SATANTA HIGH SCHOOL students win big at KSPA State Journalism Contests
Kansas Scholastic Press Association awards best work from across the state
LAWRENCE, KAN., May 2, 2026 — The Kansas Scholastic Press Association is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 KPSA State Journalism Contest, which awarded the best student journalism from more than 1,400 entries across the state.
In the State Contest, students competed in 28 different categories, including a new voiceover/reader competition, in four different classifications organized by geography and school size. Students who placed first through sixth place received certificates, and students finishing first through third also received medals. Schools also competed for sweepstakes titles with each placing entry earning points.
From Satanta High School, the following students won awards:
ERIK MORENO, SPORTS MEDIA PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY, 3RD
MONTAE SOWERS, VOICEOVER, 5TH
1A PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST SWEEPSTAKES RUNNER UP
“State is the highlight of our year as we honor the excellent work of student journalists across Kansas,” KSPA executive director Barbara Tholen said. “We know that impressive learning takes place every day, and we love bringing these smart, competitive students together.”
KSPA enlists the help of journalism teachers, professional journalists, university faculty members and other journalism experts to judge the entries. In addition to receiving feedback on their own entries, students will also get to see compilations of winning work.
KSPA’s state celebration also included recognition of educators, supporters of KSPA, and on-site games and activities.
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About KSPA: The Kansas Scholastic Press Association is an association of Kansas high school and middle school journalism programs. Its mission is to promote excellence in high school journalism publications and education. Please log on to learn more at www.kspaonline.org.
KSPA Contact:
Barb Tholen
KSPA executive director
staff@kspaonline.org
Kansas Scholastic Press Association awards best work from across the state
LAWRENCE, KAN., May 2, 2026 — The Kansas Scholastic Press Association is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 KPSA State Journalism Contest, which awarded the best student journalism from more than 1,400 entries across the state.
In the State Contest, students competed in 28 different categories, including a new voiceover/reader competition, in four different classifications organized by geography and school size. Students who placed first through sixth place received certificates, and students finishing first through third also received medals. Schools also competed for sweepstakes titles with each placing entry earning points.
From Satanta High School, the following students won awards:
ERIK MORENO, SPORTS MEDIA PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY, 3RD
MONTAE SOWERS, VOICEOVER, 5TH
1A PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST SWEEPSTAKES RUNNER UP
“State is the highlight of our year as we honor the excellent work of student journalists across Kansas,” KSPA executive director Barbara Tholen said. “We know that impressive learning takes place every day, and we love bringing these smart, competitive students together.”
KSPA enlists the help of journalism teachers, professional journalists, university faculty members and other journalism experts to judge the entries. In addition to receiving feedback on their own entries, students will also get to see compilations of winning work.
KSPA’s state celebration also included recognition of educators, supporters of KSPA, and on-site games and activities.
###
About KSPA: The Kansas Scholastic Press Association is an association of Kansas high school and middle school journalism programs. Its mission is to promote excellence in high school journalism publications and education. Please log on to learn more at www.kspaonline.org.
KSPA Contact:
Barb Tholen
KSPA executive director
staff@kspaonline.org
Congratulations to Roman Salazar and Cameron Ross who were awarded both the KSHSAA Citizenship Awards and the Green and Gold Awards!
The Summer Food Program begins Monday, May 18.
Check out this awesome HSCO Softball recap made by Adriana Gutierrez!
https://canva.link/sf1e0egcbst2063
https://canva.link/sf1e0egcbst2063
Preorders are available for state track shirts.
Congratulations Class of 2026!
Enjoy these unedited photos courtesy of the Chieftain Yearbook Staff.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1LTAGd4MR5hUhXIS_TWFD1bP-A9ZrQgYm?usp=sharing
Enjoy these unedited photos courtesy of the Chieftain Yearbook Staff.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1LTAGd4MR5hUhXIS_TWFD1bP-A9ZrQgYm?usp=sharing
Summer Running Club is back! Sign up by May 31.
Scores from the SPIAA League Golf Tournament today.
Use the link below to follow along with our golfers at the League Tournament in Dodge!
https://prep.golf/tournaments/live/1859
It’s Tournament Day for our High School golf team! They travel to Dodge City to compete in the SPIAA/CPL League Tournament at Mariah Hills Golf Course for the first time in program history. Head over to Dodge City and support our golfers in the league tournament!
Our JH/HS Lighthouse Team was glad to welcome the 5th graders to our building this afternoon. They provided a tour, showed students their lockers and classrooms, and went over building expectations to help them feel at ease when they join us next year. The afternoon began with a fun balloon toss activity, with Officer Tiffany helping judge!
Results from the Junior High track meet in Ashland yesterday
Scores from the High School golf tournament in Johnson
Another great all-school cookout is in the books! Thank you to everyone who made it possible and to all the families who joined us!
Use the link below to follow along with our golfers at Johnson
https://prep.golf/tournaments/live/1942
We are one month away from the Satanta Junior Golf Camp! The deadline to sign up is May 30th, so be sure to get registered before it’s too late!
It’s Tournament Day for our High School golf team! They travel to Johnson for the Stanton County Invitational, with a 1:00 PM shotgun start. Head over to Johnson and support our golfers!
It’s Gameday for our Haskell County softball team! They’re back defending home field in Satanta one last time this regular season on Senior Night against Ashland/South Central, with first pitch of the doubleheader set for 4:00 PM. Senior Night recognition will take place immediately following game one.
Come out, support our softball girls, and help us recognize our three seniors!
Come out, support our softball girls, and help us recognize our three seniors!
It’s Gameday for our High School baseball team! They hit the road to take on the Southwestern Heights Mustangs, with first pitch of the doubleheader set for 4:00 PM. Head over to Plains and support our baseball boys!
Junior High FACS recently made and enjoyed a meal together. They had handmade tortillas, tacos with homemade salsa and guacamole, and flan for dessert. Looks delicious!
