Four students from Cactus Canyon Junior High School in the Apache Junction Unified School District were recently named finalists to the National Scholastic Press Association awards.

They are:

• Savannah Hancock — Yearbook Design of the Year;
• Riley Parris — Sports Photo of the Year;
• Emma Solie — Sports Photo of the Year; and
• Kayden Spicer — Feature Story of the Year.

The NSPA Awards are among the most prestigious awards for student journalism in the U.S., according to a release.

Since NSPA added the Middle School/Junior High School awards, Cactus Canyon Junior High School students have been nominated as finalists 24 times.

Final awards will be announced at the Fall National High School Journalism Convention in Boston on Nov. 4.

“Savannah, Riley and Kayden are now at Apache Junction High School and continue to work on the Prospector Yearbook Staff, while Emma continues to work for the Cactus Canyon Oro yearbook staff. Congratulations to CCJH/AJHS Yearbook Advisor (Jason) Davis and his students on the incredible national recognition for their work,” the release states.

For information on Apache Junction Unified School District, go to ajusd.org.