Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Wausau West High School Entry Title: Trump Hinders Democracy Entry Credit: Milo Holdhusen Judge Comment: From the first sentence of this column, there's no question about the writer's perspective on the first 100 days of President Trump’s second term. But it's through the use of concrete, specific examples—figures, polling data, lawsuits, cultural flashpoints, and even a student survey—that the author's argument lands. The urgency and conviction in the writer’s voice give the piece momentum, delivering a timely, engaged, and unmistakably opinionated piece, thus exuding the core strengths of column writing.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: The Spartan Spin Entry Title: Women's Mental Health: much more than PMS Entry Credit: Ella Corbin Judge Comment: This column earns high marks for clarity, focus, and accessibility, tackling a complex, and therefore underreported, women’s health topic. The writer balances explanation with personal insight, using her own experience to humanize the issue while educating readers about PMDD. It’s an effective column that feels direct and useful to a student audience.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Wausau West High School Entry Title: Slipping Away Entry Credit: Allison Jagodzinski Judge Comment: This column earns recognition for taking on a complex, high-stakes topic and making it accessible to student readers through clear explanations, examples, and a consistent focus on civil liberties. The writer effectively links historical precedents with current events, helping readers who may not closely follow national politics understand why these debates matter today. Its ambitious scope, informative approach, and steady throughline make it a strong and deserving entry in the contest.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: The Spartan Spin Entry Title: Women battle for the front page Entry Credit: Natalie Schultz Judge Comment: This column receives honorable mention for its willingness to draw attention to gender bias in sports journalism from a deeply personal perspective as an aspiring journalist. The writer strengthens her argument by weaving in a well-chosen real-world example alongside her own experiences, helping readers see how individual moments reflect broader patterns in the industry.
