Ya!Mule Wordsmiths’ Hebda receives 5th straight Sweepstakes Award
Arkansas Press Women announced winners of its annual Professional Communications Contest at an awards luncheon Saturday at Central Baptist College in Conway. Work produced in a variety of communications fields during 2025 was eligible to compete.
For the fifth consecutive year, Dwain Hebda of Little Rock, president of Ya!Mule Wordsmiths, Inc., won the Sweepstakes Award in the state contest. The award is based on a point system that factors in entry ranking and the degree of competition in a category.
Arkansas journalists, writers, designers, photographers, communications professionals and authors submitted a combined 338 entries into this year’s contest. Judges from across the country and communications spectrum reviewed APW entries.
“We are incredibly proud of all the talented journalists, writers, and communications professionals whose exceptional work during 2025 was recognized at this year’s contest, including Dwain Hebda for his remarkable fifth consecutive Sweepstakes Award,” APW President Angie Faller said. “These winners represent the very best of storytelling and journalism excellence in Arkansas.”
Of the total of 338 entries submitted in the contest and evaluated by independent judges:
- 60 entries received First Place.
- 51 entries received Second Place.
- 38 entries received Third Place.
- 80 entries received Honorable Mention.
First-place entrants in the Arkansas contest who are members of the National Federation of Press Women (NFPW) advance to NFPW’s national competition. National winners will be recognized during NFPW’s annual conference September 24-25 at the Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott, Maryland. The conference concludes with an awards banquet on September 25. Information about the conference is posted at https://www.nfpw.org/conference.
The following individuals placed in Arkansas Press Women’s 2026 Professional Communications Contest:
Sonny Albarado, Editor-in-Chief, Arkansas Advocate:
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Columns > Personal opinion (bylined, not editorial) for We may be divided politically and philosophically, but this document binds us
Ryan Anderson, Reporter, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
- First Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Education for Student graduates from UA, A-State
Laura Antolinez, Senior Photographer, NorthWest Arkansas Community College Eagle View:
- Second Place in Collegiate / Education > Prepared Report for Radio/Television Student Media > Television for Build a Bed recap, Oct.10-11
- First Place in Collegiate / Education > Writing > 58B – Features for From Wood to Dreams
Terry Austin, Copy Editor/Page Designer, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
- Honorable Mention in Graphics and Design > Page Design > Newspaper for Words in rhythm with Arkansas
Heather Baker, President and Publisher, AY Media Group:
- Second Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Reviews for A Whirlwind of Wonder
- First Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Personal essay for What Happened: Four Years Later
David Barham, Editorial Page Editor, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Editorial/Op-Ed for Juvee jail
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Editorial/Op-Ed for Standing room only
- First Place in Writing > Editorial/Op-Ed for Power to the people?
Brett Barrouquere, Reporter, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Feature Story > Print-based newspaper for Search planned to find body of WWII soldier
- Honorable Mention in Writing > News Story > Print-based newspaper for Firm bills Arkansas for work on prison
Mike Bedgood, AY Media Group
- Co-entrant: First Place in Public Relations Materials > Catalog, Manual, or Handbook for TAGGART: Celebrating 50 Years of Architecture
Emma Bertram, Little Rock Public Radio
- Co-Entrant: Honorable Mention in Radio and Television > On-the-scene Report > Radio for Hundreds gather in downtown Little Rock for October “No Kings” protest
Bill Bowden, Reporter, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Feature Story > Print-based newspaper for Arkansan selling Egyptian king’s items
- Honorable Mention in Writing > News Story > Print-based newspaper for Locals concerned by planned Petit Jean State Park changes
- First Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Obituary for Tucker, former governor, congressman, dies at 81
Kelly Brant, Features Reporter, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
- Third Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Food for Going for the GREEN
John Brummett, Columnist, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
- First Place in Writing > Columns > Personal opinion (bylined, not editorial) for Monosyllabic impediment
Marla Cantrell, Writer/Journalist:
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Personality Profile > More than 750 words for Tiny House, Great Big Life
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Specialty Articles > Food for The Silver Lining Life
Mark Carter, Senior Editor, AY Media Group:
- Third Place in Writing > Feature Story > Magazine, newsletter/other publication for Feeding the Monster
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Feature Story > Magazine, newsletter/other publication for Spirit, Spectacle, Sanctuary
