Michigan Student Broadcast Awards

Michigan Student Broadcast Awards Luncheon Recap

The Michigan Association of Broadcasters Foundation proudly welcomed students, educators, and industry professionals from across the state to Lansing for the 2026 Michigan Student Broadcast Awards Luncheon on March 26. The event celebrated the creativity, talent, and dedication of the next generation of broadcasters while creating meaningful connections between students and industry leaders.

From powerful storytelling to innovative production, this year’s winners showcased the very best of student media across Michigan. The luncheon also featured a Media Career Fair, giving students the opportunity to connect directly with stations, universities, and media organizations from across the state.

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Voices from the Field: Broadcaster Spotlight

Before the awards presentation, students heard from three Michigan broadcasters who are actively shaping today’s media landscape: Rachel Fulton, Lauren "Schmitty" Smith, and Blake Harms.

Through fast-paced, high-energy talks, each speaker shared personal stories and real-world insights from their careers, offering a behind-the-scenes look at modern broadcasting. From breaking into the industry to adapting in a rapidly evolving media environment, their experiences provided inspiration, practical advice, and encouragement for students pursuing careers in media.

Featured Speakers

Rachel Fulton
Anchor/Reporter, WILX News 10 (Lansing)
Rachel Fulton anchors weekend mornings on WILX News 10. A Michigan native, she began her journalism career in high school radio and continued at Michigan State University, where she produced The State podcast and contributed to the Webby Award-winning Unleash Your Inner Creative. She discovered her passion for television news through MSU’s Focal Point. Outside of work, Rachel enjoys MSU sports and spending time with her dog, Corduroy.

Lauren "Schmitty" Smith
On-Air Host, iHeartMedia (Grand Rapids)
Lauren "Shmitty" Smith is a married mom of two with two fur babies. Born and raised in Lansing, she remained in West Michigan after earning her broadcasting degree from Grand Valley State University. She hosts morning shows on WOOD Radio and STAR 105.7, plus a midday show on 104.5 WSNX. Lauren also hosts the Buns & Banter podcast on iHeartRadio and serves as the in-arena announcer for the Grand Rapids Rise while supporting Michigan-based charities.

Blake Harms
Meteorologist, WOOD-TV 8 (Grand Rapids)
Blake Harms is the 7 p.m. and weekend evening meteorologist for Storm Team 8 at WOOD TV8. A Hudsonville native, he graduated from Hudsonville High School and earned a degree in meteorology from Valparaiso University. Blake began his career in Lansing before returning to West Michigan. He is known for his school closing predictions and also contributes as a play-by-play analyst and pit reporter at Berlin Raceway.

Congratulations, Winners!

High School Visual Winners

Division: High School Visual

Current Events Story

First Place: AI in Art and Music
Organization: East Kentwood High School, Falcon News Network
Credits: Mariah Wright

Second Place: Grand Rapids Community Celebration
Organization: East Kentwood High School, Falcon News Network
Credits: Diarra Gangazha

Honorable Mention: It Was Something Worth Losing
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Chloe Elizondo, Regan Cooper, Emma Gjurkovic

Documentary

First Place: StoryBridge: Beyond the Diagnosis
Organization: TSD Creative Guild
Credits: Angelina Matti

Second Place: Why Native Plants?
Organization: Troy Athens High School
Credits: Samantha Sanday, Olivia Lee, Cecelia Gould

Honorable Mention: Just Like Everyone Else
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Kyndra Raska, Regan Cooper, Emma Lombard

Hard News

First Place: I Love U Guys
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Anika Lake, Delaney DenOuden, Trinity VanderWoude

Second Place: Surviving Sexual Assault- Bella Perez Story
Organization: Davison High School, DTV
Credits: Brooke Laine

Honorable Mention: Trigger and Response
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Owen Tiedt, Regan Cooper, Kalena Jakubiak, Lana Moore

Live Sports Coverage

First Place: Davison vs De la Salle Football 9-5-25
Organization: Davison High School, DTV
Credits: Tyler Uptegraff, Brooke Laine, Montana Armes, Trent Uptegraff

Second Place: McBain v Lake City boys basketball
Organization: McBain High School, Rambler Review
Credits: Landen Eisenga, Grant Tripp, Kalyx Austin

Honorable Mention: Wyatt Wixson: Live Sports Coverage
Organization: Montrose High School, MDM-TV
Credits: Wyatt Wixson, Logan Coxon, Karson Vancura, Jack Hillard

News Feature

First Place: The Snow Day Guy
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Sam VerMerris, Asa Walker, Avery Weisman, Aliyah Patterson

Second Place: First-Gen College Students
Organization: East Kentwood High School, Falcon News Network
Credits: Mariah Wright

Honorable Mention: Jostens Brings the Energy to EK
Organization: East Kentwood High School, Falcon News Network
Credits: Owen Renwick

Newscast

First Place: Silent Crisis
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Regan Cooper, Emerson Bires, Ben Rourk, Anika Lake, Lana Moore

Second Place: April 2025 Newscast
Organization: Davison High School, DTV
Credits: CJ Moore, Rex Poff, Brooke Laine, Cooper Austin

