2026 NATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS CONTEST WINNERS 

 

Tracy Ahrens, Illinois

  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 16 - Creative Verse > 16A - Single poem for “Cloud-scratched”
  • Honorable Mention -- Photography > 21 - Single Photograph > 21C - General photo for “Sheba, cover dog of Fido Friendly magazine 2025”

Shanita Akintonde, Illinois

  • 1st Place -- Writing > 17 - Essay, Chapter, or Section in a Book for “I am Not Your Superwoman But I Play One on T.V.”
  • 3rd Place -- Writing > 12 - Nonfiction Book for Adult Readers > 12A - Autobiography or Memoir for “The Front Porch Leader Great Grand's Recipe for Success”
  • Honorable Mention -- Web and Social Media > 36 - Podcast for “Back to Brand School: Marketing Lessons from Gen-Z”

Natalia Alamdari, Nebraska

  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07Q - Social issues for “Spinning rides, swirling rumors: Talk of ICE raid mars county fair’s attempt to showcase Mexican band”

Matthew Alexander, Delaware

  • Honorable Mention -- Photography > 21 - Single Photograph > 21A - News or feature photo for “Mayor's Inner Biker”

Venera Alexandrova, Connecticut

  • 1st Place -- Photography > 22 - Photo Essay for “Legacy in Bloom”
  • 3rd Place -- Photography > 21 - Single Photograph > 21A - News or feature photo for “Balancing Act”

Reginald Allen, Alabama

  • 2nd Place -- Photography > 23 - Photographer-writer for “What We Saw Inside Birmingham's Underground Ballroom Scene”

Laura Antolinez, Arkansas

  • 1st Place -- Collegiate / Education > 58 -Writing > 58B - Features for “From Wood to Dreams”

Jennifer Antonik, Delaware

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07Q - Social issues for “Federal cuts, local consequences: Delaware nonprofits face new era of funding shifts”
  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 01 - News Story > 01A - Print-based newspaper for “More residents moving around Delaware choose Kent County”

Alex Appel, Connecticut

  • 1st Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07N - Religion for “Stranger Among You: Faith leadership amid changing immigration policy”
  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07A - Agriculture for “Ideal Fish: The rise and fall of an experimental fish farm in Waterbury”

Joseph Badal, New Mexico

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 11 - Fiction for Adult Readers > 11A - Novels for “Soulless”

Karl Baker, Delaware

  • 3rd Place -- Writing > 02 - Continuing Coverage or Unfolding News for “Port of Wilmington board battle”

Glenda Balas, Texas

  • 1st Place -- Collegiate / Education > 63 - Faculty Adviser of Student Publication, Station or Site for “UNT Dallas Arts Journal”

David Barham, Arkansas

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 04 - Editorial/Op-Ed for “Power to the people?”

Rich Barnett, Delaware

  • 1st Place -- Writing > 08 - Columns > 08D - Personal opinion for “A Beach Chair Has Died”

Cris Barrish, Delaware

  • 3rd Place -- Radio and Television > 28 - Prepared Report > 28A - Radio for “He sees with his ears: A blind Delaware broadcaster defies odds as radio announcer for pro basketball team”
  • 1st Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07G - Government or politics for “Worse than many imagined: Sarah McBride, Delaware’s pioneer in Congress, toiling to thwart Trump”
  • 1st Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07C - Business for “Is DExit’ a real threat to Delaware’s $2B-a-year incorporation kingdom, and will proposal protect or destroy the franchise?”
  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07M - Health for “We save lives here: Clinicians work with Delaware police to steer people with drug, mental health issues into treatment”
  • 1st Place -- Writing > 01 - News Story > 01C - Online publication for “Killing us by doing nothing: After 2 UDel student deaths, pleas to make Newark’s Main Street safer have officials hustling”

Taciane Batista, Danielle Grillo, Connecticut

  • 1st Place -- Collegiate / Education > 59 - Prepared Report for Radio/Television Student Media > 59B - Television for “Early Voting Opens Amid Growing Concerns Over AI-Driven Misinformation”

Cynthia Batty, Delaware

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07S - Style for “Historic New Castle: Vernacular Architecture in a Continuum”

Chris Beakey, Delaware

  • 1st Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07B - Arts and entertainment for “Growing Up Onstage”

Laney Katz Becker, At-Large - Florida

  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 11 - Fiction for Adult Readers > 11A - Novels for “In the Family Way”

Joan Berkman, Missouri

  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 08 - Columns > 08C - Informational for “The Velvet Hammer”

Lisa Bernard, Connecticut

  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 15 - Short Form Literature > 15D - Flash Fiction for “Andrea's Coda”
  • 3rd Place -- Web and Social Media > 37 - Blog > 37C - Personal for “CamaREADerie: The Delight in Deep-Dive Book Discussions with Fellow Bookworms”

R Thomas Berner, Pennsylvania

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07I - History for “Idealism versus Realism”
  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 05 - Feature Story > 05B - Magazine, newsletter/other publication for “They Also Served”
  • Honorable Mention -- Photography > 23 - Photographer-writer for “To the End of the World”
  • 1st Place -- Writing > 06 - Personality Profile > 06A - 750 words or fewer for “The Safe Cracker”

Johanna Billings, At-Large - Maine

  • 1st Place -- Writing > 12 - Nonfiction Book for Adult Readers > 12A - Autobiography or Memoir for “The Meaning of Love”
  • 2nd Place -- Web and Social Media > 39 - Social Media Presence > 39B - Corporate or for-profit for “The Lily Cat: North Woods Antiques and Buttons”

Jennifer Black, Wendy S. Greyeyes, Ph.D., Lloyd L. Lee, Ph.D., Dale Deforest, Preston Sanchez, Ben Calabaza, New Mexico

  • Honorable Mention -- Video for Web > 41C - PR video promoting specific product or service for “Discrimination in Schools: Is it Happening to You?”

Cris Blackstone, At-Large - New Hampshire

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07H - Green/environmental for “Poison Ivy: Shape Shifting Sorceress”

Sabrina Boccuzzi, South Carolina

  • 1st Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07J - Hobby for “A Parking Garage Becomes a Canvas for Caddo Storytelling”

Emily Bontrager, At-Large - Indiana

  • 2nd Place -- Collegiate / Education > 58 -Writing > 58A - News for “Religious Education Program may be offered at Oak Hill”

Chandra Bozelko, Connecticut

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07E - Food for “From Institutional Trays to Healing Plates: One Care Home's Method of Culinary Comeback”
  • 3rd Place -- Writing > 08 - Columns > 08A - General for “How Discipline Plays an Outsized role in California Parole Decisions”
  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07O - Reviews for “The Year We Blamed the Mothers”
  • 1st Place -- Graphics and Design > 24A - Graphics for “Jimmy Kimmel Pulled Off Air ‘Indefinitely’ After Refusing to Bend to MAGA”

Katie Brandt, Illinois

  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07C - Business for “How Did This Happen?”

Jessica Broaddus, Jennifer Kinne, Marge Swayne, Alex Veatch, Virginia

  • 1st Place -- Web and Social Media > 37 - Blog > 37B - Corporate or for-profit for “Green Front’s Guide to the Best American-Made Furniture: Part 1 (2025 Picks + Forever Favorites)”

Scott Brocato, Abigail Salas, New Mexico

  • 1st Place -- Radio and Television > 32 - Best Newscast > 32A - Radio for “KRWG News”

Catherine Brown, Virginia

  • 3rd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07M - Health for “Are mental illnesses brain diseases?”