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Specialty Articles > Business for The White Sands of Arkansas
- Co-entrant: First Place in Public Relations Materials > Catalog, Manual, or Handbook for TAGGART: Celebrating 50 Years of Architecture
Chelsea Castillo, Editor-in-Chief, NorthWest Arkansas Community College Eagle View:
- Honorable Mention in Collegiate / Education > Writing > Features for Alice Driver and “The Life and Death of the American Worker” at SACF
- Honorable Mention in Collegiate / Education > Writing > News for College Hosts Overdose Prevention Training: NWACC’s Counseling and Wellness, NWA Harm Reduction lead sessions on Narcan kits and overdose prevention on campus
- Third Place in Collegiate / Education > Writing > Features for Profile: Juanita Franklin, Sparking Community and Guidance at NWACC
- Second Place in Collegiate / Education > Writing > Opinion/Editorial/Reviews for Rise Up
- Second Place in Collegiate / Education > Writing > Sports for New Soccer Coaches Start in Late July: Johnson, Marquez Tapped for Head Coach Roles
- Co-entrant: First Place in Collegiate / Education > Prepared Report for Radio/Television Student Media > Television for No Kings Protest
Sean Clancy, Features Reporter, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Feature Story > Print-based newspaper for In the flesh
Jerry Cordova, Designer, AY Media Group:
- Honorable Mention in Graphics and Design > Page Design > Magazine or magapaper for Made in the Shade
Doug Crise, Writer, AY Media Group:
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Editorial/Op-Ed for Can You Hear Me Now?
- Third Place in Writing > Editorial/Op-Ed for I Am Bobby Petrino, And Chances Are You Are too
- Third Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Sports for Caught in the Crossfire
Sarah DeClerk, Editor, AY Media Group:
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Specialty Articles > Education for Bell to Bell No Cell Act in Arkansas
- Third Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Business for Blue Sky Thinking
- Third Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Arts and entertainment for Billy Don Burns
- Third Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Sports for Caught in the Crossfire
Andrew DeMillo, Capitol Correspondent, The Associated Press:
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Feature Story > Online publication for Arkansas victims of mortuary theft scheme inspire push for law banning sale of human remains
- First Place in Writing > Feature Story > Online publication for An Arkansas organist is playing 18 hours of Bach this year, one lunch break at a time
Kim Dishongh, Features Reporter, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Feature Story > Print-based newspaper for Long-haul bookworms
- Third Place in Writing > Personality Profile > More than 750 words for Sylvia Ann Hindsman Cornwell
Lucas Dufalla, Reporter, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
- Honorable Mention in Writing > News Story > Print-based newspaper for Amazon’s LR facility set to remain closed
Dylan Easton, Copy Editor/Page Designer, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
- First Place in Writing > Headlines for Brunch trend cracks egg market / Farmers scramble against bird flu to meet diner demands
Sarah Engebrecht, Graphic Artist, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
- Third Place in Graphics and Design > Graphics > Infographics for Stolen bourbon
- First Place in Graphics and Design > Graphics > Graphics for Purple reign
Rafael Escalera Montoto, Reporter, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
- Second Place in Writing > News Story > Print-based newspaper for Nonprofit serving youth forges ahead after aid lost
Angelita Faller, News Director, University of Arkansas at Little Rock:
- Honorable Mention in Information for the Media > News or Feature Release – Single Release for Research Study Co-authored by 16 UA Little Rock Students Finds Raccoons Show Early Signs of Domestication
- Second Place in Public Relations Materials > Audiovisuals for Trojan Teacher Residency Program Slideshow
- First Place in Information for the Media > News or Feature Releases – Multiple Releases for UA Little Rock Cybersecurity Program Series
- First Place in Information for the Media > Media Pitch for $1 Coin Released in Honor of Navy ‘Hidden Figure’ Raye Montague
- First Place in Editing for Print or Online Publications > Publication Regularly Edited by Entrant > 19B – Magazine/Magapaper for May 2025 Alumni Association Newsletter
Angelita Faller, Marketing and Communications Manager, University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service:
- Second Place in Writing > Publications Regularly Written by Entrant > Newsletter/other publication, nonprofit, government or educational for Clinton School of Public Service Alumni Newsletter
Gwen Faulkenberry, Columnist, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
- Third Place in Writing > Columns > Personal opinion (bylined, not editorial) for Here’s why I had to leave
Tommy Foltz, Editorial Writer, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- Second Place in Writing > Editorial/Op-Ed for Not everyday people
Talen Fox, Copy Editor/Page Designer, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Headlines for Public defenders bare passion / For attorneys in LR federal office, their role is a vital calling
Catherine Frederick, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths, Inc.