Honorable Mention: Falcon News Report - 11/14/25
Organization: East Kentwood High School, Falcon News Network
Credits: Eliesa Kajolli, Trenton Belton, Reece Emeott

Public Service Announcement

First Place: Their Approval Isn't Worth Your Tomorrow
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Blake Hoogerhyde, Owen Tiedt, Chloe Elizondo, Reece Magrill

Second Place: Food Waste PSA - See
Organization: Cedar Springs High School, CSTV
Credits: Tristan See

Honorable Mention: Silent Danger
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Kalena Jakubiak, Armando Roque, Ainsley Phelps

Public Service Announcement â€“ Sponsored by MASSP

First Place: A Bad Idea
Organization: TSD Creative Guild
Credits: Saanvi Rameswarapu

Second Place: Every Puff Counts
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Ava Baskovic, Trinity VanderWoude, Shelay Hapner

Honorable Mention: Dear Vape...
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Chloe Freas, Lana Moore

Public Service Announcement - Sponsored by OK2SAY

First Place: I'm Fine
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Lana Moore, Chloe Freas, Kalena Jakubiak

Second Place: See Something, Say Something
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Shelay Hapner

Honorable Mention: OK2SAY PSA C. Khon
Organization: Northwest High School, Mountie Nation Station
Credits: Chloe Khon

Public Service Announcement â€“ Sponsored by the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission

First Place: She Thought She was Meeting a Friend
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Zoe Jenkins, Natalie Gonzalez

Second Place: Truth in My Eyes
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Lana Moore, Chloe Elizondo

Honorable Mention: Don't Become a Statistic
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Emerson Bires, Camden Henderson, Savannah Dykstra

Sports Feature

First Place: Crackman: What It Means To Be A Fan
Organization: Troy Athens High School
Credits: Ryan Stasinski, Elliot Booth, Mustafa Ali

Second Place: Strength Beyond the Mat
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Camden Henderson, Ben Rourk, Chloe Elizondo, Sawyer Artz

Honorable Mention: Jaxson Dosh's Quarterback Dream
Organization: Davison High School, DTV
Credits: Brooke Laine

Sports Public Service Announcement

First Place: I Want To Be Just Like Him
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Lana Moore, Regan Cooper, Lily Cutler, Zoe Jenkins

Second Place: Flash Forward
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Natalie Gonzalez, Ava Baskovic

Honorable Mention: Cheer For Us, Not Against Them
Organization: Troy Athens High School
Credits: Katarina Tasich, Annie Lawson, Camille Cubitt, Jaya Jackson

Sportscast

First Place: Ram Center Fall
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Emerson Bires, Owen DeVries, Ava Baskovic, Teagan Venckus

Second Place: Ram Rundown Winter
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Anna Austin, Emerson Bires, Owen DeVries, Graysen Williams

Honorable Mention: Falcon Sports Report - 2/28/25
Organization: East Kentwood High School, Falcon News Network
Credits: Erica Large

Talk Show/Scripted Show

First Place: Breaking the Silence
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Emerson Bires, Delaney DenOuden, Teagan Venckus

Second Place: The Unseen - Scripted Show
Organization: Cedar Springs High School, CSTV
Credits: Seth Williams, Luke Egan, Keenan Hullinger, Seth Jaggers

Honorable Mention: Life Unfiltered: Mrs. Peterson's Passion
Organization: Troy Athens High School
Credits: Reman Alqabate, Lauryn Lewis

Use of Social Media

First Place: Connecting With Our Community
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Trinity VanderWoude, Emerson Bires, Delaney DenOuden, Anika Lake

Second Place: DTV Use of Social Media
Organization: Davison High School, DTV
Credits: Layla Bishop, Avery Ehrmantraut

Honorable Mention: Laker Update Social Media Use
Organization: West Bloomfield High School, Laker Update
Credits: Londyn Pitts, Luna Palise, Salisse Jones, Valiente Gillenwaters

High School Audio Winners

Division: High School Audio

Commentary

First Place: The End Of The Universe
Organization: Bloomfield Hills High School, WBFH The Biff
Credits: Hannah Rosenstock

Second Place: Brain Rot
Organization: Star International Academy, The Nest
Credits: Fayez Baydoun

Honorable Mention: Playboi Carti
Organization: Bloomfield Hills High School, WBFH The Biff
Credits: Aiden Lindblom

Current Events Story

First Place: Canton Flooding
Organization: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, 88.1 The Park
Credits: Claudia Fisher

Second Place: OU Grade Dispute
Organization: Star International Academy, The Nest
Credits: Lama Charara

Honorable Mention: White House Ballroom
Organization: Bloomfield Hills High School, WBFH The Biff
Credits: Hannah Rosenstock

Daily Newscast/News Feature

First Place: Newsfile at 5:30 - Myles, Claudia, Jace
Organization: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, 88.1 The Park
Credits: Myles Alcott, Claudia Fisher, Jace Jamison

Second Place: Newsfile at 5:30 - Leia, Ellis, Jace
Organization: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, 88.1 The Park
Credits: Leia Riley, Ellis Sparks, Jace Jamison

Honorable Mention: Newsfile at 5:30 - Brady, Jakob
Organization: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, 88.1 The Park
Credits: Brady Beauchamp, Jakob Muncy

