The month of April was another historic one for Ladue Horton Watkins High School’s (LHWHS) journalism program. From individual elite rankings to the highest team honors in the country, our student journalists have proven once again that Ladue Schools is a national leader in storytelling, innovation, and media excellence.

In the world of student media, the Pacemaker Award from the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) is the ultimate prize, often referred to as the "Pulitzer Prize" of high school journalism. This year, an incredible three Ladue Media publications earned Pacemakers:

• The Rambler Yearbook
• Panorama Newsmagazine
• Melodrama Literary Magazine

Winning a Pacemaker signifies a publication’s dedication to high-quality reporting, visual design, and a forward-thinking approach to student voice. To have three different mediums recognized simultaneously is a testament to the depth of talent across our entire journalism department.

The success didn't stop with the Pacemakers. At the National High School Journalism Convention in Minneapolis earlier this month, ID Magazine, Ladue’s specialty feature publication, placed first in the nation for specialty magazines.

While our publications are winning as teams, several LHWHS seniors have been singled out as the best in the country and the state:

• Annabelle Reagan – All-State Journalism Team: Annabelle was named to the Missouri All-State Journalism Team, a prestigious honor reserved for the top 10 student journalists in the state.
• Vincent Hsiao – National Finalist: Following his win as Missouri Student Journalist of the Year, Vincent advanced to the national level, where he was named a finalist for National Student Journalist of the Year, finishing in the top six in the United States.

A huge shout-out goes to Ladue Media advisor Sarah Kirksey, whose mentorship continues to empower students to reach the pinnacle of their craft. Please join us in congratulating her and these talented students on their remarkable achievements!