A Selah High School journalism duo used to reporting on the news are now making the headlines for their work as members of the Yakima Herald Republic’s Unleashed Team.  Selah’s featured newsmakers include 2023 graduate, Natalie Keller, and senior, Indiana Hilmes, who were honored for their reporting work during the summer Unleashed awards ceremony. 

Recent graduate, Natalie Keller, who served as a four-year reporter in the Unleashed Program, achieved the distinction of being named Reporter of the Year for the fourth consecutive time— making her the only Unleashed student in the program's 24-year history to earn that title throughout all four years of high school.  Keller, who has a program record of more than 200 published items in Unleashed, was also the 2022-2023 recipient of the annual Spirit of Unleashed Award.  This award is given each year to a graduating senior in recognition of overall special contributions to the Unleashed Program.  Additionally, Keller was one of two students to receive a 4-Year Senior Award.  Additionally, Keller collected awards for Best Review, Best News Photo, and a share of the award for Best Business Story.

Indiana Hilmes, who was honored for her work during her junior campaign, concluded her third year as an Unleashed member.  For her contributions, Hilmes received the award for Best Editorial.  She also earned a share of the award for Best School Story.

The Yakima Herald’s teen journalism program is supported through a co-op administered by ESD 105 involving students from the region’s schools.

Congratulations to Natalie Keller and Indiana Hilmes for headlining the story!