Live Sports Coverage

First Place: Canton vs Salem Girls Basketball
Organization: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, 88.1 The Park
Credits: Leo Popp, Brady Beauchamp

Second Place: Canton vs Salem Boys Basketball
Organization: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, 88.1 The Park
Credits: Leo Popp, Andrew Stamatakos

Honorable Mention: McBain v. Pine River Boys Basketball Regional Semifinals
Organization: McBain High School, Rambler Review
Credits: Grant Tripp, Landen Eisenga

Music Feature or Special

First Place: American Idiot
Organization: Bloomfield Hills High School, WBFH The Biff
Credits: Honor Hutchison

Second Place: Green Day
Organization: Bloomfield Hills High School, WBFH The Biff
Credits: Honor Hutchison

Honorable Mention: Twenty One Pilots Spotlight
Organization: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, 88.1 The Park
Credits: Dahlia Berggren

On-Air Personality or Team

First Place: Myles Alcott Aircheck
Organization: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, 88.1 The Park
Credits: Myles Alcott

Second Place: Jonah Kibin Aircheck 88.1 the Park
Organization: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, 88.1 The Park
Credits: Jonah Kibin

Honorable Mention: Ben Trudell Aircheck on 88.1 the Park
Organization: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, 88.1 The Park
Credits: Ben Trudell

Promotional Announcement

First Place: BHHS Sports
Organization: Bloomfield Hills High School, WBFH The Biff
Credits: Will Merchant

Second Place: Warehouse FM
Organization: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, 88.1 The Park
Credits: Jonah Kibin

Honorable Mention: Collage Concert
Organization: Bloomfield Hills High School, WBFH The Biff
Credits: Honor Hutchison

Public Service Announcement

First Place: Echoes of Gun Violence PSA
Organization: Star International Academy, The Nest
Credits: Lama Charara

Second Place: Flu Prevention PSA 1 - Connor, Laila, Emma & Averi
Organization: Wexford Missaukee Career Technical Center
Credits: Connor Hartoon, Laila Sparks, Emma Byrnes, Averi Verdi

Honorable Mention: Underage Drinking
Organization: Bloomfield Hills High School, WBFH The Biff
Credits: Evie Keough

Public Service Announcement - Sponsored by OK2SAY

First Place: End Fights With OK2SAY
Organization: Bloomfield Hills High School, WBFH The Biff
Credits: Aiden Lindblom

Second Place: Be The Champion Of Safety With OK2SAY
Organization: Bloomfield Hills High School, WBFH The Biff
Credits: Magdalena Leonard

Honorable Mention: It's OK2SAY
Organization: Bloomfield Hills High School, WBFH The Biff
Credits: Honor Hutchison

Public Service Announcement â€“ Sponsored by the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission

First Place: Human Trafficking Warning Signs
Organization: Star International Academy, The Nest
Credits: Hend Mohamed

Second Place: Michigan Human Trafficking
Organization: Star International Academy, The Nest
Credits: Samira Jawad

Honorable Mention: Human Trafficking
Organization: Bloomfield Hills High School, WBFH The Biff
Credits: Aiden Lindblom

Sports Feature

First Place: Runner Nate Linden Sets Several School Records
Organization: Troy Athens High School
Credits: Taryn Fritzsching

Second Place: Girls Basketball
Organization: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, 88.1 The Park
Credits: Leo Popp, Ben Trudell, Andrew Stamatakos

Honorable Mention: Softball
Organization: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, 88.1 The Park
Credits: Leo Popp, Brady Beauchamp, Jakob Muncy, Aiden Przeslawski

Sports Public Service Announcement

First Place: Recruiting Refs
Organization: Bloomfield Hills High School, WBFH The Biff
Credits: Maya Zendel

Second Place: Sportsmanship
Organization: Bloomfield Hills High School, WBFH The Biff
Credits: Bayla Kaluzny

Honorable Mention: Change Lives With High School Sports
Organization: Bloomfield Hills High School, WBFH The Biff
Credits: Magdalena Leonard

Sportscast

First Place: NHL Season So Far
Organization: Bloomfield Hills High School, WBFH The Biff
Credits: Magdalena Leonard

Second Place: F1 Season In Review
Organization: Bloomfield Hills High School, WBFH The Biff
Credits: Magdalena Leonard

Honorable Mention: Sports Daily - Ben
Organization: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, 88.1 The Park
Credits: Ben Trudell

Talk Show/Podcast

First Place: Keeping It Real: Let's CHAT About AI!
Organization: TSD Creative Guild
Credits: Akshita Sakthi, Anika Singh

Second Place: STEM Stories: Science Olympiad
Organization: Troy Athens High School
Credits: Nikhil Rao, Saaya Shrikant

Honorable Mention: Community Focus - World War II Vet
Organization: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, 88.1 The Park
Credits: Adithya Srivathsa

Use of Social Media

First Place: 88.1 the Park Social Media
Organization: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, 88.1 The Park
Credits: Adithya Srivathsa, Nymisha Kondur

Second Place: FNN Social Media
Organization: East Kentwood High School, Falcon News Network
Credits: Diarra Gangazha

Honorable Mention: WBFH Use of Social Media
Organization: Bloomfield Hills High School, WBFH The Biff
Credits: Evie Keough

