Daniel Pearl High School nominated for a top journalism award

VAN NUYS, Calif. (KABC) -- The school named for slain journalist Daniel Pearl is in contention for a top high school newspaper award. Daniel Pearl Magnet High School is LAUSD's smallest high school, with a little more than 400 students.

But, this magnet school for journalism and communications is living up to its legacy. It is a contender for the Pacemaker Award, the highest recognition for a high school publication.

Awards are given by the Journalism Education Association/National Scholastic Press Association during their convention in Washington, DC in November.

"The Pearl Post" hopes to send 15 students to the convention. They need to raise $10,000. In addition to candy sales and restaurant nights, the students are fundraising online.

Journalism teacher Adriana Chavira is proud her students are living up to Daniel Pearl's legacy. Online editor of "The Pearl Post" Chris Bower said, "Even if we're not consciously thinking about it, I think it's always in the back of our minds. That's why we're here, we're continuing what Danny would have wanted us to do, or journalism to be."