A North Star High School student produced journalistic gems this spring with his efforts in two state contests.
Ryan was among more than two dozen LPS journalists who mined award-winning moments in the Nebraska School Activities Association State Journalism Championships. Students from seven LPS high schools returned home from Norfolk with valuable prizes.
Ryan's artistic skills helped him fly into state championship territory. He earned a gold medal in the Info Graphic contest and added a third-place award in the Photo/Artistic Illustration category.
Shelby Cowan said she was ecstatic when Ryan's name was called in the first-place spot. Cowan teaches English classes at North Star and advises the school’s mass media programs.
“I am beyond proud of Ryan for his work!” Cowan said. “It was so exciting watching all of his dedication and creativity be recognized. He is so deserving of the gold and bronze state medals.”
Ryan submitted a pair of graphics that he designed for social media posts. His winning infographic was about a varsity boys basketball player who reached 1,000 career points this season. His photo illustration promoted the beginning of North Star’s football season.
“The first feeling I had when hearing my name as a state champion was relief,” Ryan said. “I was worried that what I created might not have been what the judges were looking for. After that, I started to feel more proud and accomplished, especially once my friends around me started congratulating me.”
Cowan said she and other Navigators were happy to see him enjoy the winning fruits of his labor this spring.
“Ryan is a student who is constantly lifting up those around him,” Cowan said. “He is highlighting the wonderful things his peers do, and he deserves the same.”
2026 Class A State Journalism Contest Team Results
Millard North 404 points, Papillion-La Vista 310, Lincoln Southeast 242, Papillion-La Vista South 232, Omaha Marian 224, Omaha Burke 124, Omaha Westside 118, Elkhorn South 108, Fremont 106, Millard South 102, Bellevue East 90, Millard West 90, Lincoln East 82, Omaha Central 62, Bellevue West 46, Omaha Bryan 46, Lincoln Southwest 44, Lincoln North Star 36, Omaha Westview 24, Omaha North 20, Omaha Buena Vista 18, Omaha Benson 16, Kearney 14, Lincoln Northeast 10
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