College Visual Winners

Division: College Visual

Current Events Story

First Place: Clear Skies Ahead
Organization: Michigan State University School of Journalism
Credits: Sonja Krohn

Second Place: How to Pick the Perfect Pumpkin
Organization: Central Michigan University School of Communication, Journalism, & Media
Credits: Ella Pierzecki, Aaron Moore

Honorable Mention: Big Rapids Life: Mecosta Recycles
Organization: Ferris State University Television & Digital Media Production
Credits: Zachary Wallace, Mason Barker

Documentary

First Place: TDMP 50th Anniversary Film
Organization: Ferris State University Television & Digital Media Production
Credits: Tyler Hawley, Jaden Mein, Jackson Sonefeld

Second Place: GARY: Sculpting a Legacy at Olivet
Organization: The University of Olivet
Credits: Shae Lampinen, Jack Webb, Joshua Moore, Gage McCrimmon, Brayden Craig

Honorable Mention: Are You Kidding?
Organization: Michigan State University School of Journalism
Credits: Avery Taylor, Mya Legel, Jonus Cottrell, Krymyzy Turebayeva, Agustina Maria Luna Vasquez, Samantha Ku

Hard News

First Place: Pot-holes
Organization: Michigan State University School of Journalism
Credits: Jacob Maurer, Anthony Brinson, Owen McCarthy, Jack David

Second Place: NEWSFEED | UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN DEI CUTS
Organization: WOLV-TV at the University of Michigan
Credits: Sean Henderson, Jackie Thorez, Carson Downer, Sarah Yousif

Honorable Mention: Coleman, MI Barricaded Gunman
Organization: Central Michigan University School of Communication, Journalism, & Media
Credits: Ella Pierzecki, Kate Jones

Live Sports Coverage

First Place: Michigan State Volleyball vs Nebraska
Organization: Michigan State University School of Journalism
Credits: Jack Stager, Jacob Maurer, Joseph DesVergnes-Christy, Madison McCarter

Second Place: Michigan State men's basketball vs Colgate 11.3.25
Organization: Michigan State University School of Journalism
Credits: Jacob Maurer, Madison McCarter, Jack Stager, Joe Dez

Honorable Mention: NMU vs Davenport Football at the Superior Dome
Organization: Northern Michigan University
Credits: Emma Marotz, Nathan Phipps, Austin Graham, Tristen Harsila

News Feature

First Place: Indigenous Peoples' Day
Organization: Michigan State University School of Journalism
Credits: Griffin Machrowicz

Second Place: History of Daylight Savings Time
Organization: Central Michigan University School of Communication, Journalism, & Media
Credits: Ella Pierzecki

Honorable Mention: Harvesting Memories
Organization: Michigan State University School of Journalism
Credits: Jackie Graham

Newscast

First Place: Focal Point News - 10/24/2025
Organization: Michigan State University School of Journalism
Credits: Ava Moschet, Madison McCarter, Jack David, Macy Rodriguez

Second Place: Newsfeed | MALALA VISITS UMICH, 'BEST OF ANN ARBOR' LIST, AND MORE!
Organization: WOLV-TV at the University of Michigan
Credits: Sean Henderson, Carson Downer, Audrey Ash, Rosemary Kozura

Honorable Mention: News Central 11-10-2025
Organization: Central Michigan University School of Communication, Journalism, & Media
Credits: Mike Gonzalez, Ayonna Hayes, Teagan Schultz

Public Service Announcement

First Place: If You're Sick, See the Doc Quick
Organization: Michigan State University School of Journalism
Credits: Max Watkins, Eli Howard, Martin Ivezaj

Second Place: Look for the Warning Signs
Organization: Michigan State University School of Journalism
Credits: Alec Tran, Oscar Anderson, Gabrielle Hautea

Honorable Mention: Don't Drink and Drive
Organization: Delta College
Credits: Magdalena Turowska

Sports Feature

First Place: Mando Gutierrez: A Fighter With No Plan B
Organization: Independent Project
Credits: Dominic Carroll

Second Place: One-of-a-Kind Friendship
Organization: Michigan State University School of Journalism
Credits: Amy Cho

Honorable Mention: NEWSFEED | STUDENT-ATHLETE CAYLIE MCMAHON SPOTLIGHT
Organization: WOLV-TV at the University of Michigan
Credits: Sean Henderson, Carson Downer, Jackie Thorez, Sarah Yousif

Sportscast

First Place: Spartan Sports Report 12.02.25
Organization: Michigan State University School of Journalism
Credits: Jack Stager, Oliviah Klinski, Derrick Mitchell, Madison McCarter

Second Place: Local 4 Sportscast
Organization: Independent Project
Credits: Dominic Carroll

Honorable Mention: SportsCenter Season 3: Episode 16 | Weekly Review 2/19/25
Organization: WOLV-TV at the University of Michigan
Credits: Ryan Thomas, Alexander Marshall, Riley Maczik, Zach Warshaw

Talk Show/Scripted Show

First Place: SODA KAZUHIRO - WOLV TV Spotlight Interview w/ Alexander Marshall
Organization: WOLV-TV at the University of Michigan
Credits: Tianyi Zhai, Alexander Marshall, Alicia Clark

