BRYANT, Ark. (Nov. 19, 2025) — Bryant High School and Bryant Junior High took 35 journalism students to the Fall JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, Nov. 12–16. More than 5,000 students from 46 states and eight countries attended workshop sessions, critiques and classes led by leading educators and professionals in journalism.
Staffs from across the nation and internationally entered their publications for Best of Show. Entries were divided by category and school size, and multiple Bryant publications placed in their respective divisions.
“The success of these individuals and the publications as a whole at these types of events is a perfect snapshot of what the students in these programs do every single day quietly: problem-solve, explore and empower themselves and others with ethical storytelling,” junior high publications adviser Meag Abo said.
In addition to having their publication judged, students also competed individually. A total of 1,668 students entered contests in photo, broadcast, graphic design, literary magazine, design and writing categories. Eight Bryant students placed in their individual competitions.
“I was really surprised when I got a Superior on my photo since the category I was entered in was so new to me,” Maria Morales-Ocampo said. “I was very proud of myself, and it reminded me to always try my best and seek new opportunities.”
When they weren’t competing, students attended more than 390 sessions covering topics from journalism ethics to headline writing, photography, AI and more.
“Each session had its own unique way of going about it and made the environment fun and engaging, and I took plenty of notes to look back on later,” Rylee McKinney said. “I especially loved the variety of sessions, so you can go to the ones you were most interested in or the ones you wanted to expand your knowledge on.”
In April, the staffs will compete at the Arkansas Scholastic Press Association convention in Springdale, Arkansas.
Best of Show Results
Hornet Yearbook earned 5th place for Yearbook (Largest Yearbook)
Hive Vision earned 1st place for Broadcast News Program (Junior High)
The Occurrence earned 4th place for Newspaper (Junior High/Middle School)
BJHS Media earned 2nd place for Website (Junior High/Middle School)
The Blue and White earned 2nd place for Yearbook (Junior High/Middle School Book)
Individual Competition Results
Superior:
Kaylee Anderson in Yearbook Cover/Endsheet Design
Maria Morales-Ocampo in Literary Magazine: Photography
Excellents:
Adison Richards in Yearbook Copy/Caption: Student Life
Brayden Rowe in Yearbook Copy/Captions: Academics
Honorable Mentions:
Blessing Colter in Yearbook Copy/Captions:Sports
Kinley Little in Newswriting
Rylee Solomon in Literary Magazine: Layout
Addison Warford in Literary Magazine: Poetry
