2025 Emerging Journalist

May 1, 2025

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 Ten.

Here are IHSPA’s Top Ten Emerging Journalist for 2025. 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!

Lynae Midkiff, Ankeny High School

Lynae Midkiff is a junior at Ankeny High School where he is a reporter and videographer for The Talon. Find Lynae’s portfolio here! You can check out more of Lynae’s work here.

Toby Landmesser, Ankeny High School

Toby Landmesser is a junior at Ankeny High School where he is the Web Editor for The Talon. Check out his portfolio here! You can find more of Toby’s work here.

Lydia Cruce, Iowa City West High School

Lydia Cruce is a sophomore at Iowa City West High school, where she is a print reporter. Check out her portfolio here! You can also find more of Lydia’s work here.

Sophie Bergman, Iowa City West High School

Sophie Bergman is a sophomore at Iowa City West High School, where she is the Assistant Video Editor and News Co-Editor for West Side Story. Check out her portfolio here! Find more of her work here.

Waad Dafalla, Iowa City West High School

Waad Dafalla is a junior at the Iowa City West High School, where she is a print reporter and photographer for West Side Story. Check out her portfolio here! Find more of her work here.

Ella Ciliberto, Iowa City West High School

Ella Ciliberto is is a sophomore at Iowa City West High School, where she is the Online Assistant Design Editor for the West Side Story. Check out her portfolio here! Find more of her work here.

Joy-Marie Flight, Marion High School

Joy-Marie Flight is a junior at Marion High School, where she is the Social Media Editor and staff writer for the The Vox. Check out her portfolio here! Find more of her work here.

Elise Dykstra, Mason City High School

Elise Dykstra is a junior at Mason City High School, wehre she is a writer for the Riverhawk Press. Check out her portfolio here! Find more of her work here.

Myra McConeghey, Pella High School

Myra McConeghey is a sophomore at Pella High School, where she works on the yearbook. Check out her portfolio here!

Ishika Desai, Pleasant Valley High School

Ishika Desai is a junior at Pleasant Valley High School, where she is the Opinion Editor for the Spartan Shield. Check out her portfolio here! Find more of her work here.