Second Place: After Hours Season 4 EP 3
Organization: Central Michigan University School of Communication, Journalism, & Media
Credits: Adrian Castillo, Josie Hite, Hugh Service, Reiken Smith

Honorable Mention: Sit Down Interview w/ Fredrick Richard | Beyond The GaMe
Organization: WOLV-TV at the University of Michigan
Credits: Ryan Thomas, Loui Gabaron, Gina Czochara

Use of Social Media

First Place: Spartan Sports Report Socials
Organization: Michigan State University School of Journalism
Credits: Darius Snow, Erin Grady, Madilynn Warden, Audrey Dayton

Second Place: WOLV-TV Social Media
Organization: WOLV-TV at the University of Michigan
Credits: Alicia Clark, Josie Rumsey

College Audio Winners

Division: College Audio

Commentary

First Place: Music Festivals
Organization: WRFH Radio/Hillsdale College
Credits: Lilly Faye Kraemer

Second Place: Word to the Wise: Activism
Organization: WRFH Radio/Hillsdale College
Credits: Ariel McDowell

Honorable Mention: The Death of Charlie Kirk
Organization: WRFH Radio/Hillsdale College
Credits: Quinn Delamater

Current Events Story

First Place: National Park Protocols During a Federal Government Shutdown
Organization: Lansing Community College
Credits: Tessa Merritt

Second Place: American Sign Language club advocates for new ASL summer courses
Organization: Michigan State University, WDBM
Credits: Lilly Williams

Honorable Mention: The Michigan Sexual Abuse Prevention Program
Organization: Lansing Community College
Credits: Nathan Schweri

Daily Newscast/News Feature

First Place: Conservative activist Charlie Kirk shot at Utah Valley University event, MSU community members share perspectives
Organization: Michigan State University, WDBM
Credits: Maco Jeleniewski

Second Place: History Off Script: Thanksgiving
Organization: WRFH Radio/Hillsdale College
Credits: James Joski

Honorable Mention: The Kirk Center
Organization: The University of Olivet, WOCR
Credits: Alisha Gahn

Live Sports Coverage

First Place: Football: Michigan State vs. Minnesota
Organization: Michigan State University, WDBM
Credits: Jacob Maurer, Kyle Keegan

Second Place: Basketball: Hillsdale vs. Kentucky Wesleyan, 02/01/25
Organization: WRFH Radio/Hillsdale College
Credits: Gordie Lafontaine, Evan Mick

Honorable Mention: Hockey: Michigan State vs. Michigan
Organization: Michigan State University, WDBM
Credits: Jackson Vohwinkle, Oscar Henderson

Music Feature or Special

First Place: The Timbrel & the Lyre
Organization: WRFH Radio/Hillsdale College
Credits: Gwen Thompson

Second Place: The Gospel Train presents "Sing, Sister, Sing"
Organization: University of Michigan , WCBN
Credits: Anja Sheppard

Honorable Mention: Playlist with the President
Organization: Northern Michigan University, WUPX
Credits: Radio X WUPX, Sam Colburn, Lauren Lahtinen

On-Air Personality or Team

First Place: Undetected
Organization: WRFH Radio/Hillsdale College
Credits: Alessia Sandala, Megan Li

Second Place: Anna Yarnal
Organization: Michigan State University, WDBM
Credits: Anna Yarnal

Honorable Mention: WIDR DJs Dan Hubble, Caity Ahearne & Lukas Filcek
Organization: Western Michigan University, WIDR
Credits: Dan Hubble, Caity Ahearne, Lukas Filcek

Promotional Announcement

First Place: WRFH Station Promo
Organization: WRFH Radio/Hillsdale College
Credits: Luke Miller

Second Place: Afternoon Jazz Promo 2025
Organization: Henry Ford College, WHFR
Credits: Alex Jagodzinsky

Honorable Mention: Afterglow: Hypnotist
Organization: Michigan State University, WDBM
Credits: Caleb Jones, Martin Goleski, Maggie Heflin

Public Service Announcement

First Place: Sneeze In Your Sleeve
Organization: WRFH Radio/Hillsdale College
Credits: Emily Schutte

Second Place: Hot People Know Their Status
Organization: Oakland University, WXOU
Credits: KalistinÃ© Louca, Maya Kirksey, Maryanne Sanford

Public Service Announcement - Sponsored by the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission

First Place: Human Trafficking: Listen
Organization: WRFH Radio/Hillsdale College
Credits: Luke Miller

Second Place: Human Trafficking
Organization: Lansing Community College
Credits: Ashton Perdue

Honorable Mention: Human Trafficking: Get Help
Organization: WRFH Radio/Hillsdale College
Credits: Quinn Delamater

Sports Feature

First Place: New Rules: Magdalena Sularski
Organization: WRFH Radio/Hillsdale College
Credits: Evan Mick

Second Place: Green and White Report: Calling Our Sources from Ole Miss
Organization: Michigan State University, WDBM
Credits: Joseph DesVergnes-Christy, Jack David, Owen McCarthy, Oscar Henderson

Honorable Mention: After the Combine with Isaac TeSlaa
Organization: WRFH Radio/Hillsdale College
Credits: Evan Mick

