The Colorado Student Media Association (CSMA) has named the winners in the 2026 Portfolio of the Year contests.

The Portfolio of the Year contests happen each spring and are open to students that have participated in student journalism with one of our member publications. Portfolios are judged by experienced advisers and industry professionals from across the United States. The contests are designed to recognize the top performing Colorado student journalist in each of the award categories. Each winning student receives a $250 honorarium. The member publication program also receives a $250 honorarium. Portfolio contests include Photographer, Reporter, Designer, Broadcast Journalist, Social Media Content Creator, and Middle School Journalist.

The Photographer of the Year is Peyton Winsor. Winsor is a senior at Liberty High School in Colorado Springs. He works on the Excalibur Yearbook staff. The judges noted the inclusion of both strong action and reaction moments in his portfolio and Winsor’s ability to capture strong expressions and give a sense of the emotions from his subjects.

The Reporter of the Year is Gina Ridgeway. Ridgeway is a senior at Heritage High School in Littleton. She works on the Pioneer news program. Ridgeway’s portfolio included work across multiple story types, including news, sports, and features. Her stories have a strong connection to the school community and also show attention to local and global events that impact Heritage students. Her work is relevant and timely. She demonstrates knowledge of her topic while also allowing for her interview subjects to tell the stories.

The Designer of the Year is Gavin Federocko. Federocko is a sophomore at Brighton High School in Brighton. He works on the Reflections Yearbook. Federocko’s portfolio is strong, unified, and bold. He demonstrates a solid understanding of typography and modular design. His work allows the content to shine with the design working to elevate the subject without distracting the reader. His design choices show a fine balance of consistency without being repetitious.

The Broadcast Journalist of the Year is Charlie Wood. Wood is a senior at Regis Jesuit High School in Aurora. He works on the RJTV News and the Raider Sports Network. Wood’s portfolio of work includes live sports broadcasting, studio/desk work, feature stories, and documentary film. He has done work in sports broadcasting for Regis Jesuit and also for CHSAA during state playoffs. He has a strong vocal presence as a sports broadcaster and a relaxed presence on camera. His feature series trying sports shows risk taking and connection to his audience.

The Social Media Content Creator of the Year is a new category for CSMA. This year’s winner is Sammy Granado. Granado is a senior at Brighton High School in Brighton. Granado’s portfolio of work includes content for the program’s Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. His posts featured a variety of sales, behind the scenes, and community connection materials. The content included many members of the staff and showed an understanding of social media trends.

The Middle School Journalist of the Year is Linh Do. Do is an eighth grade student at Cresthill Middle School in Highlands Ranch. Do works on the staff of CANN broadcasting. Her portfolio includes several different types of media stories and demonstrates growth over her two years in the program. Her essay on the importance of journalism in middle school highlights the impact it has had on her personally and also the impact that the program has on the school community.

One judge wrote, “From his leadership as an editor to clear devotion to diversity, Peter is something special.” Another judge added, “What strikes me the most about Peter’s writing is his ability to go way beyond the Who, What, When, and Where to focus on not just one, but often several whys.”

His portfolio is being forwarded to the Journalism Education Association Student Journalist of the Year competition, where he will compete with winners from other states for the title of National Student Journalist of the Year. The winner and finalists will be announced at the conclusion of the JEA/NSPA Spring National High School Journalism Convention. 

Runner up in the competition is Jenah Chybli, senior at Grandview High School. She will receive a $1500 scholarship. Judges commented on the variety of ways her portfolio showcased her ability to report on difficult, often sensitive, topics and impressive news literacy.

Congratulations to our Dorothy Greer winner and runner-up.

Natalie Barnard, yearbook adviser at Mountain Vista High School in Douglas County, has been named the 2025 Journalism Adviser of the Year by the Colorado Student Media Association. This award has a 42 year history and is given to the top adviser of student media programs in the state.

Barnard received an unprecedented 14 nominations and numerous additional support letters. Her nomination packet included support letters from current students, former students, parents, and colleagues.

A colleague gave this insight to Barnard’s teaching. “Natalie’s resilience has been remarkable, especially as the program has experienced its share of challenges over the years. She has navigated these changes with grace and determination, ensuring that the quality of the yearbook does not falter despite the ebbs and flows that naturally occur in any creative endeavor. Her innovative approach and ability to adapt have not only revitalized the Vista yearbook program but also inspired her students to strive for excellence.”

