The SMN Indian was named a 2012 NSPA Yearbook Pacemaker finalist. A team of judges made up of experienced journalism professionals and educators traveled to Minneapolis, Minn in early February to select the finalists from over 400 entries from around the world.

Judges stated that the finalists had unique and school year-specific themes, inventive and consistent design, in-depth and well-researched copy, balanced and thorough coverage, beautiful photography and high reader usability.

Judges spent over a day selecting 50 high school yearbook finalists and six junior high finalists. The Pacemaker winners will be announced at the Spring JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention in San Francisco, April 25-28. The Indian has been a consistent Pacemaker Finalist since 1995.