Sportscast

First Place: 4 Man Front
Organization: WRFH Radio/Hillsdale College
Credits: Lewis Thune, Paden Hughes, Mark Ayers, Patrick Hamilton

Second Place: Green and White Report: Real or Fake MLB Traditions
Organization: Michigan State University, WDBM
Credits: Joseph DesVergnes-Christy, Jack David, Tim Marshall, Oscar Henderson

Honorable Mention: Green and White Report: Michigan State's President Guskiewicz talks Spartans and Concussion Research
Organization: Michigan State University, WDBM
Credits: Joseph DesVergnes-Christy, Jack David, Jessica Kemnitz, Connor Gilley

Talk Show/Podcast

First Place: WRFH St. Patrick's Day Special
Organization: WRFH Radio/Hillsdale College
Credits: Gavin Listro, Lilly Faye Kraemer, Gwen Thompson

Second Place: The Undercurrent: Beauty With a Mission
Organization: Michigan State University, WDBM
Credits: Kennedy DeMars

Honorable Mention: Alamo of the Pacific
Organization: WRFH Radio/Hillsdale College
Credits: Luke Miller

Use of Social Media

First Place: WXOU Use of Social Media
Organization: Oakland University, WXOU
Credits: KalistinÃ© Louca, Roman Contesti, Matthew Weed, Gavin Smilowski

Second Place: Impact 89FM Social Media
Organization: Michigan State University, WDBM
Credits: Impact 89FM Staff

Honorable Mention: WRFH Social Media
Organization: WRFH Radio/Hillsdale College
Credits: Mattie Grace Watson, Carissa Nisly

Stations of the Year

A highlight of the afternoon was the recognition of our Stations of the Year, honoring schools that demonstrated excellence across multiple categories. These programs represent the strongest student media operations in the state, combining consistency, creativity, and a commitment to storytelling.

2026 Categories & Contest Info

2026 Student Awards - Audio Categories

AUDIO CATEGORIES

All audio projects including over-the-air broadcasts, podcasts, Internet radio, etc.

Commentary
A production 45 to 60 seconds in length which showcases the broadcaster’s opinion on a matter of interest to the audience. Opinions should be ethically resourced if confronting controversial topics.
Entries should include: 45 to 60 seconds of live or edited in post-production content. A disclaimer is optional and may allow the entry to extend beyond the 60 second limit.
Criteria to be judged on: Knowledge of topic, presentation of facts, thoroughness, and delivery.
Current Events Story
Current events story that is no more than five minutes in length. Content may include significant current events of local or national interest.
Entries should include: Up to a five minute continuous story, no edited compilations will be accepted.
Criteria to be judged on: Human interest, presentation of facts, subject portrayal, and production value.
Daily Newscast/News Feature
A newscast or news feature that is no more than ten minutes in length.
Entries should include: No more than ten minutes of a continuous selection newscast or news feature.
Criteria to be judged on: Presentation, production value, interest of stories presented, and overall impact.
Live Sports Coverage
Broadcast of an individual or team at a sporting event that is no more than five minutes in length.
Entries should include: Up to a five minute compilation of representative moments from one single sporting game or event.
Criteria to be judged on: Presentation and production value.
Music Feature or Special
A music-focused special program, feature, interview, or feature story that is no more than 30 minutes in length.
Entries should include: Up to 30 minutes of continuous musical programming that is not aired as part of a regular newscast or music programming block.
Criteria to be judged on: Presentation, entertainment value, creativity, and use of audio.
On-Air Personality or Team
Best on-air broadcast personality or broadcast team. The maximum length of entry is five minutes.
Entries should include: Up to a five minute compilation of representative moments from multiple broadcasts.
Criteria to be judged on: production value, effectiveness, and creativity.
Promotional Announcement
A single spot promoting school, station, programs, or community event that is no more than three minutes in length.
Entries should include: Up to a three minute continuous announcement that is written, produced, and aired on your station or program.
Criteria to be judged on: Creativity, effectiveness, and production value.
Public Service Announcement
An announcement of general public interest that raises awareness to a cause or topic, not more than 60 seconds in length.
Entries should include: Up to a 60 second continuous spot that is written, produced and aired on your station or program.
Criteria to be judged on: Creativity, effectiveness, and production value.
Public Service Announcement – Sponsored by the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission
An announcement raising awareness about labor and/or sex trafficking in Michigan and encouraging students and communities to recognize warning signs, share resources, and help prevent exploitation. The audio should not be more than 60 seconds in length. Must be written, produced, and aired by your school program. Visit these sites for resources:
- Senior Policy Operating Group Public Awareness and Outreach Committee
- Human Trafficking Collaborative
- Myths, Facts, & Statistics
- A Shift in Framework Fact Sheet
- Juvenile Victims Fact Sheet
- Children and Youth Fact Sheet
- Hotlines
  Entries should include: Up to a 60-second continuous spot that is written, produced, and aired on your station or program and this closing tag: “If you suspect or have been a victim of human trafficking, please contact the National Human Trafficking hotline at 888-373-7888. All calls are anonymous.”
  Criteria to be judged on: Creativity, effectiveness, production value, and correct tag.
Sportscast
Best locally originated regularly scheduled sportscast or sports themed show, no more than 30 minutes in length. Pre-produced sports features, special segments, or syndicated reports should be entered in the Sports Feature category. In-game content should be submitted in the Live Sports Coverage category.
Entries should include: No more than 30 minutes of a continuous selection sportscast or sports programming. Program contents may include game recaps or excerpts from live broadcasts, no edited compilations will be accepted.
Criteria to be judged on: Presentation, production value, interest of stories presented and overall impact of the sportscast.
Sports Feature
A single report or story which may have aired in a newscast or sportscast that is no more than ten minutes in length.
Entries should include: Up to a ten minute continuous selection which aired independently or as a part of a full newscast or sportscast. Content may include journalistic sports stories, athlete features, or sports human interest stories.
Criteria to be judged on: Writing, editing, knowledge of sport, delivery, and presentation.
Talk Show/Podcast
A talk show program that is no more than 30 minutes in length that can be a topic of choice.
Entries should include: Up to a 30 minute full show, no edited compilations will be accepted.
Criteria to be judged on: Presentation, production value, and overall impact.
Use of Social Media
Showcase all the ways your program is using social media within a variety of platforms to enhance the listener’s experience. Demonstrate how you are connecting with your target audience and local community using social media to promote stories, programming, newscasts, sports, and/or events. Each school program will be limited to 1 entry.
Entries should include: Content such as video/audio clips, screen shots, pictures, and more, edited into one presentation file such as PowerPoint, Google Slides, or equivalent, with audio included.
Criteria to be judged on: Creativity and effectiveness.
High School Only: Sports Public Service Announcement
A PSA that is 30 seconds in length promoting sportsmanship and officials recruitment.
Entries should include: Up to a 30 second continuous spot that is written, produced and aired on your station or program.
Criteria to be judged on: Creativity, effectiveness, and production value.
High School Only: Public Service Announcement - Sponsored by OK2SAY
An announcement encouraging students to utilize OK2SAY, Michigan’s Student Safety Program, if they have a concern about their safety or the safety of another. The audio should not be more than 60 seconds in length. Must be written, produced, and aired by your school program. Visit ok2say.com for topic suggestions.
Entries should include: Up to a 60 second continuous spot that is written, produced, and aired on your station or program.
Criteria to be judged on: Creativity, effectiveness, and production value.

