For the first time in it’s history, the Echo newspaper won an award for it’s online edition from.

The website was selected as one of 28 finalists chosen out of an original group of 148 entries to the National Scholastic Press Association Online Pacemaker contest. Each site is judged by a group of professionals based on a combination of content and aesthetic qualities such as writing, editing, and media usage.

While the Echo has received multiple awards in a variety of categories for the work on the physical print newspaper, this is the first time in it’s history that it’s companion website has gained national attention.

Senior Brenna Cook, the website’s editor in chief said the success came from a focus on the news and information distributed.

“We have been trying to make it more accessible and more of a resource,” Cook said. “Kind of our broad term goal, but initially, we have just been working on increasing the amount of content on the website in general and making sure we have things posted more frequently.”

Journalism teacher and Echo advisor Lori Keekley said she was proud of the work that the staff had put in.

“I am really proud of the group this year, they have done a great job, and continue to work and improve the website,” Keekley said.

The winners of the award will be announced at the National High School Journalism Convention in San Diego on April 12.

The print edition of the Echo also received a Columbia Scholastic Press Association Silver Crown for the issues during the 2012-2013 academic year. Fellow St. Louis Park school publication The Knight Errant from Benilde-St. Margaret’s School won a Silver Crown as well for their website.