UW-Milwaukee news outlets Media Milwaukee and UWM Post received recognition at the Wisconsin Newspaper Association’s (WNA) 2025 Collegiate Better Newspaper Contest.
The WNA Foundation held a ceremony on March 5 after receiving 331 entries from 12 campus newspapers and was judged by the Colorado Press Association, according to the contest winner announcement. Winners were revealed at the 2026 WNA Convention in Madison, WI.
Read more about all the winners HERE.
UWM POST AWARDS:
Breaking News Reporting: Division A
Second Place: Charlie Skrade, UWM Post, UW-Milwaukee
Judge’s Comments: There is no indication in the story as to when the email was sent and received. This is well-written, focusing on the actions, giving the source info and answering the questions concerning the impact of this federal action on the University. The one problem I have is the last sentence – it is conjecture and speculative – and does not add to the strength of the un-biased reporting previous to this statement.
Arts & Entertainment Story: Division A
Second Place: Annabelle Hershelman, UWM Post, UW-Milwaukee
Judge’s Comments: I thoroughly enjoyed following the story of Rachel Talalay. Thank you for showing what a trailblazer she is. The writer continually pulled you into every step of her career.
Third Place: Adan Merino-Cabrera, UWM Post, UW-Milwaukee
Judge’s Comments: I enjoyed the celebration and the sentiment that you need to occupy space for culture to be seen on campus. The writer makes you feel like you were there with words and pictures.
Sports Story: Division A
Second Place: Jack Laude, UWM Post, UW-Milwaukee
Judge’s Comments: Good article which included the coach’s philosophy and player interviews. Easy to read. Congratulations.
Third Place: Jack Laude, UWM Post, UW-Milwaukee
Judge’s Comments: Look into the strategy of a team that is rebuilding. Interesting to know where they were, where they are and where they are headed. Nice Job.
Column Writing: Division A
Honorable Mention: Casmir Byrne, UWM Post, UW-Milwaukee
Judge’s Comments: Nicely organized, well-described components. I needed to know a little about the event history, but the descriptions of the offerings was complete.
MEDIA MILWAUKEE AWARDS:
Public Affairs Reporting: Division A
Honorable Mention: Brooke Hargraves, Akira Quinn, Grace Santiago, Media Milwaukee, UW-Milwaukee
STORY: https://mediamilwaukee.com/special-projects/revisiting-the-lost-class
Judge’s Comments: Important use of statistics, details and reporting. An article that stirs something in the reader. Great job and all involved should be proud.
In-Depth Story: Division A
First Place: Carter Evenson, Alex Stahl, Caleb Rose, Akira Quinn, Summer Fisher, Stephanie Perez, Ivy Skarda, Media Milwaukee, UWMilwaukee
STORY: https://mediamilwaukee.com/special-projects/mountain-strong
Judge’s Comments: Strong reporting and writing on an issue so devastating to so many. Reporters pull the readers in with the detail, personal accounts and photos. Excellent job.
Third Place: JAMS 320 student journalists, Media Milwaukee, UWMilwaukee
STORY: https://mediamilwaukee.com/home/across-the-generations-reflections-on-9-11-01
Judge’s Comments: The stories of those who experienced 9/11 and those who were not yet born but how it is part of their lives made an interesting read. Great perspective. Nicely written.
News Photography: Division A
First Place: Akira Quinn, Carter Evenson, Media Milwaukee, UWMilwaukee
Judge’s Comments: Nice mix of people photos and the shot of the jagged asphalt and the house affected by the flood. Clear photos documenting a news event here!
Feature Photography: Division A
Third Place: Caleb Rose, Media Milwaukee, UW-Milwaukee
Judge’s Comments: Nice composition in particular on the photo with the burned landscape and foliage in the foreground, with the hazmat suited figures in the background.
Use of Multimedia: Division A
Second Place: Carter Evenson, Summer Fisher, Stephanie Perez, Akira Quinn, Alex Stahl, Ivy Skarda, Caleb Rose, Media Milwaukee, UWMilwaukee
STORY: https://mediamilwaukee.com/special-projects/palisades-strong
Judge’s Comments: Pulling out data in pictures, podcasts and video always helps tell the story. Great job including it with solid imagery
Website: Division A
First Place: Media Milwaukee Staff, Media Milwaukee, UW-Milwaukee
WEBSITE: https://mediamilwaukee.com
Judge’s Comments: Easy to navigate website. A wealth and variety of content. The documentary section really stood out and maintained my attention. The use of multimedia either independent of written stories or as a compliment increased engagement.