- Co-entrant: Third Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Agriculture for Keeper of the Swarm
Daniel Gold, Host of DGold Radio Show, KABF 88.3
- Co-entrant: Second Place in Radio and Television > Special Programming > Radio for Direct Democracy Minute
Antoinette Grajeda, Deputy Editor, Arkansas Advocate:
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Specialty Articles > Education for Ten Commandments displays prompt scholarship cancellations, teach-in at University of Arkansas
- First Place in Writing > Personality Profile > More than 750 words for First woman to serve as Arkansas Senate secretary prepares for retirement
- First Place in Writing > In-depth Reporting for Overcrowded
- First Place in Writing > Continuing Coverage or Unfolding News for Immigration
Brooke Greenberg, Columnist, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
- Second Place in Writing > Columns > General for A report on what I didn’t do
Audrey Hanes, Writer and Editor at Large, Occasions Publishing Group:
- Co-entrant: Second Place in Editing for Print or Online Publications > Publication Regularly Edited by Entrant > Magazine/Magapaper for Jonesboro Occasions, May 2025
- Second Place in Writing > News Story > Magazine, newsletter/other print publication for A-State’s New AD is Ready to Howl
- First Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Style for Bearded Bouquet Brings Festive Florals to the White House
Alex Hardgrave, Writer, AY Media Group:
- First Place in Writing > News Story > Magazine, newsletter/other print publication for Bridging the Gap
- First Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Green/environmental for Saving the Sparta
Eric Harrison, Features Reporter, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
- Third Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Reviews for Bigger is better
Dwain Hebda, President, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths, Inc.:
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Headlines for What’s Up, Duck?
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Headlines for The Original Gagster
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Specialty Articles > Sports for A Coach’s Promise
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Specialty Articles > Health for The Gift of Gratitude
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Specialty Articles > Government or politics for Agent of Change: Mike Huckabee
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Specialty Articles > Food for Grape Expectations
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Specialty Articles > Education for Reading, Writing, Radishes
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Specialty Articles > Business for One on One
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Specialty Articles > Agriculture for Pasture to Plate
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Personality Profile > More than 750 words for The Lifer
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Personality Profile > More than 750 words for Home at Last
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Personality Profile > More than 750 words for #Me First: Paula Jones McFadden
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Feature Story > Print-based newspaper for Susan Barr
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Feature Story > Print-based newspaper for Christian Gwatney
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Feature Story > Print-based newspaper for Linda Harding
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Feature Story > Print-based newspaper for Thomas Schueck
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Feature Story > Print-based newspaper for Butch Warren
- Honorable Mention in Writing > News Story > Magazine, newsletter/other print publication for The House Always Wins: Ronald McDonald House Arkansas & Central Louisiana
- Third Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Social issues for Crime and Redemption
- Third Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Personal essay for Why Christmas?
- Third Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Agriculture for Keeper of the Swarm
- Third Place in Writing > News Story > Magazine, newsletter/other print publication for The Way Forward
- Second Place in Writing > Headlines for It’s Kind of a Pig Deal
- Second Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Style for Whatcha Gonna Do With a Cow, Boy?
