Yet who knew in October 2006 that this staff would win four major awards for The Feather print editions and The Feather Online was nominated for a Pacemaker from the National Scholastic Press Association. The idea that Feather staff wins multiple awards was not on their minds.

Editor-in-chief Mary Kneefel and Layout and Design editor, Ryan Martens, led a nearly all-rookie team to a Silver Medal from New York City’s Columbia University; a First Place with two special merits from the NSPA; and First Place with two special merits from Quill and Scroll International.

The Feather also won All-Valley Newspaper distinction from the San Joaquin Valley Scholastic Press Association sponsored by California State University, Fresno.

Of the 23 staff members on this remarkable team, 19 were rookies including Martens.

For a report on the 2005-06 award-winning Feather staff, read Pacemaker staff 2006.