Enter the 2025 Georgia Journalist of the Year contests
/Update: The deadline to enter 2025 GA JOY contests has been extended to Friday, Jan. 24 at 11:59 p.m. as a result of weather closings around the state.
Each year, GSPA recognizes the top student journalist in the state with the Georgia Champion Journalist Award. The winner receives a cash prize and represents the state in the Journalism Education Association's National Journalist of the Year competition.
Entrants must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, have at least two years of journalism experience, and plan to major in journalism in college. They must submit an official transcript and three letters of recommendation, among other requirements. Fill out the JOY ENTRY FORM and complete the online portfolio by Jan. 24, 2025. (NOTE: The deadline was extended as a result of weather closings on Jan. 21)
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 24, 2025.
Check out state winners from 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019 for some inspiration.