Donna Bryson, At-Large - Colorado

  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07B - Arts and entertainment for “Coogler's 'Sinners' brings cinematic spotlight to Clarksdale, Mississippi”
  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07T - Travel for “Denver like a local”

Nicole Bumbaugh, Karissa Butts, Delaware

  • Honorable Mention -- Website Edited or Managed by Entrant > 34A - Nonprofit, government or educational for “The Extra Mile”

Elizabeth Busbee, Connecticut

  • 1st Place -- Writing > 08 - Columns > 08C - Informational for “Keeping the Spark”

Clare Byrne, Connecticut

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07B - Arts and entertainment for “Two Conn College Student Choreographers Chosen Among 'Best of the Best'”

Tom Byrne, Delaware

  • 1st Place -- Radio and Television > 31 - Talk Show > 31A - Radio for “Ask Gov. Meyer - December 18, 2025”

Julie Campbell, Virginia

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 08 - Columns > 08A - General for “President's Message”

Jose Ignacio Castaneda Perez, Delaware

  • 1st Place -- Writing > 05 - Feature Story > 05C - Online publication for “‘Bring her back’: Delaware abuse victim rescued from ICE deportation”
  • 3rd Place -- Writing > 03 - In-depth Reporting for “ICE work within Delaware”

Jane Clark, Ginia Mora, Delaware

  • 2nd Place -- Graphics and Design > 24A - Graphics for “Sussex Pain Specialist Logo”

Gabi Coatsworth, Connecticut

  • 1st Place -- Writing > Fiction for Adult Readers > 11A - Novels for “A Field Guide to Library Ghosts”
  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 17 - Essay, Chapter, or Section in a Book for “Scent of History”

Erin Coggins, Alabama

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > Feature Story > 05B - Magazine, newsletter/other publication for “Passion, art drives Harvest man's creations”
  • 1st Place -- Website Edited or Managed by Entrant > 34A - Nonprofit, government or educational for “Honoring Veteran Legacies-Eternal Salute”

Ellen Collins, Virginia

  • 3rd Place -- Writing > 11 - Fiction for Adult Readers > 11A - Novels for “Voices for Biodiversity”

Lynne Conner, Illinois

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07N - Religion for “Death of a pope, and a friend”
  • 3rd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07G - Government or politics for “What to know about lead service line replacements”

Marlene Cook, Illinois

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07I - History for “How Lansing helped win World War II”
  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07T - Travel for “Where History Still Takes Flight _ Lansing's Airport  from Henry Ford to Today”

Mary Lou Cooper, New Mexico

  • 2nd Place -- Radio and Television > Special Programming > 29A - Radio for “Kratom: Harmless pain fighter or dangerous drug?”

Stan Cooper, New Mexico

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 08 - Columns > 08C - Informational for “Top Needs of Santa Fe Veterans Outlined”

Donna Cope, Alabama

  • 1st Place -- Publications Regularly Written by Entrant > 10C - Newsletter/other publication, corporate or for-profit for “Powergrams spring 2025”

Suzanne Corbett, Missouri

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07E - Food for “Morels: Missouri's Culinary Wonder”
  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07C - Business for “Massa's has what you crave - exceptional food and service, of course!”
  • 1st Place -- Radio and Television > Interview > 30A - Radio for “A Culinary Historian's Take on Thanksgiving”

Katie Cottingham, At-Large - New York

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07A - Agriculture for “Removing off-flavors from soy”
  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07M - Health for “How pregnancy changes the brain”
  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07P - Science or technology for “Highly concentrated laundry detergents get the job done on Earth and beyond”
  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07I - History for “How one chihuahua proved to be a link to the ancient dogs that moved to Latin America with the spread of agriculture”

 KC Counts, Courtney Hill, Anthony Moreno, New Mexico

  • 1st Place -- Radio and Television > Interview > 30B - Television for “Fronteras: A Changing America - Law for a Lawless Land”
  • Honorable Mention -- Public Relations Materials > 51 - Report for “Content Report”

Solomon Crenshaw Jr, Alabama

  • 3rd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07R - Sports for “‘It’s All Love’: Meet the Birmingham High School Teammates Turned Magic City Classic Rivals”

Meredith Cummings, Pennsylvania

  • 3rd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07O - Reviews for “Cultural and romantic dilemmas”

Mary C Curtis, North Carolina

  • 2nd Place -- Web and Social Media > 36 - Podcast for “Equal Time with Mary C. Curtis: 'Accidental activists,' the local heroes who expose government secrecy”
  • 3rd Place -- Writing > 08 - Columns > 08D - Personal opinion for “American individualism, but only for some Americans”

Amber Dance, California

  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 05 - Feature Story > 05B - Magazine, newsletter/other publication for “The diorama dilemma”
  • 1st Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07M - Health for “How cancer cells travel to new tissues and take hold”
  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07P - Science or technology for “Everything you need to know about bird flu”

Mary Jo David, At-Large - Michigan

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07E - Food for “Community cookbooks are full of surprises and tasty treats, like this month’s ‘Pumpkin Crunch Cake’”
  • 1st Place -- Writing > 14 - Young Adult Book > 14A - Fiction for “Glass Frost”

Bob Delaney, Missouri

  • 3rd Place -- Information for the Media > 54 - News or Feature Release – Single Release for “Gateway Chapter IPMS Presents 2025 Regional Model Contest”

Andrew DeMillo, Arkansas

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > Feature Story > 05C - Online publication for “An Arkansas organist is playing 18 hours of Bach this year, one lunch break at a time”

Debra Denker, New Mexico

  • Honorable Mention -- Publications Regularly Written by Entrant > 10C - Newsletter/other publication, corporate or for-profit for “A Poem: Who Picked These Strawberries I Eat?”

Sonja Dewing, New Mexico

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 12 - Nonfiction Book for Adult Readers > 12A - Autobiography or Memoir for “Chasing the Horizon: How I Built a Life on Courage, Coffee, and Saying Yes”

Lolita Ditzler, Illinois

  • 2nd Place -- Web and Social Media > 37 - Blog > 37C - Personal for “LINDA”

Catherine Dorsher, El Winkelman, North Dakota

  • Honorable Mention -- Graphics and Design > 24 - Graphics > 24A - Graphics for “UND Merrifield Hall Murals”

Nicholas Doscher, Connecticut

  • 2nd Place -- Radio and Television > On-the-scene Report > 27B - Television for “Simsbury Bear Enters Home”
  • 1st Place -- Radio and Television > Special Programming > 29B - Television for “WNPR Host Discusses Evolution of her Taiwanese Identity”

Carrie Douglass, Virginia

  • 2nd Place -- Writing > Nonfiction Book for Adult Readers > 12B - Biography or History for “The Horses of Monticello: Equine Culture in Thomas Jefferson's Virginia”

Debora Dragseth, James Pursley, Jim Dahl, North Dakota

  • 2nd Place -- Writing > Nonfiction Book for Adult Readers > 12D - General Nonfiction for “100 Years of DSU Football”

Debora Dragseth, Michael Dragseth, North Dakota

  • 3rd Place -- Writing > 13 - Children’s Book > 13B - Non-fiction for “An Alphabet Book for Little Blue Hawks”

Debora Dragseth, North Dakota

  • 2nd Place -- Editing for Print or Online Publications > 20 - Book Edited by Entrant for “100 Years of DSU Football”

Conner Drigotas, Connecticut

  • 2nd Place -- Publication Regularly Edited by Entrant > 19C - Newsletter/other publication - non-profit, government, or educational for “Inside Investigator: investigative journalism to root out corruption”

Mimi Dupont, Delaware

  • 2nd Place -- Writing > Creative Verse > 16C - Chapbook of poetry for “Hand in Hand: poems from being present at the end of life”

Marbella Duricko, Pennsylvania

  • 1st Place -- Collegiate / Education > 60 - Podcast Created and Produced by Student or Students for “Intercultural Interludes”

Roberta Duyff, Missouri

  • 1st Place -- Editing for Print or Online Publications > 20 - Book Edited by Entrant for “Culture, Foodways and Counseling: A Guide to Culturally Sensitive Nutrition Care in the United States”

Sarah Engebrecht, Arkansas

  • 3rd Place -- Graphics and Design > 24A - Graphics for “Purple reign”

Lori Falce, Pennsylvania

  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 08 - Columns > 08D - Personal opinion for “Is mental illness a crime?”

