On Nov. 8 in Washington, D.C., the Wenatchee High School Apple Leaf received the highest honor from the National Scholastic Press Association, the Pacemaker award, at the Fall National High School Journalism convention.

The Pacemaker, awarded since 1927, recognizes the top high school newspapers in the nation, and it’s the highest achievement awarded by the NSPA. It is presented to schools with newspapers that show overall excellence and is judged by professionals.

“I am very excited to have been part of the award winning staff,” Editor-in-Chief Eduardo Ramos said. “Now we just have to work diligently to keep the standard high. Not for the awards, but for our readers.”

Ramos, Managing Features Editor Emily Cieslak, Opinion Editor Kiana Wilson and Online Editor Bryce Newberry attended many workshops during the four-day convention, along with being presented with the Pacemaker award at the awards ceremony.