The WNA Foundation’s High School Better Newspaper Contest recognizes student achievements in high school newspapering. Experienced newspaper professionals from the Colorado Press Association will serve as judges.
The submission period for the High School Better Newspaper Contest is Dec. 8, 2025 – Jan. 12, 2026.
Content published between Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 7, 2025, is eligible for this contest.
There will be a $7.50 fee for each entry.
Awards will be presented in Madison at the Branen Family Student Luncheon at the WNA Annual Convention on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
THE BRANEN FAMILY FUND
The Branen Family Fund supports student excellence in journalism through its Branen Award and the sponsorship of the 2026 WNA Convention Student Luncheon.
This year, one $100 award will be presented to each first-place winning entry.
If multiple students are listed on a winning entry, the school is responsible for dividing the award amount among the students accordingly.
The Branen family-sponsored awards are 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.
Questions about the contest should be directed to Laura Niemi at laura@mna.org.