- Second Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Sports for One More Race
- Second Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Green/environmental for Tiger Tales
- Second Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Food for Home at Last
- Second Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Arts and entertainment for Still Weird After All These Years: “Weird Al” Yankovic
- Second Place in Writing > Personality Profile > More than 750 words for Teller of Tales, Keeper of Truth
- Second Place in Writing > Feature Story > Magazine, newsletter/other publication for Minutes to Memories
- First Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Food for Food is Love
- First Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Agriculture for All Grit, No Quit
- First Place in Writing > News Story > Magazine, newsletter/other print publication for BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATERS
- First Place in Public Relations Materials > Catalog, Manual, or Handbook for TAGGART: Celebrating 50 Years of Architecture
Dusty Higgins, Graphic Artist, Torchbearer Creative:
- Co-entrant: First Place in Public Relations Materials > Report for Clinton School of Public Service 20-Year Impact Report
Mary Hightower, Chief Communications Officer, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture:
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Continuing Coverage or Unfolding News for Soybean basis and the Mississippi River
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Specialty Articles > Agriculture for Fruit, vegetable growers in NWA try to recover from season-ending hailstorm
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Specialty Articles > Agriculture for UADA analysis shows Arkansas farmers to suffer losses for corn, cotton, long grain rice, soybeans
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Specialty Articles > Agriculture for Federal officials working to keep U.S. free of nightmarish screwworms
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Specialty Articles > Agriculture for UADA tallies crop-related flood damage at ‘conservative’ $78.9 million
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Specialty Articles > Food for Long before lab-made colors, cactus bugs put the red in ‘redcoats’
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Specialty Articles > Food for Back to school: Keeping lunches out of the danger zone
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Specialty Articles > Green/environmental for Monarchs, milkweed and migration
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Specialty Articles > Social issues for Extreme financial pressures on farmers bring fears of losing legacy, identity, purpose
- Third Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Obituary for Williams remembered as ‘old school,’ highly knowledgeable in cotton
- First Place in Writing > Publications Regularly Written by Entrant > Newsletter/other publication, nonprofit, government or educational for ONE Division
Carrie Hill, Graphic Artist, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
- Second Place in Graphics and Design > Graphics > Graphics for Six bridges book festival
- First Place in Graphics and Design > Graphics > Infographics for WWII Arkansan prisoner of war
Tony Holt, Reporter, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Feature Story > Print-based newspaper for Talks of War Memorial plans stirs nostalgia
Cary Jenkins, Features Reporter, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Feature Story > Print-based newspaper for For remembrance
Wendy Jordan, Marketing Manager, Crafton Tull:
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Specialty Articles > Health for All-Terrain Wheelchair Offerings by Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Game & Fish Have Personal Meaning
- Second Place in Photography > Photographer-writer for Capitol Charm
Braxton Kehr, NorthWest Arkansas Community College Eagle View:
- Co-entrant: Second Place in Collegiate / Education > Writing > Opinion/Editorial/Reviews for Rise Up
- Co-entrant: First Place for Collegiate / Education > Prepared Report for Radio/Television Student Media > Television for No Kings Protest
Tammy Keith, Freelance Journalist:
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Specialty Articles > Religion for A Living Picture-Conway church members recreate The Last Supper
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Specialty Articles > Religion for Vickie Victorious
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Specialty Articles > Education for Conway school board discusses athletic director incident
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Specialty Articles > Education for New Conway reading specialist develops plan to increase scores
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Personality Profile > More than 750 words for Conway educator earns spot on Arkansas Teacher of the Year shortlist
- Third Place in Writing > Continuing Coverage or Unfolding News for Conway School District legislative audit
- Third Place in Writing > News Story > Print-based newspaper for Conway teacher fired for incident with student
- Second Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Government or politics in Conway city attorney receives Wampus Cat Pride award
- First Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Social issues for Conway Ministry Center makes final push to open The Refuge