Angelita Faller, Arkansas

  • 1st Place -- Information for the Media > 55 - News or Feature Releases – Multiple Releases for “UA Little Rock Cybersecurity Program Series”
  • 2nd Place -- Information for the Media > 56 - Media Pitch for “$1 Coin Released in Honor of Navy ‘Hidden Figure’ Raye Montague”

Karen Feld, At-Large - District of Columbia

  • 3rd Place -- Writing > 05 - Feature Story > 05C - Online publication for “Still Kicking —literally—on NY’s Cabaret Stage”
  • Honorable Mention -- Web and Social Media > 37 - Blog > 37C - Personal for “Karen Feld’s Capital Connections®”

Brandon Ferguson, Delaware

  • 1st Place -- Radio and Television > 27 - On-the-scene Report > 27B - Television for “Dagsboro Home Explosion”

Jeanne Ferris, California

  • 3rd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07B - Arts and entertainment for “REZ BALL - Film review”
  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07Q - Social issues for “Honoring Puvungna Today”

Irene Fick, Delaware

  • 3rd Place -- Writing > Creative Verse > 16B - Book of poetry for “The Fragility of Winter”
  • 3rd Place -- Writing > Creative Verse > 16A - Single poem for “Interiors”

Mark Fiorentino, Connecticut

  • 3rd Place -- Writing > 08 - Columns > 08B - Humorous for “Letter to Santa — 2025”

Marc Fitch, Connecticut

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 01 - News Story > 01C - Online publication for “He’s ranked 2nd in the nation for youth rock climbing; AI just canceled him”

Jane Fitzgerald, At-Large - Florida

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > Short Form Literature > 15A - Single short story for “Footsteps Overhead”

Brenda Fleming, New Mexico

  • Honorable Mention -- Photography > 21 - Single Photograph > 21C - General photo for “Historic guard tower at sunrise”

Cherith Fluker, Alabama

  • 1st Place -- Writing > Nonfiction Book for Adult Readers > 12D - General Nonfiction for “Secret Birmingham: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure”
  • 3rd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07T - Travel for “Savoring the Culinary Scene of LaGrange, Georgia, One Bite at a Time”

Laura Fortunato, Virginia

  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07D - Education for “Thirty Years of Navigating the Future”

Stephanie Fowler, Maryland

  • 1st Place -- Writing > Nonfiction Book for Adult Readers > 12E - Creative Nonfiction for “Into the Night: A Jailbreak and Double Homicide on Maryland's Eastern Shore”

Robin Franzke, At-Large - Washington

  • 2nd Place -- Writing > Children’s Book > 13B - Non-fiction for “Grandma’s Bucket of Mercy”

Joshua Friedberg, Illinois

  • 3rd Place -- Writing > 08 - Columns > 08C - Informational for “I'm Better Off Without Coffee. Here's Why.”
  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07O - Reviews for “Reissue of Classic Folk LP Shows Joan Baez in Transition”
  • 2nd Place -- Writing > Short Form Literature > 15E - Flash Nonfiction for “Art That Toasts to a Friendship Beyond Most”
  • Honorable Mention -- Speeches > 57 - Speech for “Does a Tighter Writer Make the Unstoppable Possible?”
  • 2nd Place -- Electronic Newsletter > 40C - Personal for “Birthday #37: The Year’s Biggest Joys!!”
  • 3rd Place -- Writing > 09 - Headlines for “Art That Toasts to a Friendship Beyond Most, Does a Tighter Writer Make the Unstoppable Possible?, Joan Osborne Deserves to 'Relish' Her Triumph 30 Years Later, To Chase and/or Avert Praise: A Neurodivergent Dilemma?”

Karen Galatz, At-Large - Nevada

  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 08 - Columns > 08A - General for “Medical ageism: don't live with it”

Amy Geiszler-Jones, Kansas

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07I - History for “New book about forgotten Gilded Age journalist details rise of Wichita columnist”

Sara Gentzler, Nebraska

  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 02 - Continuing Coverage or Unfolding News for “YRTC-Kearney abuse allegations”

Pam George, Delaware

  • 1st Place -- Writing > 09 - Headlines for “Lettuce Praise”

Emily Gillespie, South Carolina

  • Honorable Mention -- Social Media Campaign > 38A - Nonprofit, government or educational for “Sweet Notes”

Phil Giunta, Pennsylvania

  • 3rd Place -- Writing > Short Form Literature > 15A - Single short story for “Where Halloween Never Ends”

Jessica Glynn, At-Large - Colorado

  • 3rd Place -- Writing > 06 - Personality Profile > 06B - More than 750 words for “Canney's Gambit”

Kindra Goertzen, Kansas

  • 1st Place -- Public Relations Materials > 51 - Report for “2024 Impact Report”
  • 1st Place -- Public Relations Materials > 50-Audiovisuals for “2025 Fundraising Campaign Video”
  • Honorable Mention -- Speeches > 57 - Speech for “Impact on the Plains Opening Remarks”
  • 1st Place -- Graphics > 24B - Infographics for “ALICE in Sedgwick County”
  • 2nd Place -- Communications Programs and Campaigns > 49 - Marketing Program or Campaign for “2025 Impact on the Plains”

Antoinette Grajeda, Tess Vrbin, Ainsley Platt, Arkansas

  • 1st Place -- Writing > 03 - In-depth Reporting for “Overcrowded”

Angie Gray, Delaware

  • 2nd Place -- Photography > 22 - Photo Essay for “For The Love of the Land”

Cecilia Green, Kansas

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07B - Arts and entertainment for “Wichita’s improv scene is booming: ‘We’re pretty serious about our funny’”

Terri Hahn, Nebraska

  • 1st Place -- Single Page, Section, or Supplement Edited by Entrant > 18A - Newspaper for “Occasions (pages E1-E5)”

Katy Hammel, New Mexico

  • 2nd Place -- Writing > Short Form Literature > 15A - Single short story for “Emmy and the Apricot Fox”

Audrey Hanes, Arkansas

  • 1st Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07S - Style for “Bearded Bouquet Brings Festive Florals to the White House”

Suzanne Hanney, Illinois

  • 3rd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07S - Style for “Chicago 7 Most Endangered; Preservation Chicago's Quest to Save our Architecture”
  • Honorable Mention -- Publication Regularly Edited by Entrant > 19B - Magazine/Magapaper for “Overcoming Barriers to Food Availability for People who are Unhoused”

Anna Hartzog, Alabama

  • 1st Place -- Writing > Children’s Book > 13A - Fiction for “Eek and Ouch”

Linda Hass, David Van Hoof, At-Large - Michigan

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > Nonfiction Book for Adult Readers > 12B - Biography or History for “Revolutionary War Patriots of Jackson County Michigan”

Larissa Veronica Heather, Delaware

  • 1st Place -- Collegiate / Education > Writing > 58D - Opinion/Editorial/Reviews for “Personal Essay: It’s hard to believe when there’s nothing to believe in”
  • 1st Place -- Photography > 21 - Single Photograph > 21D - Photo Illustration for “The Review: November Print Cover”
  • 2nd Place -- Photography > 21 - Single Photograph > 21B - Sports photo for “Conducting the Sound of History”
  • Honorable Mention -- Page Design > 25A - Newspaper for “When Home Isn't Quite So”
  • 1st Place -- Collegiate / Education > Art and Design > 61B - Graphics/illustrations for “The Blue Hens fall 14-52”
  • Honorable Mention -- Collegiate / Education > 61 - Art and Design > 61A - Design for “Delaware Beats LA Tech”
  • 1st Place -- Collegiate / Education > 61 - Art and Design > 61C - Photographs for “The Celebration Finds the Stands”

