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.

JOY ENTRY FORM

Entrants must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants are no longer required to have two years of scholastic journalism experience, though most will. They must submit three letters of recommendation, among other requirements detailed in the entry form. NOTE: Prepare, but do not send a transcript. We will reach out to you after you submit your application with instructions on how to provide us with your transcript.

The Champion Journalist and Junior Champion Journalist competitions require entrants to complete an online portfolio of their work. According to the JEA website, which GSPA follows for this contest, candidates should create an online portfolio for examples of their work, and organize it based on the categories outlined on the judging rubric:

  • Reporting and Writing

  • Editing, Leadership and Team Building

  • Design

  • Broadcast Journalism

  • Photojournalism

  • Web and Social Media

  • Law, Ethics and News Literacy

  • Marketing and Audience Engagement

  • Commitment to Diversity (Note: Work in this area can also be embedded in other categories in lieu of creating a dedicated category in the portfolio)

Each artifact within the portfolio should be accompanied by a clear, concise revealing reflection that outlines the following:

  • If published, the evidence of usage/publication of example should the candidate see it fit to include

  • If entered in any contest, how the work example placed if applicable

  • An explanation/reasoning for each example. The explanation/reasoning includes the applicant’s explanation about the specific assignment. Include any difficulties encountered with the assignment and special circumstances affecting it. Explanation should typically be less than 100 words in length), easy to read and should explain why this entry is important and was chosen for the portfolio.

View this example of a winning portfolio.

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 18, 2026.

Check out state winners from 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019 for some inspiration.