2026 Emerging Journalist

May 9, 2026

Each year, IHSPA seeks to identify the future of scholastic journalism in Iowa. High school advisers nominate promising students for the next year and these students are designated Emerging Journalist finalist. Judges review work samples and letters to identify the top students.

Here are IHSPA’s Top Thirteen Emerging Journalist for 2026. These students receive a certificate, a specialty pin, and a $100 scholarship toward attending the Iowa Summer Journalism Workshop at the University of Iowa or Drake’s Media Now summer workshop!

Evan Highly, West Branch High School

Evan Highly is a junior at West Branch High School where he is a member of The Bear. Find Evan’s portfolio here! You can check out more of Evan’s work here.

Raelyn Wilcher, West Branch High School

Raelyn Wilcher is a sophomore at West Branch High School where she is a member of The Bear. Check out her portfolio here! You can find more of Raelyn’s work here.

Tillie Cahalan, Marion High School

Tillie Cahalan is a junior at Marion High School where she is a staff writer for The Vox. Find Tillie’s portfolio here! You can check out more of Tillie’s work here.

Hailey Hansen, Liberty High School

Hailey Hansen is a sophomore at Liberty High School where she is a report for The Live Wive. Check out her portfolio here! You can find more of Hailey’s work here.

Brogan Smith, Ankeny High School

Brogan Smith is a junior at Ankeny High School where he is the Opinion Editor and Social Media Editor at The Talon. Find Brogan’s portfolio here! You can check out more of Brogan’s work here.

Leah Bierl, Ankeny High School

Leah Bierl is a junior at Ankeny High School where she is a Staff Reporter for The Talon. Check out her portfolio here! You can find more of Leah’s work here.

Adilyn Hoop, Ankeny High School

Adilyn Hoop is a junior at Ankeny High School where she is a Staff Reporter for The Talon. Find Adilyn’s portfolio here! You can check out more of Lynae’s work here.

Ashley Howard, Ankeny High School

Ashley Howard is a junior at Ankeny High School where she is the Co-Sports Media Editor for The Talon. Check out her portfolio here! You can find more of Ashley’s work here.

Kara Oberheu, Waterloo West High School

Kara Oberheu is a sophomore at Waterloo West High School where she is a reporter for the Wahawk Insider. Find Kara’s portfolio here! You can check out more of Kara’s work here.

Loren Barjis, Iowa City West High School

Loren Barjis is a sophomore at Iowa City West High School where she is the Print Assistant Copy Editor for the West Side Story. Check out her portfolio here! You can find more of Loren’s work here.

Emma Lai, Iowa City West High School

Emma Lai is a sophomore at Iowa City West High School where she is the Podcast Editor for the West Side Story. Find Emma’s portfolio here! You can check out more of Emma’s work here.

Zeke Williamson, Iowa City West High School

Zeke Williamson is a junior at Iowa City West High School where he is the Print Designer for the West Side Story. Check out his portfolio here! You can find more of Toby’s work here.

Rhea Jain, Pleasant Valley High School

Rhea Jain is a Sophomore at Pleasant Valley High School where she is a writer for the Spartan Shield. Find Rhea’s portfolio here!