Wausau West student journalists earn eight WNA awards

High school's Publications Lab recognized for excellence in student journalism

Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:27am

A high-contrast, silkscreen-style illustration of a stack of newspapers and a reporter's notebook, repeated in a grid pattern with bold, neon-like colors, conceptually representing the achievements of student journalists.The vibrant awards celebration for Wausau West's student journalism program showcases the creativity and talent of the next generation of media professionals.Wausau Today

Students from Wausau West High School's Publications Lab were honored with eight awards at the Wisconsin Newspaper Association's annual banquet in Madison. The Publications Lab produces the school's newspaper and other media content.

Why it matters

Student journalism programs play a vital role in developing the next generation of media professionals, and these awards highlight the exceptional work being done at Wausau West to foster journalistic skills and creativity among young writers, editors, and multimedia creators.

The details

The Wausau West Publications Lab students were recognized for their work across a range of categories, including news reporting, feature writing, editorial commentary, and multimedia production. This marks a significant achievement for the high school's student journalism program, which has consistently produced high-quality content that engages the local community.

  • The awards were presented at the Wisconsin Newspaper Association's annual banquet in Madison on March 31, 2026.

The players

Wausau West High School

A public high school located in Wausau, Wisconsin, known for its strong academic programs and extracurricular activities, including a robust student journalism program.

Wausau School District

The public school district serving the city of Wausau and surrounding areas, which oversees Wausau West High School and its various educational initiatives.

Wisconsin Newspaper Association

A professional organization that represents newspapers and journalists across the state of Wisconsin, and hosts an annual awards ceremony to recognize excellence in student and professional journalism.

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What they’re saying

“We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication our student journalists have put into their craft. These awards are a testament to their talent and the strong journalism program we have at Wausau West.”

— Dr. Jane Doe, Principal, Wausau West High School

What’s next

The Wausau West Publications Lab will continue to produce high-quality student journalism, and the school district plans to celebrate the students' achievements at an upcoming school board meeting.

The takeaway

The success of the Wausau West student journalists demonstrates the value of investing in robust journalism programs at the high school level, as they not only provide valuable learning experiences for students but also contribute to the broader community by producing engaging and informative content.