Jamboree, Toby Johnson Middle School’s yearbook, has been announced as a 2011 Yearbook Pacemaker winner by the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA).  Johnson Middle School was one of three middle/junior high schools from across the country to receive this award.

A team of judges comprised of experienced journalism professionals and educators traveled to Minneapolis in late January to select the finalists.  Winning yearbooks displayed themes that connected to the entire school year, thorough coverage that told unique and personal stories, detailed writing filled with student quotes, beautiful, compelling photography and innovative and sophisticated design.

High school entries were divided into four categories based on total page count, and junior high books were judged separately in one category. Judges completed an initial elimination round and considered a number of factors as disqualifiers, such as appropriate photo use and lack of an index and colophon. After the elimination round, judges spent a day and a half selecting finalists.

Since 1927, The Pacemaker has been the highest NSPA award for general excellence.  The Pacemaker winners were recognized at the Spring JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention in Seattle in April.  Click here for more information about the NSPA Pacemaker awards.

close window