2026 Student Awards - Visual Categories

VISUAL CATEGORIES

All visual projects including on-air broadcasts, film projects, YouTube submissions, etc.

Current Events Story
Current events story that is no more than five minutes in length. Content may include significant current events of local or national interest.
Entries should include: Up to a five minute continuous story, no edited compilations will be accepted.
Criteria to be judged on: Human interest, presentation of facts, subject portrayal, and production value.
Documentary
A program focused on a single topic up to 60 minutes in length. Judges may only watch portions of the entry.
Entries should include: Up to a 60 minute full documentary, no edited compilations will be accepted.
Criteria to be judged on: Significance, resourcefulness, comprehensiveness, thoroughness of research, and production value.
Hard News
Coverage of a significant event affecting the community, no more than five minutes in length.
Entries should include: Up to a five minute, unedited, continuous selection which aired independently or from a broadcast, no edited compilations will be accepted.
Criteria to be judged on: Significance, presentation of facts, thoroughness, and delivery.
Live Sports Coverage
Broadcast of an individual or team at a sporting event that is no more than five minutes in length.
Entries should include: Up to a five minute compilation of representative moments from one single sporting game or event.
Criteria to be judged on: Presentation and production value.
News Feature
A single report which may have aired in a newscast as relief or contrast to serious reporting or a long form program that is no more than ten minutes in length.
Entries should include: Up to a ten minute, unedited, continuous selection which aired independently or from a broadcast, no edited compilations will be accepted.
Criteria to be judged on: Human interest, subject portrayal, creative writing, entertainment value, and production value.
Newscast
Best locally originated newscast, no more than 30 minutes in length. Each school program will be limited to three entries.
Entries should include: No more than 30 minutes of a single newscast.
Criteria to be judged on: Presentation, production value, interest of stories presented, and overall impact of the newscast.
Public Service Announcement
An announcement of general public interest that raises awareness to a cause or topic, not more than 60 seconds in length.
Entries should include: Up to a 60 second continuous spot that is written, produced, and aired on your station or program.
Criteria to be judged on: Creativity, effectiveness, and production value.
Public Service Announcement – Sponsored by the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission
An announcement raising awareness about labor and/or sex trafficking in Michigan and encouraging students and communities to recognize warning signs, share resources, and help prevent exploitation. The video should not be more than 60 seconds in length. Must be written, produced, and aired by your school program. Visit these sites for resources:
- Senior Policy Operating Group Public Awareness and Outreach Committee
- Human Trafficking Collaborative
- Myths, Facts, & Statistics
- A Shift in Framework Fact Sheet
- Juvenile Victims Fact Sheet
- Children and Youth Fact Sheet
- Hotlines
  Entries should include: Up to a 60-second continuous spot that is written, produced, and aired on your station or program and this closing tag: “If you suspect or have been a victim of human trafficking, please contact the National Human Trafficking hotline at 888-373-7888. All calls are anonymous.”
  Criteria to be judged on: Creativity, effectiveness, production value, and correct tag.
Sportscast
Best locally originated sportscast or sports themed show, no more than 30 minutes in length. Pre-produced sports features or syndicated reports should be entered in the Sports Feature category. In-game content should be submitted in the Live Sports Coverage category.
Entries should include: No more than 30 minutes of a single sportscast or sports themed show. Program contents may include game recaps or excerpts from live broadcasts.
Criteria to be judged on: Presentation, production value, interest of stories presented, and overall impact of the sportscast.
Sports Feature
A single report or story which may have aired in a newscast or sportscast that is no more than ten minutes in length.
Entries should include: Up to a ten minute, unedited, continuous selection which aired independently or as a part of a full newscast or sportscast. Content may include journalistic sports stories, athlete features, or sports human interest stories.
Criteria to be judged on: Writing, editing, knowledge of sport, delivery, presentation.
Talk Show/Scripted Show
A program that is no more than 30 minutes in length that can be a topic of choice.
Entries should include: Up to a 30 minute full show, no edited compilations will be accepted.
Criteria to be judged on: Resourcefulness, creativity, comprehensiveness, thoroughness of research and production value.
Use of Social Media