Dwain Hebda, Mark Carter, Mike Bedgood, Arkansas

  • 2nd Place -- Public Relations Materials > 53 - Catalog, Manual, or Handbook for “TAGGART: Celebrating 50 Years of Architecture”

Dwain Hebda, Arkansas

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07A - Agriculture for “All Grit, No Quit”
  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07E - Food for “Food is Love”
  • 1st Place -- Writing > 01 - News Story > 01B - Magazine, newsletter/other print publication for “Bridge Over Troubled Waters”

Crystal Heidel, Delaware

  • 3rd Place -- Graphics and Design > 26 - Book Designed by Entrant for “hand in hand”

Anne Heinrich, Missouri

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07L - Personal essay for “Writing the Pros and Cons of Small Towns in Fiction”

Mary Hightower, Arkansas

  • Honorable Mention -- Publications Regularly Written by Entrant > 10B - Newsletter/other publication, nonprofit, government or educational for “ONE Division”

Carrie Hill, Arkansas

  • 3rd Place -- Graphics and Design > 24B - Infographics for “WWII Arkansan prisoner of war”

Elaine Hobson Miller, Alabama

  • 2nd Place -- Web and Social Media > 33 - Web Copy for “About Us”

Natalie Hoefer, At-Large - Indiana

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07Q - Social issues for “New program would ‘change the whole paradigm’ for those released from prison”
  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07N - Religion for “New Albany Deanery’s Summer Daze program helps youths ‘live out the faith’”
  • 1st Place -- Photography > 23 - Photographer-writer for “Contributions to staff coverage of National Catholic Youth Conference”

Ilona Holland, Delaware

  • 1st Place -- Writing > Children’s Book > 13B - Non-fiction for “George Washington's Remarkable Solutions: A World of Science and Technology at Mount Vernon”

Meg Hunt, South Carolina

  • 3rd Place -- Public Relations Materials > 53 - Catalog, Manual, or Handbook for “Teleios Ministry Christmas Catalog 2025”

Jon Hurdle, Delaware

  • 1st Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07H - Green/environmental for “More Delaware species join ‘greatest conservation need’ list as habitat shrinks”

Eleanor Hutterer, New Mexico

  • 3rd Place -- Public Relations Campaign > 46B - External Communications for “The Los Alamos Neutron Science Center”

Judi Hylton, Delaware

  • 2nd Place -- Photography > 21 - Single Photograph > 21C - General photo for “Sunset at Breakwater Lighthouse”
  • Honorable Mention -- Photography > 23 - Photographer-writer for “Flipping Fantastic”

Joe Irizarry, Delaware

  • 3rd Place -- Radio and Television > Interview > 30A - Radio for “Are plastic bag bans working? One Univ. of Delaware study says 'yes'”

Fay Jacobs, Delaware

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 06 - Personality Profile > 06B - More than 750 words for “A Quiet Trailblazer”
  • 1st Place -- Writing > 08 - Columns > 08B - Humorous for “Flotsam & Jetsam: Oh No, Not You, Chicken!”

Lini Kadaba, Pennsylvania

  • 1st Place -- Writing > 05 - Feature Story > 05A - Print-based newspaper for “Enterprising New Jersey man finds treasures while trash picking in wealthy Shore towns”
  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07D - Education for “Being Intelligent About Artificial Intelligence”
  • 1st Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07P - Science or technology for “Inner Workings, Scrutinized”

Megy Karydes, Illinois

  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07D - Education for “Crossing Lines”

Karyn Keane, Alexandra Veatch, Mike Eberly, Virginia

  • 3rd Place -- Social Media Presence > 39A - Nonprofit, government or educational for “The Harvest Foundation │Social Media Presence”

Tammy Keith, Arkansas

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07Q - Social issues for “Conway Ministry Center makes final push to open The Refuge”
  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07M - Health for “Gina Flake is fighting back”

Rose Kern, New Mexico

  • 3rd Place -- Writing > 17 - Essay, Chapter, or Section in a Book for “The Motorcycle Doughboy”

Kathleen Kiley, Connecticut

  • 3rd Place -- Web and Social Media > 36 - Podcast for “EP 15: Tim Pena, Veteran, Journalist, Advocate Part I”

Jenny Kinsey, New Mexico

  • Honorable Mention -- Radio and Television > Prepared Report > 28A - Radio for “Mexican gray wolf faces new challenges in Gila Wilderness”

Martin Kivell, Connecticut

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07I - History for “"The Miller Excitement:  A Town at War With Itself”

Pamela Knudson, North Dakota

  • 3rd Place -- Writing > Feature Story > 05A - Print-based newspaper for “Dollhouse”
  • 1st Place -- Writing > Personality Profile > 06B - More than 750 words for “Victor Sweeney, Mortician”
  • 3rd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07A - Agriculture for “Mark Holy”
  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07I - History for “Iron lung”
  • 3rd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07J - Hobby ) for “Santa carver”
  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07Q - Social issues for “Food insecurity”

Paula Kosin, Illinois

  • 2nd Place -- Radio and Television > Interview > 30A - Radio for “Can we grieve the death of someone we've never met?”

Amanda Kosior, North Dakota

  • Honorable Mention -- Public Relations Campaign > 46A Internal Communications for “JLG Architects Internal Communication Plan”

Amanda Kosior, Amanda Poehls, Catherine Dorsher, El Winkelman, Erica Rapp, Haley Darling, Hattie Gomph, Katie Ankrom, Tracy Nicholson, Leah Parker, North Dakota

  • 1st Place -- Social Media Presence > 39B - Corporate or for-profit for “JLG Architects”

Arjun Kothari, At-Large - New Jersey

  • Honorable Mention -- Graphics and Design > Page Design > 25A - Newspaper for “Congratulations Class of 2025!”
  • 1st Place -- Website Edited or Managed by Entrant > 34B - Corporate or for-profit for “IvyBound Consulting Website: College Admissions Made Affordable”

Patty Kruszewski, Virginia

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07I - History for “Near his Henrico foaling site, Boston gets his due”
  • 3rd Place -- Writing > 08 - Columns > 08C - Informational for “Plate & Goblet: Lotte Lovers, tortillas, & Veganuary”

Kim Land, South Carolina

  • 1st Place -- Publications Regularly Written by Entrant > 10B - Newsletter/other publication, nonprofit, government or educational for “George Dean Johnson College of Business and Economics Newsletter”
  • 2nd Place -- Information for the Media > 55 - News or Feature Releases – Multiple Releases for “Upstate Regional Spelling Bee”

Gary Larkin, Connecticut

  • 2nd Place -- Publication Regularly Edited by Entrant > 19B - Magazine/Magapaper for “Dec. 22, 2025 edition of Westfair Business Journal”

Nikki Lavoie, Serenity Fleming, Delaware

  • 2nd Place -- Public Relations Campaign > 46C - Integrated Communications for “Bringing Delaware Outdoors Into Focus: An Integrated Campaign With Lasting Communications Value”
  • 1st Place -- Electronic Newsletter > 40A - Nonprofit, government, or educational for “DNREC’s Monthly Newsletter Connects Delawareans to  Nature, Science and Service”
  • 1st Place -- Social Media Campaign > 38A - Nonprofit, government or educational for “Field Trip Friday: Weekly Storytelling That Connects Delaware to DNREC”
  • 1st Place -- Social Media Presence > 39A - Nonprofit, government or educational for “Turning Environmental Information into Public Conversation on Facebook”

Kitty Leaken, New Mexico

  • 3rd Place -- Single Page, Section, or Supplement Edited by Entrant > 18B - Magazine/Magapaper for “Granddaughters of the Clay: A Family Legacy of Pueblo Pottery”

Ally LeMaster, Connecticut

  • 1st Place -- Writing > 02 - Continuing Coverage or Unfolding News for “Ten Former Litchfield Students Recount Sexual Abuse by Renowned Coach, Many More Cases Expected”