- First Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Health for Gina Flake is fighting back
Heather Kersten, Copy Editor/Page Designer, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
- First Place in Graphics and Design > Page Design > Newspaper for Rock Town is rollin’
Kay King, NorthWest Arkansas Community College Eagle View:
- Co-entrant: Second Place in Collegiate / Education > Writing > Opinion/Editorial/Reviews for Rise Up
- Co-entrant: First Place in Collegiate / Education > Prepared Report for Radio/Television Student Media > Television for No Kings Protest
Cristina LaRue, Reporter, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
- Second Place in Writing > In-depth Reporting for Harvesting Arkansas
Josie Lenora, Politics and Government Reporter, Little Rock Public Radio:
- Honorable Mention in Radio and Television > On-the-scene Report > Radio for Hundreds gather in downtown Little Rock for October “No Kings” protest
- First Place in Radio and Television > Prepared Report > Radio for Arkansas white supremacist group draws international attention
- First Place in Radio and Television > Special Programming > Radio for Track One
- Co-entrant: First Place in Radio and Television > On-the-scene Report > Radio for Thousands take to the streets in Little Rock ‘No Kings’ protest
Mary LeSieur, Writer, AY Media Group
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Editorial/Op-Ed for The College Question
- Third Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Green/environmental for Every Day is Earth Day
- Third Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Health for Cancer Survivor Uses Social Media to Promote Awareness
Frank Lockwood, Religion Editor, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
- First Place in Writing > News Story > Print-based newspaper for Baptists’ predator database not done
- First Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Religion for State religious figures recall Kirk’s faith
Brenda Looper, Voices Page Editor, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Columns > Personal opinion (bylined, not editorial) for War on Big Bird
John Magsam, Reporter, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Continuing Coverage or Unfolding News for Law to help dry-county brewers
- Second Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Business for Tariffs leave fireworks seller in dark
Casey Mann, University of Arkansas
- Second Place in Collegiate / Education > Writing > News for The race to retain history at national parks amid new federal directives
- First Place in Collegiate / Education > Prepared Report for Radio/Television Student Media > Radio for Devil’s Den tragedy renews focus on hiking safety, state park security
Karen Martin, Perspective/senior editor, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Columns > General for When the walls come down
Philip Martin, Columnist, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Specialty Articles > Food for My chardonnay problem wasn’t with the wine
- Third Place in Writing > Feature Story > Print-based newspaper for When Arkansas remade America
- Second Place in Writing > Columns > Personal opinion (bylined, not editorial) for The man in the bin
- Second Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Personal essay for At 17
- Second Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Obituary for Wild at heart
- First Place in Writing > Columns > Humorous for Bob Dylan reimagined through the years on film
- First Place in Writing > Columns > General for Dulce et Decorum Est’ six miles from Earth
- First Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Sports for The THRILL of it all
- First Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Reviews for Swift: Precise, disciplined and emotionally legible
- First Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Arts and entertainment for Elvis at 90
Thomas Metthe, Staff Photographer, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
- First Place in Photography > Single Photograph > Sports photo for Hog Leap
- First Place in Photography > Single Photograph > General photo for Cheer
Mak Millard, Editor, AY Media Group:
- Third Place in Writing > In-depth Reporting for 90s No More – Arkansas Gang Activity
- Second Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Agriculture for Growing Pains
Jeremy Muck, Copy Editor/Page Designer, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
- Second Place in Graphics and Design > Page Design > Newspaper for Top Hogs
Colin Murphey, Staff Photographer, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
- Third Place in Photography > Single Photograph > News or feature photo for Cyclist
- Third Place in Photography > Single Photograph > Sports photo for Boys 6A
- Second Place in Photography > Single Photograph > General photo for Snow Dog
Kristin Netterstrom Higgins, Program Associate, Public Policy Center at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture:
- Second Place in Graphics and Design > Graphics > Infographics for Approved Arkansas Citizen Initiatives by Decade
- Second Place in Radio and Television > Special Programming > Radio for Direct Democracy Minute
- First Place in Web and Social Media > Electronic Newsletter > Nonprofit, government, or educational for Arkansas Ballot Issue Education Newsletter
Patrick Newton, Director of Marketing and Communications, University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service:
- Co-Entrant: Second Place in Writing > Publications Regularly Written by Entrant > Newsletter/other publication, nonprofit, government or educational for Clinton School of Public Service Alumni Newsletter
- First Place in Public Relations Materials > Report for Clinton School of Public Service 20-Year Impact Report
Brittney Osborn, Art Director, Occasions Publishing Group:
- Honorable Mention in Graphics and Design > Graphics > Graphics for The Elevator From Hell
- Second Place in Graphics and Design > Page Design > Magazine or magapaper for An Ultimate ’80s Triple Swing
- First Place in Advertising > Single Advertisement for Great Food, Great Vibes
Kaley Osborne, University of Central Arkansas:
- First Place in Advertising > Advertising Poster, Billboard or Banner for Chocolate Fantasy Ball benefitting Ronald McDonald House
Michelle Parks, Senior Director of Communications and Marketing, Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design, University of Arkansas:
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Feature Story > Magazine, newsletter/other publication for Design, Illuminated
- First Place in Editing for Print or Online Publications > Publication Regularly Edited by Entrant > 19B – Magazine/Magapaper for ReView 2025
Carrie Phillips, University of Arkansas at Little Rock:
- Co-entrant: First Place in Graphics and Design > Book Designed by Entrant for Chancellor’s Annual Report
Ainsley Platt, Reporter, Arkansas Advocate:
- Co-entrant: First Place in Writing > In-depth Reporting for Overcrowded
- First Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Government or politics for Fix for aging Arkansas prison wastewater plant years behind schedule
Audrey Poff, Publisher, Occasions Publishing Group:
- Second Place in Editing for Print or Online Publications > Publication Regularly Edited by Entrant > Magazine/Magapaper for Jonesboro Occasions, May 2025
- Second Place in Writing > Columns > Humorous for A Turkey Day Disaster
Terrance Poole, NorthWest Arkansas Community College Eagle View:
- Co-entrant: Second Place in Collegiate / Education > Writing > Opinion/Editorial/Reviews for Rise Up
- Co-entrant: First Place in Collegiate / Education > Prepared Report for Radio/Television Student Media > Television for No Kings Protest
Lora Puls, Designer, AY Media Group:
- Third Place in Graphics and Design > Page Design > Magazine or magapaper for Hog Football
- Second Place in Graphics and Design > Page Design > Magazine or magapaper for Aaron Bleidt, Artist
- First Place in Graphics and Design > Page Design > Magazine or magapaper for Madison Watkins
Aneyda Reynaga, Managing Editor, NorthWest Arkansas Community College Eagle View:
- Honorable Mention in Collegiate / Education > Writing > News for Hurricane Melissa’s Path of Destruction
- Honorable Mention in Collegiate / Education > Writing > Features for Fayetteville Embraces Diverse Cultures at the 9th Annual International Festival
- Second Place in Collegiate / Education > Writing > Opinion/Editorial/Reviews for Rise Up
- First Place in Collegiate / Education > Prepared Report for Radio/Television Student Media > Television for No Kings Protest
- First Place in Collegiate / Education > Writing > Opinion/Editorial/Reviews for ICE-Y Thanksgiving
Kat Robinson, Author, Tonti Press:
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Specialty Articles > Food for Church and Community Cookbooks: Keeping Arkansas Culinary History Alive
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Columns > General for RIVER VALLEY EATS: Taliano’s, Fort Smith’s oldest family-operated restaurant, plans to close
- Second Place in Graphics and Design > Book Designed by Entrant for Cooks of the Buffalo: The Official Cookbook of the Buffalo River
- First Place in Writing > Feature Story > Magazine, newsletter/other publication for Sweet! Delta Dirt’s story is rooted in farming and family
- First Place in Web and Social Media > Social Media Presence > Personal for Kat Robinson, Arkansas author and food historian
Maggie Ryan, Anchor/Reporter, Little Rock Public Radio:
- Co-entrant: Honorable Mention in Radio and Television > On-the-scene Report > Radio for Hundreds gather in downtown Little Rock for October “No Kings” protest
- Third Place in Radio and Television > Prepared Report > Radio for Nonprofit teaches culinary arts to help Arkansans overcome cycles of poverty
- Second Place in Radio and Television > Prepared Report > Radio for Black colleges and universities reach out to students left stranded by Job Corps cuts
- Co-entrant: First Place in Radio and Television > Special Programming > Radio for Track One
Caitlyn Shaw, University of Arkansas:
- First Place in Collegiate / Education > Writing > News for Feeding Fayetteville: How Churches are Serving the People
Dylan Sherman, Reporter, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
- First Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Business for NWA poultry industry faces lawsuit fallout
Lee Smith, Designer, AY Media Group
- Honorable Mention in Graphics and Design > Page Design > Magazine or magapaper for Copper Flats
Riley Smith, Sports Editor, NorthWest Arkansas Community College Eagle View:
- Third Place in Collegiate / Education > Writing > Sports for Cross Country Crosses Finish Line of 5th Official Season
- Second Place in Collegiate / Education > Writing > Opinion/Editorial/Reviews for Rise Up