A former student reflected on time spent in Barnard’s program. “Advisers like her are not common. Rather, she is a living, breathing example of what it means to educate and empower young adults with pride, grace and passion. She creates spaces in which her students can come as they are, with knowledge of who they are in the present and who they wish to become. Every student, idea, story and voice is of value. Natalie is an advocate, cheerleader and role model to her students. She does not want her students to “get by,” rather she wants them to thrive – to take hold of what matters to them and make the world their own. She gives endlessly, cares deeply, and inspires her students to aim for the stars.”

Judges noted the lasting impact that Barnard has had on students and on the program at Mountain Vista. They also noticed her commitment to quality instruction and the value of a student journalism program. Barnard had this to say about her philosophy on advising. “I approach my classes with the philosophy that I am teaching young adults the importance of their voice. I am leading them to understand that there needs to be people in our world who continue to focus on sharing unbiased, researched and accurate information. Advising media also enables me to guide my students to practice skills they will need for a lifetime. Understanding the importance of deadlines, learning to work collaboratively with peers, and conquering the fear of talking to new people (interviewing) are all skills they can carry past their years in high school.”

In addition to her work in the classroom, Barnard is a member of the CSMA Board of Directors and a frequent attendee at state and national events for student journalism students and advisers.

Barnard was recognized at the 2025 CSMA J-Day event held at Macky Auditorium on the campus of the University of Colorado, Boulder.

Anna Olson has been named the recipient of the 2025 Eric Benson Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded annually to a student that has worked with any of the CSMA member publications for at least two years. Olson has been a member of the publications staff at Arapahoe for four years, culminating with her position as Editor in Chief of the Arapahoe Herald newspaper program.

In addition to this scholarship, Olson has earned several awards through the CSMA Best of Colorado awards program and was recently named the Colorado Student Media Association Designer of the Year.

Judges of this year’s scholarship entries were impressed with Olson’s portfolio and her advocacy work on behalf of students within her community. The judges feedback stated that her portfolio “demonstrates incredible breadth of experience and expertise in the area of student journalism.  Superior in both design and written reporting, she also offers examples of putting journalism to work to effect positive change, such as in the instance of how staff refer to female athletes in her high school.  She is an advocate for student rights, going up against push-back from school administration, and demonstrates clear understanding of and care for her community–covering the difficult topic of the anniversary of a school shooting with sensitivity.  In addition to breadth, Anna demonstrates the ability to cover topics in great depth, with detailed reporting on issues such as the 2024 election.  Anna is not only a journalist, she is also a teacher and mentor to her fellow student journalists.  I hope Anna will continue into a career of professional journalism; her skills and dedication will offer much to our world.”

You can find more information about the Benson Scholarship here, along with a link to Olson’s portfolio, along with links to many previous winners’ portfolios. The application window for next year’s scholarship will open in March 2026.

Peter Philpott was recognized as the CSMA Reporter of the Year. Philpott has published his work in the Union Street Journal at Cherry Creek High School. According to the judge in this category, Philpott’s “portfolio demonstrates a well developed talent for localizing national or international topics with a strong focus on local angles. The quality of quotations in stories reveals that the reporter possesses keen interviewing skills. Varied voices in stories show that the reporter digs deep to find relevant sources.”

Anna Olson was recognized as the CSMA Designer of the Year. Olson has worked for publications at Arapahoe High School, including the Herald newspaper and the Calumet yearbook. The judge noted that her “design work is exceptional—clean, creative, and full of purpose. From thoughtful font pairings to effective use of design tools and color, each element is intentional and well-executed. The insight you shared into your process reflects a deep understanding of visual storytelling. And, wow, do your designs tell stories. From elections and athletics to injuries and education, your visual/verbal connections are strong. Even more impressive is the design philosophy you shared: “In an era where media consumption constantly evolves, I am excited by the challenge of adapting to new storytelling formats, engaging diverse audiences and upholding truth and integrity.”  That’s not just design—that’s leadership.”

Tazlynne Prigge was recognized as the CSMA Photographer of the Year. Prigge is a photographer for the yearbook program at Liberty High School. The photography judge had this feedback about Prigge’s work. “You have a great variety of work in your portfolio. I really appreciate all of the great facial expressions and emotions you’ve captured in your work. That especially includes the water dropping on the guy in the red shirt, the swimmer in the sunlight, the soccer players, and the girl cheering in the crowd. All of these demonstrate some strong photographic skills.”

