On Tuesday, May 19, PSPA contest coordinator Paul Fantaski hosted a digital presentation of the 2026 state finalists and winners in the newspaper and yearbook photography categories. Click the image below to watch a video of his presentation. Fantaski also shared his slideshow. 

Below is a gallery of graphics that our members can share to celebrate the digital contest winners in our 2026 State Finals. Watch for information in late summer about the dates for the 2026-2027 regional and state contests — we can't wait to see you there!

On Monday, March 16, student journalists from across the Commonwealth gathered at Penn State University for the annual PSPA Student Journalism Competition State Finals. We’re excited to share a selection of those results with you below, with additional winners to be announced as individual contests conclude. Please click each contest name to see the winning entry.

STUDENT JOURNALISM CONTEST RESULTS 

1Y - Yearbook Caption Writing: Adrian Pacifico (Altoona Area)
2Y - Yearbook Copy Writing: Clara Eckhart (Danville Area)
3Y - Yearbook Sports Writing: Alexandra Myers (Conestoga)
4Y - Yearbook Spread Design: Angel Parada-Viera (Berwick Area)
5N - Newspaper News Writing: Lilyana Ellis (Neshaminy)
6N - Newspaper Feature Writing: Fiona Seale (Strath Haven)
7N - Newspaper Sports Writing: Ryan Hartman (Neshaminy)
8E - Editorial Cartoon: Mattie Baker (Altoona Area)
9E - Editorial Writing: Alice Ravert (Montoursville Area)
10L - Literary Magazine Poetry: Kailyn Magalich (Kiski Area)
11L - Literary Magazine Artwork: Eric Bernard (Dover Area)
12B - Broadcast Writing: Sara Brosius (McDowell)

Each winner in attendance received a certificate. Certificates for winners who were not in attendance to receive their awards in-person will be mailed to the winners' schools.

STUDENT JOURNALISM CONTEST DIGITAL SUBMISSION RESULTS
On April 24, the following winners were announced for the categories with digital submissions:

13YP - Yearbook Photography: Sara Poore (Kiski Area)
14NP - Newspaper Photography: Katie Sammarco (Parkland Area)
15BF - Broadcast Feature Package: Terry Page, Rogers Bittmann (Pittston Area)
15BN - Broadcast News Package: Owen Tickerhoof, Chloe Stack, Brooklyn Usmiller (Penn Trafford)
16POD - Podcast: Brayden Parsons, Carter Gwinn — Tyrone Area​