Josie Lenora, Arkansas

  • 1st Place -- Prepared Report > 28A - Radio for “Arkansas white supremacist group draws international attention”

Josie Lenora, Maggie Ryan, Arkansas

  • 1st Place -- Special Programming > 29A - Radio for “Track One”

Timothy Libretti, Illinois

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07Q - Social issues for “Who Deserves Rape? State-Sanctioned Sexual Violence and Second-Class Citizenship for LGBTQ Americans Undermine Basic Humanity and Equality”

Jennifer Lo Prete, Sunni Brown, Virginia

  • Honorable Mention -- Public Relations Materials > 51 - Report for “Annual Report for the School of Arts & Sciences”

Jennifer Lo Prete, Virginia

  • 3rd Place -- Communications Programs and Campaigns > 49 - Marketing Program or Campaign for “2025 Italian Film Festival”

Frank Lockwood, Arkansas

  • 1st Place -- Writing > 01 - News Story > 01A - Print-based newspaper for “Baptists' predator database not done”
  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07N - Religion for “State religious figures recall Kirk's faith”

Tara Lumpkin, New Mexico

  • 3rd Place -- Website Edited or Managed by Entrant > 34A - Nonprofit, government or educational for “Voices for Biodiversity”

Mingsi Ma, Pennsylvania

  • 1st Place -- Information for the Media > 56 - Media Pitch for “Pitch: David Roussève/REALITY’s Becoming Daddy AF + Pittsburgh Queer History Project’s New Exhibit”

Casey Mann, Arkansas

  • 1st Place -- Collegiate / Education > 59 - Prepared Report for Radio/Television Student Media > 59A - Radio for “Devil’s Den tragedy renews focus on hiking safety, state park security”

 Jamie Marshall, Connecticut

  • 3rd Place -- Writing > 05 - Feature Story > 05B - Magazine, newsletter/other publication for “Carrying Hope”

Deborah Marshall, Missouri

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 05 - Feature Story > 05B - Magazine, newsletter/other publication for “A Salute to P.E.O.s in the U.S. Military”

Martin Matheny, Delaware

  • 2nd Place -- On-the-scene Report > 27A - Radio for “Wilmington Children's Chorus joins German youth orchestra for Saturday concert”

Madeline McCullough, Kansas

  • 2nd Place -- Advertising > 43 - Advertising Campaign for “Gridiron, Wickedly Funny”

Arin McKenna, New Mexico

  • 3rd Place -- Web and Social Media > 33 - Web Copy for “¡Sostenga! Center For Sustainable, Food, Agriculture and Environment: Building a traditional agriculture program and community partnership”

Olivia McMurrey, Alabama

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 02 - Continuing Coverage or Unfolding News for “Lake Purdy Dam coverage”
  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07B - Arts and entertainment for “Federal Arts Funding Cuts Hamper Birmingham-Area Events, Programs”
  • 3rd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07H - Green/environmental for “Coalition raises concerns surrounding manufacturer’s environmental, labor practices in small Alabama town”
  • 3rd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07P - Science or technology for “Is AI coming for your job? Maybe. Here’s what to expect and how to prepare”
  • 3rd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07Q - Social issues for “Reimagined Park to Open Nature to All on Birmingham’s East Side”
  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07M - Health for “Scorching Saturdays: The Rising Heat Threat Inside Football Stadiums”
  • 2nd Place -- Prepared Report > 28A - Radio for “Alabama looks to solve two problems at once by helping formerly incarcerated people enter the workforce”

Julia Medeiros Coad, At-Large - Colorado

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 01 - News Story > 01C - Online publication for “Island Community Explores Pathways To Strengthen Energy Reliability”

Thomas Metthe, Arkansas

  • 1st Place -- Photography > 21 - Single Photograph > 21B - Sports photo for “Hog Leap”
  • 1st Place -- Photography > 21 - Single Photograph > 21C - General photo for “Cheer”

Jill Miller, Kansas

  • 2nd Place -- Blog > 37A - Nonprofit, government or educational for “The Power of Connection”

Cheryl Miller, Kansas

  • 3rd Place -- Publication Regularly Edited by Entrant > 19C - Newsletter/other publication - non-profit, government, or educational for “Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Newsletter Spring 2025”
  • 2nd Place -- Publications Regularly Written by Entrant > 10B - Newsletter/other publication, nonprofit, government or educational for “Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Newsletter Fall 2025”
  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 06 - Personality Profile > 06A - 750 words or fewer for “Spotlight on the dean”

Tracy Miller, Pennsylvania

  • Honorable Mention -- Advertising > 43 - Advertising Campaign for “Deisgner's Studio”
  • 3rd Place -- Page Design > 25B - Magazine or magapaper for “To the End of the World”

Dena Moes, New Mexico

  • 1st Place -- Writing > Young Adult Book > 14B - Non-fiction for “It's Your Body: The Young Woman's Guide to Empowered Sexual Health”

Dr. Sarah Elizabeth Moreman, Alabama

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 08 - Columns > 08A - General for “Fishing Beyond the Waters”

Bradley Morgan, Illinois

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > Nonfiction Book for Adult Readers > 12D - General Nonfiction for “Frank Zappa's America”

Teri Mott, Kansas

  • 1st Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07O - Reviews for “Observations on 'Something's Rotten' at Musc Theatre Wichita”

Erin Murphy, Pennsylvania

  • 2nd Place -- Writing > Creative Verse > 16B - Book of poetry for “Human Resources”

Linda Neal Reising, At-Large - Indiana

  • 1st Place -- Writing > Creative Verse > 16B - Book of poetry for “Navigation”

Kristin Netterstrom Higgins, Arkansas

  • 2nd Place -- Electronic Newsletter > 40A - Nonprofit, government, or educational for “Arkansas Ballot Issue Education Newsletter”

Bill Newcott, Delaware

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 08 - Columns > 08A - General for “Treasure Hunting: The Last Dumpster”

Laurie Newkirk, Vincent Legg, Connecticut

  • 1st Place -- Writing > Nonfiction Book for Adult Readers > 12B - Biography or History for “For the Love of The Odd Couple: A Story of Laughs, Legacy and Lifelong Friendships”

Kyra Newman, Virginia

  • Honorable Mention -- Electronic Newsletter > 40A - Nonprofit, government, or educational for “SkillsUSA Massachusetts Quarterly Newsletter”
  • 3rd Place -- Writing > 04 - Editorial/Op-Ed for “Housing is the Hinge for the Alleghany Highlands’ Next Chapter”

Janice Renee Newman, Illinois

  • 2nd Place -- Radio and Television > Interview > 30B - Television for “WGN-TV Spotlight Chicago - A Taste of Theatre”

Patrick Newton, Arkansas

  • 2nd Place -- Public Relations Materials > 51 - Report for “Clinton School of Public Service 20-Year Impact Report”

Tracy Nicholson, North Dakota

  • 3rd Place -- Publication Regularly Edited by Entrant > 19B - Magazine/Magapaper for “April-June 2025: Edition #6”

Ann Oppenhimer, Virginia

  • Honorable Mention -- Publication Regularly Edited by Entrant > 19C - Newsletter/other publication - non-profit, government, or educational for “Folk Art Messenger #116”

Valerie Ormond, Maryland

  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 17 - Essay, Chapter, or Section in a Book for “Connecting the Dots”
  • 1st Place -- Publication Regularly Edited by Entrant > 19C - Newsletter/other publication - non-profit, government, or educational for “Dispatches - Summer 2025”

Brittney Osborn, Arkansas

  • 1st Place -- Advertising > 42 - Single Advertisement for “Great Food, Great Vibes”

Kaley Osborne, Arkansas

  • 2nd Place -- Advertising > 44 - Advertising Poster, Billboard or Banner for “Chocolate Fantasy Ball benefitting Ronald McDonald House”