Mac Shaver was recognized as the CSMA Broadcast Journalist of the Year. Shaver has been the driving force behind the Arapahoe Sports Network at Arapahoe High School and is also a member of the broadcast team at Englewood High School. The judge in the broadcast area had these notes about Shaver’s portfolio. “Your work is clearly exceptional. You have exceeded any possible expectation of a high school student, as demonstrated by your examples of work within professional sports. You have developed a tremendous on air presence. You have a clear understanding of the sports that you are broadcasting along with background knowledge of the players. You have a clear ability to connect with your other broadcast teammates and do a great job of managing your broadcast presentation. Your work behind the camera, both for Arapahoe Sports Network, and for other sports teams, is impressive. The graphic design package for the Denver Onyx and for the WER League would stand out among professionals across the sports spectrum.” The judge also noted the work that Shaver has done to advocate for student press access rights in Colorado with his advocacy through CHSAA and NFHS broadcasting.

Bailey Chiappetta was recognized as the CSMA Middle School Journalist of the Year. Chiappetta has been the Editor-in-Chief of the yearbook at Drake Middle School. The judge gave this reflection on Chiappetta’s portfolio. “This portfolio shows your abilities as a designer, as a photographer, and as a leader. Your examples are excellent individual pieces of work. More importantly, your descriptions and reflections show your process in order to achieve those results. Your supporting letters paint a very clear picture of you as a leader within your program through some challenging situations. It is clear that you set high expectations on yourself and that you support the yearbook staff so that they can attain great results.”

Each student winner and their respective journalism program will receive a $250 prize. The winning portfolios can be found on the individual contest pages, along with previous year’s winners. The entry window will open in March 2026 for the 2025-26 Portfolio of the Year contests.

Vice President/President Elect Candidates (1 candidate)

Karla Shotts, Englewood High School
Bio Statement:
I am a mildly-seasoned high school media adviser with over 10 years of experience in journalism, web design, yearbook production, and broadcast journalism. Passionate about fostering the next generation of journalists, I have dedicated my career to mentoring students in the responsible practice of ethical journalism, media literacy, and digital communication. My primary focus is helping students understand the importance of credibility, fact-checking, and unbiased reporting. I hope my students not only develop technical skills but also a deep understanding of the ethical considerations behind every story they produce.

I love a dynamic learning environment where students learn to use their voices responsibly in an ever-evolving digital world. I have a strong belief in the power of informed, ethical media to shape society.

Goal Statement:
I have thoroughly enjoyed being a voice for the exceptional advisors across Colorado. In my current role as Education Coordinator on the CSMA board, my mission has been to discover unique lessons that build upon the foundation of journalism and media literacy while incorporating new and distinctive technology and perspectives. As the media landscape is constantly evolving, it is more crucial than ever to stay up-to-date with changing trends.

One area I would love to expand for advisors in Colorado is Community Engagement and Impact. Journalism holds the power to influence local communities, so it is vital for students to comprehend their role within this ecosystem. The organization should prioritize fostering connections between students and their communities, whether through investigative reporting, feature stories, or serving as a voice for underrepresented groups. Teaching students to consider the ethical implications of their work on a local scale can cultivate responsible and impactful journalism. I would be thrilled to see news deserts filled with high school media in some capacity.

Additionally, I would like to focus on Diversity and Inclusion. Promoting diverse perspectives in reporting and media creation is of utmost importance. CSMA should continue to ensure that all voices—whether in terms of race, gender, socioeconomic background, or geography—are represented in both the content created and the students involved in journalism programs. Understanding and authentically portraying diverse viewpoints is key to maintaining a well-rounded and fair media presence.

Contest/Critique Coordinator (1 candidate)

Jo Powell, Pine Creek High School
Bio Statement:
For over 20 years, I have been privileged to advise various student media programs across Colorado. My experience includes advising newspaper and yearbook at Peyton High School, yearbook at Wray High School, and, for the past nine years at Pine Creek High School, leading the broadcast and news website programs in addition to yearbook. This journey, spanning both rural and suburban settings, has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the diverse challenges and rewards of student media advising. Currently, at Pine Creek High School, I am also excited to be developing our sports live streaming capabilities. A key focus of my advising is empowering students with tangible skills and pathways to future success, demonstrated through the offering of industry-recognized certifications in Adobe InDesign and Adobe Premiere Pro, as well as dual enrollment media courses through Metro State University at Denver.

Goal Statement:
Critiques and contests are vital for student self-reflection and growth. The process of students evaluating their work before contest entry and bravely submitting it for critique is invaluable in developing both individual journalists and journalism programs. I deeply appreciate the impact of past critiques on my students’ growth and their ability to gain new perspectives on their work. At PCHS, we have successfully used critique feedback to set goals and drive program improvement.

This year, it has been my pleasure to serve on a CSMA committee tasked with creating opportunities for new advisers to connect with the larger CSMA community. The opportunity to work alongside other advisers with diverse experiences, backgrounds, and talents invigorates and excites me for the future of journalism in Colorado.

