The ACE team at Palmerton Area Middle School won first place at the recent annual Academic Challenge Eighth 2015-16 Kern Klassic. The students are all from the eighth grade. The competition runs for three days, and Palmerton went undefeated against seven other schools. The team includes, front row, from left: Erica Messics, Mitchell Hourt and Patti Jo Boyd, the ACE team adviser. Back row: Seth Young, Logan Kresge, Braden Gower and Bryce Yacone. KRISTINE PORTER/TIMES NEWS