The Wisconsin Journalism Education Association (WisJEA) is proud to announce Kyra Balch, a senior at Indian Trail High School & Academy, as the 2026 Wisconsin Journalist of the Year.

Kyra earned the top overall score in a highly competitive judging process that evaluated students across multiple categories, including writing, photography, design, leadership and portfolio presentation. Her submission received the highest average score among the applicants, reflecting strong consensus among judges regarding the quality and depth of her work.

In recognition of this achievement, Kyra will receive a $1,000 scholarship, made possible through the MPC Endowment Ltd., a philanthropic affiliate of the Milwaukee Press Club. As the state winner, her materials will also be submitted to the national Journalism Education Association Journalist of the Year competition. The national winners will be announced during the Spring National High Journalism Convention in Minneapolis from April 16-18.

Kyra’s impressive high school career includes serving as editor-in-chief of The Blaze yearbook, joining the National Honor Society, and attending the Syracuse University precollege summer program for sports broadcasting. She managed a rigorous academic schedule alongside parttime jobs, volunteering at Nash Elementary, completing a mission trip to Africa and being a part of her high school’s track and field, tennis and cross country teams. She also took on a significant leadership role within her journalism program, setting a clear course for future excellence to pursue a career in journalism.

Judges praised the strength and breadth of Kyra’s portfolio, noting both her storytelling range and her ability to clearly articulate her journalistic decision-making. One judge wrote, “What an impressive portfolio! Every category had specific, relevant examples with explanations. I was impressed by the range of coverage—from a unique podcast to Aztec dancing. Amazing!”

The WisJEA Board of Directors also highlighted Kyra’s passion for storytelling and her ability to communicate complex ideas with depth, clarity and purpose. Her portfolio emphasized “expression through pictures, stories and design,” another judge said.

Kyra’s writing—particularly her yearbook profiles—was described as engaging, insightful and polished, with a professional voice and strong attention to detail. Her photography and design work earned high marks for composition, storytelling and visual clarity, with judges noting her ability to create images that tell meaningful stories rather than simply document events. In addition, Kyra demonstrated strong leadership, thoughtful consideration of news values and diversity and an impressive ability to organize and present her work in a clear, accessible way.

“Kyra’s scores reflected both excellence and consistency across every judging category,” WisJEA President Matthew Smith said. “Her work stood out not only for its technical skill, but for its thoughtfulness, professionalism and storytelling impact.”

Kyra will be formally recognized at the Wisconsin Newspaper Association Student Luncheon in Madison on March 5.

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In addition to naming the 2026 Journalist of the Year, the Wisconsin Journalism Education Association is proud to recognize the members of its first-ever Wisconsin All-State Journalism Team. The winners were selected for creating high-quality student media, taking on a leadership role on their publications and their dedication to the field of journalism.

The 2026 Wisconsin All-State Journalism Team members are:

• Kyra Balch, Senior from Indian Trail High School & Academy
• Alyssandra Becker, Senior from Indian Trail High School & Academy
• Madelyn Rybak, Senior from Pulaski High School
• Grace Edenborg, Senior from Menomonie High School
• Ben Breining, Sophomore from Black River Falls High School

Members of the All-State Journalism Team will be recognized alongside the Journalist of the Year at the Wisconsin Newspaper Association Student Luncheon on March 5. WisJEA will also notify each recipient’s school so their achievements may be celebrated locally.

The Wisconsin High School Journalist of the Year Awards Committee congratulates Kyra Balch and the entire 2026 Wisconsin All-State Journalism Team for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to student journalism across the state.

Senior Alyssandra Becker is co-editor-in-chief of The Blaze yearbook and Hawk Talk Productions at Indian Trail High School and Academy for her senior year. She was selected for the All State Team for her writing and reporting skills. “I really liked the story on the female boxer,” one of the judges said. “It took some strong interview skills to get someone to open up about a vulnerable topic like being bullied.” Alyssandra is also a member of Indian Trail’s Women’s Rights and Empower Club since 2022 and the National Honors Society since 2024.

Senior Madelyn Rybak is editor of the Pulaski News newspaper, a position she has held since 2025, and editor-in-chief of the student yearbook club at Pulaski High School. She was recognized for the strength and professionalism of her reporting and writing, with judges praising her clear news judgment, polished storytelling and ability to tackle complex topics with confidence and clarity. Madelyn has also volunteered with the Green Bay International Film Festival since 2022, gaining additional experience in media and storytelling outside of school.

Senior Grace Edenborg attends Menomonie High School, where she co-founded the school newspaper, The Mustang Messenger, and serves as a writer and editor. She was recognized for her leadership and initiative, with a judge commenting, “The persistence and organization it took to start her own publication, then turn it into a school-sponsored publication with a dedicated class is astonishing. Well done!” Grace is also a member of the National Honor Society and the captain of her school’s girls swim team. She also volunteers as a swim coach with the Menomonie Area Aquatic Club and Menomonie Middle School and owns and operates her own small business, demonstrating leadership both in and out of school.

Sophomore Ben Breining attends Black River Falls High School, where he is a reporter for the school newspaper, The Paw Print, and a sports photographer covering his school’s athletic events as well as large-scale tournaments. He drew praise for his early-career versatility, with one judge observing, “What varied coverage for a sophomore! Clearly, Ben is an up-and-coming reporter.” Ben’s work demonstrates a strong range of skills across reporting, video and sports photography, highlighting his ability to contribute meaningfully to multiple areas of student journalism early in his high school career.

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