My recent experience as a judge for out-of-state journalism contests has provided me with a valuable perspective. I am eager to build upon the excellent foundation of CSMA’s contests and critiques by revamping and updating them over the next two years. My goal is to maintain the high standards and expectations that are the hallmark of the Colorado Student Media Association while encouraging more students and advisers to participate in the contests and critiques and finding new ways to showcase and celebrate excellent work in each media.

I have been fortunate in my career to advise multiple different student media programs, including yearbook, newspaper, and online news websites. I believe this wide range of diverse experience will allow me to be a valuable resource for other advisers and will help inform improvements as we continue to enhance the critique and contest programs in Colorado.

Advocacy Coordinator (3 candidates)

Jen Lammey, Mead High School
Bio Statement:
I am an art teacher at Mead High School in Longmont, where I have taught photography and digital art for five years and served as the yearbook adviser for the past three. I am passionate about inspiring students to step out of their comfort zones and build confidence through creative endeavors. The yearbook enrollment has doubled while I have been adviser and we had 42 students enroll this year. I think part of the success of the program comes from students feeling empowered to run the book themselves while I help them grow as leaders and journalists. I have enjoyed my time as yearbook adviser, but I will be passing the torch next year as I take over our broadcast news program and launch a live sports broadcasting class. I’m excited to embrace this new challenge and explore the world of broadcast journalism alongside my students.

Goal Statement:
I am interested in running for Advocacy Coordinator because a recent issue in my district made me realize how fortunate we are to have strong student journalism protections—and how important it is to defend and promote them. As a yearbook adviser, I recognized that I hadn’t covered student press rights as thoroughly as I should have, and I want to help other advisers feel confident in teaching these essential rights to their students. As a future sports broadcast adviser, I also want to work with CHSAA to ensure student broadcasters have access to playoff games, an issue that has been in flux this year. I am excited to collaborate with professional press organizations to bridge the gap between scholastic and professional journalism, helping students develop the skills and confidence they need to navigate the industry successfully.

Scott Roberts, Grandview High School
Bio Statement:
I am Scott Roberts, and I am in my sixth year teaching and my 5th year advising broadcast journalism at Grandview HIgh School. I have helped to build our broadcast program, GVTV, from the ground up and in 3 years of submitting to CSMA awards have turned the program into an All-Colorado award winning program. Our program also boasts the current (2025) Colorado journalist of the year, Jake Chau. I am the current advocacy coordinator for the CSMA and would love to continue in the position. I live in Centennial with my wife and two kids ages three and one.

Goal Statement:
As the incumbent Advocacy Coordinator, I am excited to run for this position for another term. After serving on the board for the past two years, I feel like I have truly grown into this position, gaining a deeper understanding of the responsibilities, challenges, and opportunities that come with it. Now that I fully understand my role, I feel more equipped than ever to continue advocating for student journalists and advancing the mission of the CSMA.

With Colorado’s student free expression law we are one of the best states in the union to be a student journalist. However, that does not mean we don’t have district and state officials still trying to censor students. Over the past two years I have dealt with multiple instances of censorship all across the state and from my own district as well. I have a firm grasp on how to handle these situations and have learned many strategies to combat this from happening in the future, making me the right choice to continue in this role going forward.

Moving forward, I would like to build on the progress we’ve made and further strengthen our advocacy efforts. My primary goals include: Continuing to educate and empower students and advisers about their rights while working to safeguard press freedoms at both local and state levels, developing new ways to engage student media programs across Colorado, ensuring all schools—regardless of size or resources—have access to the tools they need to succeed, and collaborating with industry professionals and organizations to offer workshops, training sessions, and mentorship programs for students and advisers.

CSMA plays a critical role in supporting and advocating for student journalism, and now that I have a solid grasp on the responsibilities of this position, I am eager to take our advocacy efforts to the next level. With your support, I will continue working tirelessly to ensure that student voices are heard, respected, and protected.

Kelly Johnson, Delta High School
Bio Statement:
I advise the Delta High School student media in Delta, Colorado. I started advising the Green and Black yearbook and Delta Paw Print in 2007 after attending the Reynolds Institute in Phoenix, Arizona.  After 20 years of teaching and 18 years advising student media, the program at Delta High has evolved and changed.  I will be attending the National Spring Convention in Seattle with students this year and have presented and judged at conventions in the past.  I attended the JEA adviser summer institute in 2024 and the CSJ advanced advising workshop at Kent State in 2019.  As a Colorado adviser, I do not get to attend as many J-Days as I would like to, but I have attended CSMA summer workshops and winter thaws on occasion.  I love the CSMA, and my students receive critiques and participate in Best of Colorado yearly.  I just renewed my CJE certification and look forward to continuing to help promote student journalism on the Western Slope.