Joy Outlaw (Pen name: Inanna Joy), Delaware

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > Nonfiction Book for Adult Readers > 12D - General Nonfiction for “F*CK SUBMISSION: Ending The Gender Wars For Good”

Madeleine Overturf, John Dearing, Delaware

  • 1st Place -- Radio and Television > Best Newscast > 32B - Television for “CoastTV News at 6”

Madeleine Overturf, Delaware

  • 1st Place -- Radio and Television > Prepared Report > 28B - Television for “Culture of the Coast: The Chincoteague Pony Swim”

Jacob Owens, Delaware

  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07K - Obituary for “Former Governor, Congressman Mike Castle dies at 86”

Betty Packard, California

  • Honorable Mention -- Speeches > 57 - Speech for “The History of Indianapolis 500 Ladies”
  • 1st Place -- Communications Programs and Campaigns > 49 - Marketing Program or Campaign for “One World: Two Voices”

Michelle Parks, Arkansas

  • Honorable Mention -- Publication Regularly Edited by Entrant > 19B - Magazine/Magapaper for “ReView 2025”

Robin DuCharme Pastore, Connecticut

  • Honorable Mention -- Radio and Television > Interview > 30A - Radio for “Interview with author + domestic violence researcher and advocate Helen Winslow Black, an author, attorney, and advocate for victims of domestic violence.”
  • 2nd Place -- Radio and Television > Talk Show > 31A - Radio for “Denise Sargis Brown: Traveling Solo Through the Middle East: Iran + Beyond”
  • Honorable Mention -- Speeches > 57 - Speech for “My Father's House (General Israel Putnam Farm, Brooklyn, CT, c. 1750): A Happy Childhood in a House Where General Putnam's Ghost is Said To Linger”

Mary-Margaret Pauer, Delaware

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07L - Personal essay for “Sands of Time”

Chloe Piekkola, North Dakota

  • 1st Place -- Writing > Creative Verse > 16A - Single poem for “This Poem is an Orange”

Ainsley Platt, Arkansas

  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07G - Government or politics for “Fix for aging Arkansas prison wastewater plant years behind schedule”

Terry Plowman, Delaware

  • 1st Place -- Publication Regularly Edited by Entrant > 19B - Magazine/Magapaper for “June Issue, Delaware Beach Life”
  • 1st Place -- Single Page, Section, or Supplement Edited by Entrant > 18B - Magazine/Magapaper for “Beach Briefs”

Amanda Poehls, Tracy Nicholson, Elizabeth Winkelman, North Dakota

  • 1st Place -- Publication Regularly Edited by Entrant > 19D - Newsletter/other publication - corporate or for profit for “INSPIRE: K12 Newsletter | Back to School”

Amanda Poehls, Tracy Nicholson, North Dakota

  • 2nd Place -- Public Relations Materials > Brochure > 52B - Corporate or for-profit for “Behavioral Health Brochure”

Amy Polacko, Connecticut

  • 1st Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07L - Personal essay for “I Help Women Escape Controlling Men. Here's Why I Believe Cassie Couldn’t 'Just Leave' Diddy.”

Natalie Pompilio, Pennsylvania

  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 06 - Personality Profile > 06B - More than 750 words for “Give His Regards”

Carla Post, Nebraska

  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 05 - Feature Story > 05C - Online publication for “Handmade Helper: 92-year-old Nebraskan moves snow with a tractor he built from scratch 65 years ago”

Lori Potter, Nebraska

  • 2nd Place -- Writing > Feature Story > 05B - Magazine, newsletter/other publication for “Something Different to Try and Frequent video postings carry ag interests from pumpkin patch and maize of home in England to wheat fields of the American Great Plains”
  • 1st Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07A - Agriculture for “Kearney County Crops and Cattle 2025 Outlook”
  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07B - Arts and entertainment for “The Jason Wulf  Band”
  • 3rd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07C - Business for “One to the Next: Business transaction for Ivan Wiebke, Travis Dorn crosses generations, blurs family line”
  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07H - Green/environmental for “Spring Migration: A Different World”
  • 2nd Place -- Photography > 21 - Single Photograph > 21A - News or feature photo for “Sunset at Rowe Sanctuary”
  • 3rd Place -- Photography > 22 - Photo Essay for “Buffalo County Fair”
  • 3rd Place -- Photography > 23 - Photographer-writer for “Lions camels and goats: A century-old carousel fell into disrepair. Now it's spurring joy in the heart of Nebraska and Pioneers to "American Pickers"; How a plastics titan's mission to save local history birthed a Nebraska destination”

Patricia Prewitt, Missouri

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > Nonfiction Book for Adult Readers > 12A - Autobiography or Memoir for “Trying to Catch Lightning in a Jar”

Tom Quinn, Connecticut

  • 3rd Place -- Publications Regularly Written by Entrant > 10C - Newsletter/other publication, corporate or for-profit for “Balancing Your Senses

Paola Ramos, At-Large - New York

  • 1st Place -- Writing > Feature Story > 05B - Magazine, newsletter/other publication for “The Great Reverse Migration”

Erica Rapp, North Dakota

  • 2nd Place -- Social Media Campaign > 38B - Corporate or for-profit for “Design Spotlight Video Series”
  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07S - Style for “Elevating the everyday: Turning the office into a destination of choice”

Thomas Renner, Connecticut

  • 1st Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07R - Sports for “Fighting Chance”
  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07S - Style for “Former Domino Sugar Industrial Plant Turns Mixed-Use Commercial Complex”

Katherine Revello, Connecticut

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07G - Government or politics for “Secession: Could Connecticut become a new Canadian province?”

Katherine Revello, Brandon Whiting, Connecticut

  • 1st Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07D - Education for “Partial Record: Sexual Misconduct and Transparency at CSCU”

Aneyda Reynaga, Arkansas

  • 2nd Place -- Collegiate / Education > Writing > 58D - Opinion/Editorial/Reviews for “ICE-Y Thanksgiving”

Maggie Rhoads, At-Large – Washington, D.C.

  • 2nd Place -- Collegiate / Education > 58 -Writing > 58B - Features for “Conservative Stays Rooted in Liberal Area After School Board Recall”

Kat Robinson, Arkansas

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 05 - Feature Story > 05B - Magazine, newsletter/other publication for “Sweet! Delta Dirt's story is rooted in farming and family”
  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07I - History for “Thanksgiving Dinner in Arkansas: A Brief History”
  • 1st Place -- Web and Social Media > 39 - Social Media Presence > 39C - Personal for “Kat Robinson, Arkansas author and food historian”

Rita Robison, At-Large -Washington

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 04 - Editorial/Op-Ed for “It’s Inauguration Day: The foxes are in the henhouse”
  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07C - Business for “Bankers ask Trump to dump consumer protections and his regulators begin to do his bidding”
  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07S - Style for “How to buy a sofa”

Renee Rockland, Delaware

  • 1st Place -- Writing > Books, Short Stories, Verse > 15 - Short Form Literature > 15D - Flash Fiction for “Survivor”

Jeremy Rodriguez, Pennsylvania

  • 2nd Place -- Web and Social Media > 34 - Website Edited or Managed by Entrant > 34B - Corporate or for-profit for “Philadelphia Gay News”

Dorothy Rosby, At-Large - South Dakota

  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 08 - Columns > 08B - Humorous for “Quietly in Favor of Downsizing”

Leonie Rosenstiel, At-Large - Colorado

  • 3rd Place -- Writing > Books, Short Stories, Verse > 12 - Nonfiction Book for Adult Readers > 12D - General Nonfiction for “They're Coming for Your Elders and Your Inheritance: Ways to Protect Your Family, Mitigate the Damage, and Change the System”
  • Honorable Mention -- Speeches > 57 - Speech for “AI Revisited--Should We Be Very Afraid?”

Gail Rubin, New Mexico

  • 2nd Place -- Speeches > 57 - Speech for “We offer our pets a good death, why not our people?”