- First Place in Collegiate / Education > Prepared Report for Radio/Television Student Media > Television for No Kings Protest
Torrie Smith, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
- Co-entrant: Honorable Mention in Writing > Specialty Articles > for Food for Back to school: Keeping lunches out of the danger zone
Sarah Smythe, Copy Editor/Page Designer, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
- Third Place in Graphics and Design > Page Design > Newspaper for Damage points to EF4 tornadoes
- Third Place in Writing > Headlines for Shoppers embrace spooky season / Halloween merchandise driving sales to $13B despite tariffs
Josh Snyder, Reporter, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Continuing Coverage or Unfolding News for LEARNS Act coverage
- Second Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Education for Sanders said intent to fund eligible pupils
Aprille Spivey, Marketing Content Writer, Arkansas Children’s Health Care System / Freelance reporter:
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Specialty Articles > Religion for Church attacked online, Morrilton pastor stood his ground
- Third Place in Web and Social Media > Blog > Nonprofit, government or educational for Arkansas Children’s ENT Expert Saves Teenage Bull Rider’s Life After Airway Explodes
- Third Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Religion for You Visited Me’: Prison ministers share Christ’s mercy and forgiveness in the spirit of Blessed Michael McGivney
- Second Place in Web and Social Media > Blog > Nonprofit, government or educational for Forced to Imagine the Unimaginable: Angel One Flight Nurse Turns Grief into Purpose
- Second Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Religion for Pax Christi Little Rock marks 35 weeks of peace protests
- First Place in Web and Social Media > Blog > Nonprofit, government or educational for ‘He Needed to Be in Arkansas’: Mobile ECMO Transport to Arkansas Children’s Saves Louisiana Flu Patient
Steve Straessle, Columnist, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Columns > General for Valentine Dog
Alex Thomas, Reporter, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
- Honorable Mention in Writing > News Story > Print-based newspaper for Generational farmer plans US Senate bid
Klansee Tozer, Senior Graphic Designer, University of Arkansas at Little Rock:
- Third Place in Graphics and Design > Graphics > Graphics for CORE Art Element
- First Place in Graphics and Design > Book Designed by Entrant for Chancellor’s Annual Report
Nathan Treece, Anchor/Reporter, Little Rock Public Radio:
- Second Place in Radio and Television > Interview > Radio for Interview: “Secrets of the Killing State” author Corinna Barrett Lain
- Second Place in Radio and Television > On-the-scene Report > Radio for Saving the ‘Showplace of the South’
- First Place in Radio and Television > On-the-scene Report > Radio for Thousands take to the streets in Little Rock ‘No Kings’ protest
Staci Vandagriff, Staff Photographer, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
- Second Place in Photography > Single Photograph > News or feature photo for Cave City
- First Place in Photography > Single Photograph > News or feature photo for Bubbles
Adam Vogler, Staff Photographer, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
- Honorable Mention in Photography > Single Photograph > News or feature photo for Storm Rescue
- Second Place in Photography > Single Photograph > Sports photo for 4A Wrestling
Tess Vrbin, Reporter, Arkansas Advocate:
- Second Place in Writing > Continuing Coverage or Unfolding News for Library restrictions
- Second Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Health for Arkansas’ maternity ward shortage sometimes leads to births in ambulances, paramedics say
- Second Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Social issues for Law limiting access to LGBTQ books in school libraries began with rural Arkansas district
- Co-entrant: First Place in Writing > In-depth Reporting for Overcrowded
- First Place in Writing > News Story > Online publication for Infertility experts warn against ‘restorative reproductive medicine,’ promoted by new Arkansas law
Jennifer Watson, Student Reporter, NorthWest Arkansas Community College Eagle View:
- Third Place in Collegiate / Education > Writing > News for Turning Point Turns to NWACC
- Third Place in Collegiate / Education > Writing > Opinion/Editorial/Reviews for Best View of the Macy’s Parade? In Front of Your TV
- Second Place in Collegiate / Education > Writing > Features for Paper Hearts, Real Grief
Helaine Williams, Features Reporter/Columnist, Arkansas Democrat Gazette:
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Personality Profile > More than 750 words for Michael Scott Moore
- Third Place in Writing > Columns > General for Coming to terms with life as caretaker
- Second Place in Writing > Feature Story > Print-based newspaper for Small town to 6888th
Sheila Yount, Features Reporter, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Specialty Articles > Food for Purple reign
Jan Ziegler, Retired Education, Pocahontas, Arkansas:
- First Place in Speeches > Speech for Japanese Americans in the Arkansas Delta During World War II
Arkansas Press Women (APW) is an association of professional communicators in journalism, public information, business, education and government. To learn more about APW and how to join, visit https://arkansaspresswomen.org/.