Recognition for writers, photographers, cartoonists and more
High school students who have contributed to school media, including broadcast and design, have until Feb. 19, 2025, to submit their work to the Connecticut Press Club’s High School Contest.
The Connecticut Press Club is the local affiliate of the National Federation of Press Women (NFPW). Winners of the statewide contest go on to compete on national level with the NFPW’s High School Communications Contest.
The contests offer awards in categories from news stories, features and editorials; visual work such as photos, cartoons and graphic illustrations; environmental journalism; broadcast and video storytelling; and yearbook layouts, photography and writing.
The contests are for current high school students or recent graduates who completed their work between Feb. 1, 2024, and Jan. 31, 2025.
For full details, visit the contest page [here]. Up to 10 entries can be submitted, only a total of three for any category. For detailed category descriptions, see the link for categories and descriptions in “Eligibility” section below.
Entries are judged through a rigorous three-level process, recognizing outstanding talent and dedication at every stage.
Deadline: Feb. 19, 2025, at 12 noon
Below is the Bristol Edition’s overview of the competition, please refer to the contest website page for specific eligibility and submission guidelines provided by the Connecticut Press Club.
Levels of competition
Level 1: CT Press Club High School Communications Contest
State Affiliate Contests: As a NFPW affiliate, the CT Press Club is hosting the Connecticut competition. The contest is open to all high school students, including those in public, private, or homeschool settings, who reside within Connecticut.
First-place winners from CT Press Club’s Connecticut contest will advance to the next level.
Level 2: NFPW National High School Communications Contest
First-place entries from Level 1 move to the national competition. Winners at this level receive a certificate, an invitation to the National High School Luncheon at the NFPW National Conference, and a $100 prize per first-place entry.
Level 3: Julie Hoffman Memorial Best of the Best Award
First-place national entries proceed to Level 3, where they compete for the prestigious Julie Hoffman Memorial Best of the Best Award. The winner receives an additional $250, and another $250 is awarded to their school or program.
Eligibility
- Entries must be created by current high school students or recent graduates who completed the work during their senior year between Feb. 1, 2024, and Jan. 31, 2025.
- Submissions must be professionally published or produced in recognized media formats, such as school, local, or national newspapers; websites; or television productions. Social media posts are not accepted.
- For detailed category information, visit the Categories and Descriptions page.
Judging
Entries are evaluated by NFPW judges who are experts in their fields and judge in accordance with the criteria outlined in the contest categories and guidelines. Judges provide constructive feedback, and awards are given as follows:
- First, second, and third place, as well as honorable mentions, may be awarded at the judge’s discretion.
- A judge may decide not to assign a first-place award in a given category.
- Judging decisions are final, and judges’ identities remain confidential.
Awards
- Level 1: Winners receive certificates, and first-place winners advance to the national level.
- Level 2: National winners receive certificates, a $100 prize for first-place entries, and an invitation to the National High School Luncheon.
- Level 3: The Julie Hoffman Memorial Best of the Best Award winner receives $250, a certificate, and an invitation to speak at the National High School Luncheon.
Entry fees for Connecticut
CT Press Club members: The fee is $25 for the first entry, and $15 for each additional entry.
Non-members: The non-member fee is $30 for the first entry, and $20 for each additional entry.
Visit the CT Press Club Contest page for entry fees, eligibility guidelines, and to register for the contest.
Membership and funding
NFPW of CT Press Club membership is not required to participate in the high school contest. The NFPW High School Communications Contest is made possible by the NFPW Education Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to community-focused initiatives. The Education Fund supports members by funding educational programs, including the High School Communications Contest, to meet evolving needs. The fund relies entirely on donations to continue its mission.
Editor’s note: The Bristol Edition welcomes student and high school contributions for publication at any time of the year in any of the categories listed in the contest guidelines. The Bristol Edition is an online, independent non-profit newspaper serving Bristol, CT.
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