are given within a scorebook section when the sectional total reaches 95% or more of the possible points.