The WNA college and high school contests give students an opportunity to showcase their best work from 2026, earn recognition for their achievements and compete with student journalists from across the state. The awards celebrate excellence in all areas of journalism, highlighting the talent of the state’s next generation of news media professionals.
The contest closes Dec. 7, 2026 at 10:59 p.m.
There is a $10.00 fee for each entry and payment must be made via credit card on or before Dec. 7, 2026. Content published between Jan. 1, 2026, through Dec. 7, 2026, is eligible for this contest.
The awards will be presented at the 2027 WNA Convention, during the Branen Family Student Luncheon on Friday, March 12, 2027, at the Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club.
The Branen Family Student Luncheon is named for William E. Branen, the former publisher and president of the Burlington Standard Press. Branen, who became the state’s youngest editor in 1953, is a past president of the then-Wisconsin Press Association.