Cherika Ruffin, Virginia

  • Honorable Mention -- Web and Social Media > 38 - Social Media Campaign > 38A - Nonprofit, government or educational for “RideFinders Monday Mug Moment”

Roxane Salonen, Karen Anne Mahoney, North Dakota

  • 2nd Place -- Writing > Books, Short Stories, Verse > 12 - Nonfiction Book for Adult Readers > 12A - Autobiography or Memoir for “Finding Flannery: A Travel Memoir Exploring the Mystique of Flannery O’Connor and the Legacy She Has Left Us All”

Roxane Salonen, North Dakota

  • 1st Place -- Web and Social Media > 36 - Podcast for “What is mercy?”
  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07B - Arts and entertainment for “Bravery on the big screen: Film about North Dakota’s Hazel Miner to debut in Fargo Oct. 10”
  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07D - Education for “A handoff of holy hats: North Dakota teen exchanges caps with Pope Leo in Rome”
  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07L - Personal essay for “1 in 450 million: How a Register Writer Beat the Odds to Meet Pope Leo”
  • 3rd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07N - Religion for “Holy happenstance: Local faithful share encounters with Pope Leo XVI”
  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07R - Sports for “Women on Water: Attendees connect with God and nature during inaugural event”

Nick Sambides, Connecticut

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 03 - In-depth Reporting for “Consultant Warns Hamden Finances Could 'Implode' Without Major Overhaul”

Andrew Scalf, At-Large - Indiana

  • 3rd Place -- Collegiate / Education > 59 - Prepared Report for Radio/Television Student Media > 59B - Television for “Mississinewa 1812 report”

Diane Schmidt, New Mexico

  • Honorable Mention -- Graphics and Design > 24 - Graphics > 24A - Graphics for “Apples”

Cody Schuler, Andrew Spratta, North Dakota

  • 3rd Place -- Communications Programs and Campaigns > 46 - Public Relations Campaign > 46C - Integrated Communications for “Agristo Introduction to US Market”

Diane Sembrot, Connecticut

  • 1st Place -- Public Relations Materials > 52 - Brochure > 52A - Nonprofit, government or educational for “Smilow Cancer Hospital at Greenwich Hospital”

Caitlyn Shaw, Arkansas

  • 1st Place -- Collegiate / Education > 58 -Writing > 58A - News for “Feeding Fayetteville: How Churches are Serving the People”

Mary Jane Skala, Nebraska

  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07J - Hobby for “Bats, wasps infest Kearney home. Then Guard friends mobilize to help”
  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07N - Religion for “Father Paul: a poignant farewell to Prince of Peace”
  • 3rd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07I - History for “Kearney man reenacts a historical character few  think about: a mortician”
  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 08 - Columns > 08B - Humorous for “No lifeboats, no lights, no toilets. But the Pilgrims made it.”
  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 08 - Columns > 08D - Personal opinion for “The real winner of the Indy 500”
  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 05 - Feature Story > 05A - Print-based newspaper for “From out of the ashes, love and kindness for Axtell family”
  • 3rd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07L - Personal essay for “Chicago pooh-poohs Nebraska. Let's invite him to come stay awhile”

Mitzy Sky, Connecticut

  • Honorable Mention -- Web and Social Media > 41 - Video for Web > 41D- Special interest video for “Just Doing the Little Things Episode 7: Moving - One of Life’s Biggest Stressors”

Carin Smilk, Pennsylvania

  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 01 - News Story > 01C - Online publication for “Hatzolah Air flies staples, emergency equipment to Chabad of Jamaica as other disaster relief on way”
  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07B - Arts and entertainment for “Calendar girls yuk it up on ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show,’ receive honor from city mayor”
  • 1st Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07K - Obituary for “If it’s a success, then you’ve won: Yaakov Kirschen on a career of cartooning”

Carin Smilk, Ethel Hofman, Pennsylvania

  • 3rd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07E - Food for “The art of the brew”

Riley Smith, Chelsea Castillo, Aneyda Reynaga, Kay King, Arkansas

  • 2nd Place -- Collegiate / Education > 59 - Prepared Report for Radio/Television Student Media > 59B - Television for “No Kings Protest”

Anna Sochocky, New Mexico

  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07R - Sports for “Working to Keep Racehorses Safe”

Janine Sorbello, Delaware

  • 1st Place -- Writing > 10 - Publications Regularly Written by Entrant > 10A - Newspaper/Magazine/Magapaper for “Goldey-Beacom College Magazine”

Aprille Spivey, Arkansas

  • 1st Place -- Web and Social Media > 37 - Blog > 37A - Nonprofit, government or educational for “He Needed to Be in Arkansas: Mobile ECMO Transport to Arkansas Children’s Saves Louisiana Flu Patient”

Andrew Spratta, Marty Doll, Raquel Strand, North Dakota

  • 3rd Place -- Public Relations Materials > 51 - Report for “Southwest North Dakota Tourism Strategic Vision Plan”

Martha Steger, Virginia

  • 1st Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07T - Travel for “The Apple of Virginia's Eye”
  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07K - Obituary for “Remembrances of Chef Paul Plus His Sauce Vinaigrette”

Kay Stephens, Pennsylvania

  • Honorable Mention -- Photography > 21 - Single Photograph > 21A - News or feature photo for “Buffalo Bill Gals”
  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 04 - Editorial/Op-Ed for “Public notices must remain accessible”
  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 01 - News Story > 01A - Print-based newspaper for “Trying times: Covid 19 forced court to get creative”

Kay Stephens, Lini Kadaba, Jean Korten Moser, Stephanie Longo, Pennsylvania

  • Honorable Mention -- Communications Programs and Campaigns > 46 - Public Relations Campaign > 46C - Integrated Communications for “2025 PPC Membership Retention/Recruitment Campaign”

Paul Stevens, Delaware

  • 1st Place -- Graphics and Design > 25 - Page Design > 25B - Magazine or magapaper for “Abu Dhabi and Dubai: Two Cities, One Unforgettable Experience”

Judi Strauss, Illinois

  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 10 - Publications Regularly Written by Entrant > 10C - Newsletter/other publication, corporate or for-profit for “The Strauss Report FALL 2025”

Gregory Stroud, Connecticut

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 04 - Editorial/Op-Ed for “The Problem of Other People's Money in Old Lyme”

Erin Sullivan, Illinois

  • 2nd Place -- Graphics and Design > 25 - Page Design > 25B - Magazine or magapaper for “The Price We Pay”

Alizjah Swenson, North Dakota

  • Honorable Mention -- Web and Social Media > 41 - Video for Web > 41A - Web reporting, single news or feature story for “City of Larimore City Wide Infrastructure Improvements Project”

Pat Szpekowski, Illinois

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07E - Food for “The All American Diner Experience”

Katie Tabeling, Delaware

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 04 - Editorial/Op-Ed for “EDITORIAL: Reflections on Mickey and Wilmington institutions”

Daniel Tepfer, Connecticut

  • 3rd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07K - Obituary for “Bridgeport Gangster, Stolen Car Kingpin Dead at 72”

Ruth Thaler-Carter, New Mexico

  • 3rd Place -- Writing > 06 - Personality Profile > 06A - 750 words or fewer for “Notable Volunteer (New Column): Brenda Broussard”

Stacy Tillilie, Delaware

  • 1st Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07E - Food for “A Taste of Hospitality”
  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07R - Sports for “Pickleball Unpacked: What's Behind the Popularity of America's Fastest-Growing Sport”

Lydia Timmins, Ryan Coluccio, Delaware

  • 2nd Place -- Radio and Television > 29 - Special Programming > 29B - Television for “Chasing Excellence”

Kerry Tomlinson, Oregon

  • 3rd Place -- Web and Social Media > 41 - Video for Web > 41A - Web reporting, single news or feature story for “Inside the scam: Atlanta woman loses $500k to love scammers”

