Portfolio of the Year Contest
The Kansas Scholastic Press Association recognizes the best individuals in Kansas scholastic journalism in four different categories– design, photojournalism, video and reporting. Based on their submitted portfolios, KSPA judges select the best in each category and division. This contests is open to any student journalist on a staff with a current KSPA membership. Here are the 2025 Portfolio of the Year winners.
Photojournalist of the Year
Overall Winner & 5A/6A Winner:
Anders Benson, Lawrence Free State High School
Quote about Benson‘s work from a KSPA judge:
“This decision came down to three really strong portfolios from front to back, but Anders submission had the strongest images from front to back and it had a couple of showstopping images in the spectrometry lab and the dance photo. The other images in the portfolio captured great moments, big and small that readers want to learn more about while they’re being visually dazzled. As far as the overall, Anders just had a stronger portfolio, better understanding of how to use light and the moments captured and stories told were just stronger by a pretty significant order of magnitude. This is a portfolio to be reckoned with.”
Samples from Benson’s portfolio:
3A/4A Winner:
Brayden Baker, Chanute High School
Quote about Baker’s work from a KSPA judge:
“Brayden is using light really well throughout this portfolio. It helps his images tell that story as well as provide something visual for the viewer to be dazzled by or to stop and wonder more about. There’s also a nice variety of moments here. Big moments on the stage and with the band players, but really quiet, fleeting moments in the first two photos that are intimate, but tell a story.”
Samples from Baker’s portfolio:
1A/2A Winner:
Cheyenne Crow, Flint Hills Christian School
Quote about Crow‘s work from a KSPA judge:
“This is a very strong portfolio. The images, for the most part, each tell a story, they’re not just simply technically solid images. The photos are all technically good photos, which is the beginning point for these photos, but Cheyenne does a strong job of imbuing her photos with story, but also makes the viewer want to learn more.”
Samples from Crow’s portfolio:
Videographer of the Year
Overall Winner & 5A/6A Winner:
Katelyn Coffey, Maize Career Academy
Quote about Katelyn’s work from a KSPA judge:
Storytelling: It’s the cornerstone of any journalistic piece. And it’s the foundation of this video journalist’s portfolio. From stellar, draw-viewers-in, nat sound openings to strong choices in action shots and emotional sound bites that move these stories along — complete, impactful storytelling is evident in every aspect of these videos. She tells stories that matter to viewers. Taking her time to develop narrative through both script and sound bites, plus the visuals really set this portfolio above the talented others this year.
Links to entries:
https://maizenews.com/28638/features/video-johnsons-joins-botts-in-fight-against-cancer/
https://maizenews.com/28169/news/video-career-exploration-underway-for-district-middle-schoolers/
https://maizenews.com/28047/features/video-service-day-develops-into-legacy-for-maize-family/
No 3A/4A or 1A/2A entries
Designer of the Year
Overall Winner & 5A/6A Winner:
Avery Clement, Mill Valley High School
Quote about Avery’s work from a KSPA judge:
This collection of student-designed content is nothing short of outstanding. The work displays a remarkable range of visual storytelling, typographic sophistication, and purposeful layout. From hard-hitting spreads tackling mental health and body image to lighter, visually engaging features like cookie comparisons, each page is crafted with thought and intention. The strong use of color palettes, consistent iconography, custom illustrations, and infographics enhances readability and emotional impact—especially in the special sections. The modular grid structure keeps dense information organized without overwhelming the reader. It’s clear these designers understand how to pair journalistic content with visual strategy, creating pieces that are not only informative but profoundly engaging. This is high-level student media that rivals professional publications.
Samples from Avery’s portfolio:
3A/4A Winner:
Elise Oblepias, Bishop Miege High School
Quote about Elise’s work from a KSPA judge:
“This body of work is a strong showcase of thoughtful, student-driven design and editorial storytelling. Each piece demonstrates a clear attention to layout, typography, and visual hierarchy, making the content approachable and engaging. The variety of topics—from community service and emerging sports to cultural critique and national trends—reflects a diverse and inclusive editorial voice. Visuals are well-paired with text, and graphic treatments like the bold checkerboard backdrop in the “Diet Culture” illustration and the lunar theme of the New Year’s Resolutions infographic add personality and visual impact. Overall, these designs strike a great balance between creativity and clarity, and they successfully communicate their messages with both professionalism and flair.”
Samples from Elise’s portfolio:
No 1A/2A entries
Writer of the Year
Overall Winner & 5A/6A Winner:
Michael Yi, Shawnee Mission East
Quote about Yi’s work from a KSPA judge:
“In an exceptionally competitive category, our top writer excels. Michael Yi’s portfolio tackles challenging topics with impressive reporting, anchored by abundant, compelling direct quotes. The entries engage us first with the micro (the main source) and then move swiftly to the macro (the larger issue). Sentence structure is simple and elegant. Transitions are clear. Word choices are specific. This portfolio sparkles.”
Samples from Yi’s portfolio:
Inclusion Under Fire: Recent policies that stigmatize diversity reverse decades of social progress
No 3A/4A or 1A/2A entries
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