Student Voice wins nine awards

 

Student Voice wins nine awards in statewide collegiate journalism contest 

March 20, 2026 - The Student Voice, the student-run newspaper at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, received nine awards at the 2025 Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation Collegiate Better Newspaper Contest earlier this month. The contest featured 331 entries from 12 campus newspapers, highlighting excellence in various journalistic categories.

The publication secured two first place awards, one for public affairs reporting awarded to Angel Riley, a senior from Brooklyn Center, Minn., for her story “DIB to SIB: A New Face,” which effectively conveyed the impact of a national policy change on local students. Jack Van Hoof, former editor and 2025 graduate from Hudson, received first place for his report on recruitment efforts at UWRF, praised for its contextual depth.

Editor Johan Harworth, a senior from River Falls, achieved second place in column writing for his article on the Farm and Industry Short Course. The staff also earned second place in editorial writing for their piece which highlighted advocating for student input on campus policy changes.

The newsroom showcased its diverse talents with four third-place awards, featuring a lifestyle article by Michaleen Lovett, a first year student from Boston, along with first year student and Lake Shore, Minn. native Kristy Moore’s business coverage linking UWRF to Burnett Dairy Cooperative. Moore also received an honorable mention in health coverage for her informative story on the impact of Act 15.

Faculty adviser Souzeina Mushtaq praised the dedication of the student journalists, highlighting their commitment to meaningful storytelling despite industry challenges. The collaborative effort behind the winning publication expressed gratitude, as being a part of The Student Voice has given them mentorship and opportunities to grow and develop as journalists.

Founded in 1916, The Student Voice is supported primarily by student fees and advised by Mushtaq in the Communication and Media Studies Department. The newspaper publishes a monthly print edition and maintains a digital presence at uwrfvoice.com.

Photo: Staff members of The Student Voice newspaper at UW-River Falls pose with awards from the 2025 Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation Collegiate Better Newspaper Contest. TBack row, L-R: Johan Harworth, Michaleen Lovett, Fionn O’haodha; Front row, L-R: Kristy Moore, Alison Keeler, Sawyer Johnson.