Jason Davis, yearbook adviser for Cactus Canyon Junior High (AJUSD)

AJUSD

Being named a Pacemaker finalist for the fifth year in a row is a testament to the exceptional talent of our students and yearbook advisors. Their commitment to creativity and excellence continues to make us proud.”

Jason Davis, yearbook adviser for Cactus Canyon Junior High

The National Scholastic Press Association has unveiled its list of Pacemaker finalists for 2023 and the Cactus Canyon Junior High publication “Somewhere in Between” has secured a coveted spot among the nation’s top scholastic yearbooks.

The junior high school, 801 W. Southern Ave., is in the Apache Junction Unified School District.

This marks the fifth consecutive year that Cactus Canyon’s “Somewhere in Between” has earned the prestigious recognition as a Pacemaker finalist, solidifying its status as an exemplary example of student journalism. Only 56 books from across the country made the list and of those, there were only nine junior high/middle schools to achieve the honor, according to a release.

“Being named a Pacemaker finalist for the fifth year in a row is a testament to the exceptional talent of our students and yearbook advisors. Their commitment to creativity and excellence continues to make us proud,” Jason Davis, yearbook adviser for Cactus Canyon Junior High, said in the release.

The Pacemaker, often called the “Pulitzer of student journalism,” will be awarded on April 6 at the National Journalism Convention in Kansas City. The recognition ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, April 4, during the opening ceremony of the JEA/NSPA Spring National High School Journalism Convention.
NSPA Executive Director Laura Widmer emphasized the significance of the Pacemaker award, stating, “The Pacemaker is the association’s preeminent award. NSPA is honored to recognize the best of the best.”

“AJUSD extends its heartfelt congratulations to the students and staff involved in creating “Somewhere in Between,” and is excited to learn of the results of the Pacemaker Awards in April,” the release states.