Showcase all the ways your program is using social media within a variety of platforms to enhance the viewer’s experience. Demonstrate how you are connecting with your target audience and local community using social media to promote stories, programming, newscasts, sports, and/or events. Each school program will be limited to one entry.
Entries should include: Content such as video/audio clips, screen shots, pictures, and more, edited into one video submission that is no more than ten minutes in length.
Criteria to be judged on: Creativity and effectiveness.
High School Only: Sports Public Service Announcement
A PSA that is 30 seconds in length promoting sportsmanship and officials recruitment.
Entries should include: Up to a 30 second continuous spot that is written, produced, and aired on your station or program.
Criteria to be judged on: Creativity, effectiveness, and production value.
High School Only: Public Service Announcement – Sponsored by OK2SAY
An announcement encouraging students to utilize OK2SAY, Michigan’s Student Safety Program, if they have a concern about their safety or the safety of another. The video should not be more than 60 seconds in length. Must be written, produced, and aired by your school program. Visit www.ok2say.com for topic suggestions.
Entries should include: Up to a 60 second continuous spot that is written, produced and aired on your station or program.
Criteria to be judged on: Creativity, effectiveness, and production value.
High School Only: Public Service Announcement – Sponsored by MASSP
An announcement discouraging students and young people from using tobacco products, including e-cigarettes/vapes. The video should not be more than 60 seconds in length. Must be written, produced, and aired by your school program.
Entries should include: Up to a 60 second continuous spot that is written, produced and aired on your station or program and a line directing listeners to Michigan.gov/Tobacco or MyLifeMyQuit.com for more information.
Criteria to be judged on: Creativity, effectiveness, production value, and proper tag.

Contest Information

No entry fees! All entries must be submitted via the online entry system and will be judged by Michigan broadcasters.
The judges will be asked to judge each entry based on the criteria listed in each category and how well it follows the category description. The judges will also be encouraged to give feedback on each entry. The feedback, when given, will be made available to view after the competition.
Awards may be given for 1st, 2nd, and Honorable Mention in each category. First place winners receive three points; second place winners receive two points; and Honorable Mentions receive one point for each winning entry towards Station/Program of the Year.
Station/Program of the Year Award – The Station/Program of the Year award will be presented to the following: one high school audio station/program; one high school visual station/program; one college audio station/program; and one college visual station/program. To win the Station/Program of the Year award, the school must receive the most cumulative points in all categories entered.
All entries become the property of the MAB Foundation. Entries may be used by the MAB Foundation and/or category sponsors for promotional purposes.

Contest Rules

Each school’s station/program may submit up to five entries per category unless otherwise specified. If more than five are submitted in each category, only the first 5 submitted will be judged. All other submissions by that station/program in that category will not be judged.
Independent projects produced by students currently in school may be submitted, however they will not count towards a school’s “Station of the Year” points.
- To submit an independent project, create an Open Call Contestant account, click “Submit Entry,” choose the appropriate division and category, then choose “Independent Project” in the dropdown menu under “Where Published or Performed.”
Up to four different students may be credited on an entry, others may be added by contacting the MABF office if the entry is selected as a winner.
All Michigan college, high school and trade school students are welcome to enter.
Entries must have been created and produced from January 1, 2025 through December 16, 2025.
All entries must be submitted via the online entry system. All entry links should be checked prior to submitting each entry.
Supplemental attachments for entries are accepted and may not exceed 10MB in size. Accepted file types include: PDF, GIF, PNG, or JPG. No other file types will be accepted. Please have back-up copies and be certain all links work and remain live.
Different categories must be on separate entries. Please complete a separate online submission for each entry.
Entries must be completely created and produced by students. The creative concept of each entry must be original to the students submitting the entry.
All entries must first be uploaded to an external hosting site before they can be submitted to the online entry system. Below are some suggested sites.
- YouTube
- Soundcloud
- Vimeo
Failure to comply with these guidelines will result in disqualification.
All judges’ decisions are final.
All entries must be received by 3:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.