The 2019 U-Highlights yearbook placed first in its division for the general excellence in a contest from the Illinois Journalism Education Association. 

The U-Highlights competed against schools with enrollment of 400-639 students. The staff placed first in four of eight sub-categories.

Claire Duncan, a U-Highlights editor-in-chief who was 2019 sports editor, said this award was due to U-High’s focus on writing. She also praised the great advisers.  

“Their leadership is incredible, and they really allow us to take things in new directions, and are receptive to our ideas, which is great,” Claire said. 

Marisa McGehee, another editor-in-chief who was 2019 clubs co-editor, noted that the small and close staff was also one of the reasons that the U-Highlights yearbook stood out.