2026 Behavioral Health Journalism Excellence Competition winner celebrated

Camille Taylor, director of communications for the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, congratulates Siddarth Suresh on winning 1st place in the 2026 behavioral health journalism Excellence competition during the awards ceremony March 18.

Siddarth Suresh from Beacon at Innovation Academy was recognized as the first place winner in the Behavioral Health Journalism Excellence Competition during GSPA’s Spring Awards March 18.

The competition recognizes middle school or high school journalists in Georgia who excel in reporting on behavioral health issues, with a focus on increasing awareness and competency, reducing stigma, and increasing the volume of high-quality, accurate, and sensitive media coverage. Winners demonstrate a deep understanding of behavioral health, avoid stigmatizing or stereotyping language, and include the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 988 end card.

The focus of Suresh’s reporting is on highlighting healthcare disparities and the challenges facing youth today, while also pursuing research that examines these issues through a biological lens. Articles included in his winning contest submission were “Plot Twist: Being AAPI is Exhausting” and “Carrying the Classroom: Why Teacher Mental Health Deserves the Same Care as Student Well-Being.”

Siddarth Suresh presents awards for journalist of the year during the spring awards ceremony at uga’s georgia center for continuing education.

According to a personal statement, Suresh’s reporting on behavioral health uses Gen Z as a connecting thread to reveal how mental health challenges affect entire school communities: students, teachers and cultural groups alike. Each story examines different layers of the same issue: the tension between awareness and silence, and how stigma continues to shape the way people experience care and belonging in Georgia schools. His work aims to move these conversations beyond isolated moments and into sustained, meaningful dialogue.

Camille Taylor, director of communications for the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, presented the award to Suresh. Along with the recognition, Suresh will receive a $750 monetary prize.

Along with his work with the Beacon, Suresh is a GSPA Ambassador, a PBS Student Reporting Labs National Student Advisory Team member and a Vox ATL journalism intern.