by Erik A. Nelson, Staff Reporter

For the first time in nearly 20 years, the Royal Page has won the Pacemaker Award, which is given to a select group of student newspapers in the United States by the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA). The award was given at the NSPA High School Journalism Convention in Boston, Massachusetts on Nov. 17.

The Royal Page was last nominated for the award in 2001, and this year, we were one of three finalists from Minnesota. The others were The Echo from St. Louis Park High School, and the Viewer from Mounds View High School in Arden Hills. Ursula Arhart and Lydia Wilson were the editors of last year’s Royal Page.

“I was proud that it showed how hard we worked, and I thought we really deserved it,” said Josh Gallop, editor-in-chief.

“I was in complete shock. I couldn’t really tell anyone. I’m excited for this year’s staff, and I know that they are going to have an amazing year,” said Ursula Arhart, 2012-13 editor-in-chief.

The Royal Page is honored to win this award, and we are proud to represent Hopkins High School. We will continue to demonstrate excellence in our reporting, design, and behavior. Thank you for your support!