Each year, GSPA recognizes the top senior student journalist in the state with the Georgia Champion Journalist Award. The winner receives a monetary prize and represents the state in the Journalism Education Association's National Journalist of the Year competition. GSPA also honors the top junior in the state with the Junior Journalist of the Year Award.

Entrants must be seniors, maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, have at least two years of journalism experience and be planning to major in journalism in college. They must submit an official transcript and three letters of recommendation, among other requirements. The 2024 Champion Journalist and Junior Champion submission period will be Dec. 1, 2023, through Jan. 21, 2024. Submit Georgia Champion Journalist and Junior Champion of the Year entry form here. Email all supporting documents to gspa@uga.edu. Or, add them to a Google folder and share the link with gspa1928@gmail.com.

The 2024 Georgia Champion Journalist and Junior Champion Journalist competitions require entrants to complete an online portfolio of their work. The state contests are scored using the same guidelines and rubric as the JEA. It is important for entrants to thoroughly review the JEA guidelines for portfolios. (Do NOT submit an entry to the JEA contest, as only the state winner is allowed to be entered). It is also helpful to review the judging rubric. It is highly recommended that entrants view this JEA JOY Guidelines video.

Supported by the Carolyn McKenzie and Don E. Carter Chair for Excellence in Journalism at the University of Georgia Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, winners will receive the following monetary prizes:

• Senior Champion Journalist of the Year - $1,000

• Senior runner-up - $750

• Junior Journalist of the Year - $750

• Junior runner-up - $500

Winners will be recognized at the GSPA Spring Workshop and Awards on March 25, 2024.

Check out recent state winners from 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019 for some inspiration.