Goal Statement:
Because I have experienced censorship battles in my district, I hope to serve as an advocate for advisers who may be in similar situations.  I’m not sure I would have been able to fight the battle I had to fight without the help of the CSMA  advocacy coordinator and the SPLC.   I hold a press law and ethics certification from CSMA and hope to offer wisdom and experience to advisers who may need help.  It would also be great to see Western Slope representation on the CSMA board.

One judge wrote, “Navigating through your website, it is clear you are a premier journalist – there are a slew of awards to prove it. Another judge added, “You have brilliant reporting skills. Your work is incredible and shows versatility.”

His portfolio is being forwarded to the Journalism Education Association Student Journalist of the Year competition, where he will compete with winners from other states for the title of National Student Journalist of the Year. The winner and finalists will be announced at the conclusion of the JEA/NSPA Spring National High School Journalism Convention. 

Runner up in the competition is Marie Calkins, senior at Grand Junction High School, and she will receive a $1500 scholarship. Judges commented on the variety of ways her portfolio showcased excellent examples of improved website design and impressive editing section.

Congratulations to our Dorothy Greer winner and runner-up.

Gallery • 5 Photos

Cresthill Middle School

The National Scholastic Press Association announced the finalists for the Yearbook Pacemaker Awards. 59 yearbooks from across the country were named, with five Colorado programs on the list.

The Pacemaker award is the preeminent award given by the NSPA and recognizes the best publications nationally. The Pacemaker Award is one of the oldest awards in scholastic journalism, with a 100 year history of recognizing exemplary student media publications. Only 18% of this year’s entries were named as finalists. Winners will be announced at the JEA/NSPA Spring National Journalism Convention in Seattle on April 26th. Twenty two yearbooks will win Pacemaker Awards, representing the top 7% of award entries.

The following CSMA yearbook programs were recognized as Pacemaker Finalists:

Black & Gold, Rock Canyon High School, Highlands Ranch, CO
Cougar Prowl, Cresthill Middle School, Highlands Ranch, CO
Lair, Drake Middle School, Arvada, CO
Priam, Longmont High School, Longmont, CO
Summit, Smoky Hill High School, Aurora, CO

The full press release from NSPA can be found here.

Justin Daigle, adviser at Brighton High School, was named the H. L. Hall National Yearbook Adviser of the Year. The surprise announcement was made on Dec. 9th during a school staff meeting. The H.L. Hall National Yearbook Adviser of the Year program is designed to honor outstanding advisers and their exemplary work from the previous year, as well as throughout their careers. 2024 Reflections Editor-in-Chief Gabriella Polliard had this to say about Daigle. “Our yearbook would not be what it is without his guidance. We wouldn’t be who we are without him. I know I wouldn’t be,” Polliard said. “He changed my life just like he changed my brother’s and sister’s. Everything he does is to better a person and our yearbook and none of it goes unnoticed. I am only one student out of hundreds who would agree that Mr. Daigle is the most caring, hardworking and inspiring teacher there is out there.”

Carrie Faust, adviser at Smoky Hill High School, was named a Commended Adviser. This is a new award from JEA. Former student Tu Phan met Faust 17 years ago and said the time spent watching kinetic typography videos in her room during lunch is a core memory. “In that yearbook room, I learned to appreciate the nuances of design and storytelling. She instilled in me a passion to see the world through a creative lens when so many others pushed me into math and science,” Phan said. “Picas and pixels became my second language, and to this day, I approach my work as an associate creative director at Uber with the same principles she imparted. Inspired by her mentorship, I now give back by teaching aspiring creatives at Miami Ad School, hoping to pass on the encouragement and warmth that she shared with me.”

The full story about both advisers is available on the JEA website here.

All finalists will be awarded either a Silver or Gold Crown at the CSPA 101st Annual Spring Convention on March 21, 2025, on the Columbia University campus in New York City.

Congratulations to all of our Colorado media programs that were recognized this week as CSPA Crown Award Finalists.

High School Digital News
CHS Today / chstoday.net, Conifer High School, Conifer, CO
The Rock Online / rockmediaonline.org, Rock Canyon High School, Highlands Ranch, CO

High School Yearbook
Black & Gold, Rock Canyon High School, Highlands Ranch, CO
Priam, Longmont High School, Longmont, CO
Reflections, Brighton High School, Brighton, CO

Middle School Yearbook
Lair, Drake Middle School, Arvada, CO

Full CSPA press release can be found here.