ESSPA celebrates student journalism and media work across print, design, video, and service categories.
Your preparation guide
Gather these details and files before opening the form so you can finish your submission in one session.
Award submission is $40 per publication. Payment by check can be mailed to ESSPA at 301 Newhouse 1, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244. It should be made payable to Syracuse University. If you need to be invoiced, please email us at esspa@syr.edu.
Files and links may be shared with judges for scoring and used for contest administration. Questions? Contact esspa@syr.edu.
ESSPA celebrates student journalism and media work across print, design, video, and service categories.
Recognizes photographic work published in a newspaper, literary magazine or yearbook that superbly complements the overall narrative of the publication.
Recognizes a yearbook, newspaper or literary magazine that follows basic design principles to create a visually appealing product.
Recognizes game or event coverage or could be issue-oriented covering a change in policy or an event. Sports features in which coverage is given to individuals or groups, issues or that take an in-depth approach to coverage.
Recognizes a strong, newsworthy piece published in a student newspaper. Submissions should demonstrate the writer/reporter's research and include interviews.
Recognizes outstanding work that promotes inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility.
Recognizes the school newspaper with the best layout, photography and written work as determined by the judges. Submissions should have an array of content that is newsworthy to the school audience and greater community. Must publish or update online content at least once per quarter.
Recognizes work published in a newspaper, yearbook or literary magazine. Artists must submit a short paragraph outlining how they conceptualized the idea and any significant aspects of the work.
Recognizes a work focused on sports-related people, games, events or current issues or event coverage or could be issue-oriented covering a change in policy or an event.
Recognizes an editorial that demonstrates clearness of style, moral purpose, sound reasoning and the ability to influence public opinion.
This award could be for a single issue of a publication or for an example of originality in approach, design, use of type, coverage of a single topic or issue. Attach a statement explaining the submission.
Recognizes a literary magazine that includes photography, illustrations and creative writing in the forms of poetry, fiction and nonfiction, or most of these elements. Layout and design will also be used to determine the best overall magazine.
Recognizes a compelling work of poetry, fiction or nonfiction.
Recognizes the best overall layout and design. Submissions should include a variety of written and visual content and have a consistent theme. Please provide a link to a viewable online edition or send a copy to: ESSPA, 301 Newhouse 1, 215 University Pl., Syracuse NY 13244
Recognizes a yearbook or literary magazine that uses illustration to express the publication's theme.
Recognizes a student-run show from talent to production. Can be a morning announcement, or news broadcast or anything that falls under the category of motion video storytelling. Please include a link to the show (Vimeo, YouTube, etc.) if possible.
A video package, containing interviews, b-roll, natural sound, interviews, voiceovers, and optional reporter stand-ups, presenting a clear and fact-driven style (including who, what, where, when, why, and how) that gives a timely account of a recent, interesting, and significant event or development in your school or community. 2 min. or less, please include a link to file.
A video package, containing interviews, b-roll, natural sound, interviews, voiceovers, and optional reporter stand-ups, focused on topics or events affecting your school/community/or entertainment focused. Features should contain less of a news angle and need not be timely. The story should be an in-depth look at a particular subject, event, or location within your school or community or be specifically entertainment based while also keeping the audience's attention throughout, delivering a compelling narrative to create a lasting impression. 3 min. or less, please include a link to file.
This award is for a publication that has performed extraordinary service to the school through publication coverage or design. Include an explanation of the purpose of the coverage and how it helped the school or served the audience.
Coverage of a topic that is unique to the school or school's community. It might be based on something that is timely such as a news event that occurred during the year. Please include a link to the coverage.
Recognizes an adviser who demonstrates exemplary character, leadership and commitment to young people and their development as students with a passion for journalism. Nominee must have been an adviser during the 2025-26 school year. Nominations must be made by letter with supporting materials. If possible, a photo or video of the adviser should be included.