Since 2022, the PNA Foundation joined forces with The Lenfest Institute and AT&T to sponsor a Diverse Student Journalist Awards program as part of the Student Keystone Media Awards. In our continuing efforts to recognize, improve and impact diversity, equity and inclusion, this special award honors talented college and high school student journalists, of diverse backgrounds, for outstanding contributions to their newsrooms. Our hope is that the $500 cash award as well as the special recognition will encourage their continued studies and future careers in journalism.
View the list of past Diversity Champion Award Winners.
High School Diversity Champion Award
2025 High School Diversity Champion Award
sponsored by AT&T
Rae Murphy
Emmaus High School – The Stinger
This special award recognizes a talented high school student journalist, of a diverse background, for outstanding contributions to their newsroom. Diversity includes, but is not limited to, factors such as: ancestry, color, disability or handicap, race, religious creed, sexual orientation and economic status. Entry should include three examples of work produced and published in 2023. Entries could include stories, photos, videos, special projects, use of various platforms and other examples of the journalist’s impact on their newsroom. Entries can also be submitted in other contest categories. Entries will be judged together for overall excellence. A nominating letter (unlimited word count) from the school’s faculty news adviser is required. There is no limit on the number of entries from any news organization or journalist; however, no more than one award will be given each year. The winner will receive a framed certificate and a $500 cash award, sponsored by AT&T
From the nomination letter submitted by Shelby Ramirez, Co-Advisor to The Stinger:
“As the Opinion Editor of The Stinger, Rae plays a pivotal role in shaping our newspaper’s voice and ensuring diverse perspectives are thoughtfully represented. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and a student with disabilities, Rae brings a unique and vital perspective to their work, enriching our newsroom with their authenticity and insight. Their passion for journalism is evident in the impactful stories they have written, including pieces highlighting the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals and the challenges faced by students in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program in an NSPA award-winning article. Rae’s reporting not only informs but also inspires, fostering greater understanding and empathy within our school community.”
College Diversity Champion Award
This special award recognizes a talented college student journalist, of a diverse background, for outstanding contributions to their newsroom. Diversity includes, but is not limited to, factors such as: ancestry, color, disability or handicap, race, religious creed, sexual orientation, age, veteran status and economic status. Entry should include three examples of work produced and published in 2023. Entries could include stories, photos, videos, special projects, use of various platforms and other examples of a journalist’s impact on their newsroom. Entries also can be submitted in other contest categories. Entries will be judged together for overall excellence. A nominating letter (unlimited words) from a faculty news adviser/supervising editor is required. There is no limit on the number of entries from any news organization or journalist; however, no more than one award will be given each year. The winner will receive a framed certificate and a $500 cash award, sponsored by The Lenfest Institute
College Diversity Champion Award Winner
sponsored by The Lenfest Institute
No winner selected in 2025