Klansee Tozer, Carrie Phillips, Arkansas

  • 2nd Place -- Graphics and Design > 26 - Book Designed by Entrant for “Chancellor's Annual Report”

Nathan Treece, Josie Lenora, Arkansas

  • 1st Place -- Radio and Television > 27 - On-the-scene Report > 27A - Radio for “Thousands take to the streets in Little Rock 'No Kings' protest”

Andrew Truscott, Delaware

  • 1st Place -- Advertising > 45 - Radio and Television Advertising > 45A - Radio for “DelawareScene.com Radio Commercial”
  • Honorable Mention -- Public Relations Materials > 51 - Report for “2024 Annual Report - Delaware Division of the Arts”
  • 2nd Place -- Web and Social Media > 41 - Video for Web > 41B - Video for nonprofit or government organization for “Delaware CreatiVeterans Program - Working with Clay”
  • 2nd Place -- Advertising > 42 - Single Advertisement for “2025 Delaware Arts Summit Print Ad”
  • 1st Place -- Advertising > 44 - Advertising Poster, Billboard or Banner for “2025 Poetry Out Loud Poster”
  • 3rd Place -- Radio and Television > 30 - Interview > 30B - Television for “Arts Alive Delaware - Wilmington Children's Chorus”

Staci Vandagriff, Arkansas

  • 1st Place -- Photography > 21 - Single Photograph > 21A - News or feature photo for “Bubbles”

Anushree Vashist, Illinois

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07P - Science or technology for “Alzheimer's Research Cuts”

Jill Vaughan, Virginia

  • 1st Place -- Communications Programs and Campaigns > 46 - Public Relations Campaign > 46C - Integrated Communications for “Uniting the Alleghany Highlands: A Regional Plan for Better Housing”

Phillip Voeller, North Dakota

  • 1st Place -- Web and Social Media > 41 - Video for Web > 41D- Special interest video for “Human Trafficking Awareness Video”

Anna Vollers, Alabama

  • 1st Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07I - History for “In the Deep South, health care fights echo civil rights battles”

Zamarra Vrabel, Pennsylvania

  • 1st Place -- Collegiate / Education > 62 - Public Relations, Social Media, or Recruitment / Involvement Campaign for “Support Starts Here: Penn State Scranton Mental Health Resources”

Tess Vrbin, Arkansas

  • 3rd Place -- Writing > 01 - News Story > 01C - Online publication for “Infertility experts warn against ‘restorative reproductive medicine,’ promoted by new Arkansas law”

Lauren Wagner, Nebraska

  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 01 - News Story > 01C - Online publication for “In Class and on TikTok, South Dakota Summer Interns Preserve Lakota Language”

Nick Wasileski, Katherine Ward, Delaware

  • 3rd Place -- Speeches > 57 - Speech for “Advocating for the creation of a Delaware State Office of Inspector General”

Aline Weiller, Connecticut

  • 1st Place -- Information for the Media > 54 - News or Feature Release – Single Release for “Book Launch for Ira Joe Fisher's New Poetry Collection at Ridgefield Library March 26”

Michele Weldon, Illinois

  • 1st Place -- Writing > 04 - Editorial/Op-Ed for “Case Not Dismissed: Domestic Violence is Indeed A Big Deal for Survivors”
  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07L - Personal essay for “Watching Apple Cider Vinnegar as Breast Cancer Survivor”

Brandon Whiting, Connecticut

  • 1st Place -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07Q - Social issues for “Disorder in the courts: two families struggle for justice”

Wanda Whittlesey-Jerome, New Mexico

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > Books, Short Stories, Verse > 16 - Creative Verse > 16B - Book of poetry for “Seasons of New Mexico: A Natural High”

Amy Wieser Willson, North Dakota

  • Honorable Mention -- Graphics and Design > 24 - Graphics > 24B - Infographics for “2025 Year in Review”
  • 2nd Place -- Web and Social Media > 34 - Website Edited or Managed by Entrant > 34A - Nonprofit, government or educational for “Metro Flood Diversion Authority website”
  • 1st Place -- Graphics and Design > 26 - Book Designed by Entrant for “Tell It Like a Trumplican”
  • 2nd Place -- Writing > 06 - Personality Profile > 06A - 750 words or fewer for “Pretty Fly for a Fish Guy”
  • 3rd Place -- Photography > 21 - Single Photograph > 21C - General photo for “Watching Autumn”
  • 1st Place -- Public Relations Materials > 53 - Catalog, Manual, or Handbook for “Truth Over Trust: How to Keep Your Congregation Safe”
  • 1st Place -- Advertising > 43 - Advertising Campaign for “Owner-Operators”
  • 3rd Place -- Web and Social Media > 40 - Electronic Newsletter > 40A - Nonprofit, government, or educational for “The Diversion Current”
  • 3rd Place -- Web and Social Media > 38 - Social Media Campaign > 38A - Nonprofit, government or educational for “Faces of the Diversion”
  • Honorable Mention -- Web and Social Media > 39 - Social Media Presence > 39A - Nonprofit, government or educational for “MFDA LinkedIn”
  • 1st Place -- Web and Social Media > 33 - Web Copy for “Precise Transport Logistics”

Melanie Wilkinson, Nebraska

  • 1st Place -- Writing > 08 - Columns > 08A - General for “The blue typewriter with red and white keyboard”
  • 1st Place -- Web and Social Media > 35 - Personal Website for “justmelaniew.com”
  • 1st Place -- Web and Social Media > 37 - Blog > 37C - Personal for “The World According to Rikki”

Beth Wiltshire, Virginia

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > Books, Short Stories, Verse > 16 - Creative Verse > 16A - Single poem for “Kindness”

Elizabeth Winkelman, Catherine Dorsher, North Dakota

  • 2nd Place -- Graphics and Design > 25 - Page Design > 25C - Newsletter/other publication for “Altru Health New Hospital Mailer”

Elizabeth Wojciechowski, Delaware

  • 3rd Place -- Collegiate / Education > 58 -Writing > 58B - Features for “Reflecting on violence and rights: Brandon Wolf shares his story”

Emily Wolf, Nebraska

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07D - Education for “Lincoln Public Schools paid its former superintendent six figures. He did no work.”

Judith Zaffirini, At-Large - Texas

  • Honorable Mention -- Writing > 07 - Specialty Articles > 07D - Education for “Dean Senator Zaffirini Champions Texas Education”
  • 3rd Place -- Writing > 10 - Publications Regularly Written by Entrant > 10B - Newsletter/other publication, nonprofit, government or educational for “Senator Judith Zaffirini Reports to the Families of District 21”
  • 2nd Place -- Web and Social Media > 39 - Social Media Presence > 39A - Nonprofit, government or educational for “Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini Facebook Page”
  • Honorable Mention -- Web and Social Media > 40 - Electronic Newsletter > 40A - Nonprofit, government, or educational for “Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini eNewsletter”
  • 3rd Place -- Advertising > 43 - Advertising Campaign for “Judith Zaffirini, Dean of the Texas Senate, Ask Us Advertising Campaign 2025”
  • 1st Place -- Advertising > 44 - Advertising Poster, Billboard or Banner for “Senator Judith Zaffirini Billboard”
  • 2nd Place -- Communications Programs and Campaigns > 46 - Public Relations Campaign > 46B - External Communications for “Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini Outlook 2025”
  • 3rd Place -- Public Relations Materials > 52 - Brochure > 52A - Nonprofit, government or educational for “How To Testify Effectively at a Texas Senate Hearing”
  • 2nd Place -- Information for the Media > 54 - News or Feature Release – Single Release for “Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini Casts 75,000th Consecutive Vote”

Jan Ziegler, Arkansas

  • 1st Place -- Speeches > 57 - Speech for “Japanese Americans in the Arkansas Delta During World War II”