Congratulations to Madeline Petrick from Gretna East High School, winner of the 2025 Nebraska’s Student Journalist of the Year.

Madeline is the Editor-in-Chief and a founding member of “The Wingspan,” Gretna East’s news site. She also serves as Head Producer and Director for Gretna Live Broadcasting. Madeline is advised by Ranae Duncan. We will find out in Minneapolis at the National JEA/NSPA Spring Convention in April if she is a national winner. We wish Madeline the best of luck representing our state.

Madeline’s portfolio can be viewed here: http://madelinepetrick.com

Congratulations also to Ryan Kelly from Westside High School, who is the 2026 Nebraska Runner Up. Ryan is advised by Brett Grell.

Ryan’s portfolio can be viewed here: https://kelly897.myportfolio.com/ 

Both students will be recognized at the NSAA State Journalism Awards Ceremony in Norfolk on April 27–28, 2026. These students put in dozens of hours creating an online portfolio and hundreds of hours being leaders on their respective staffs. Congratulations to both of you and your programs!