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Student Award Winners

The 2026 KAB Student Awards have been judged, and the results are in! Congratulations to this year’s winners, and thank you to everyone who entered. The next generation of Kansas broadcasters continues to raise the bar for our industry.

For those attending the Student Broadcast and Sports Seminar on April 9, below is a link to the order in which awards will be announced. Due to time constraints, we will only announce first-place winners who are in attendance. Please continue scrolling to view the full list of this year’s winners.

Winners in Excel Format
GroupAwardOrganizationEntryCredits

:60 Second or less Commercial – PSA or non-com donor announcement

High School Audio1STScott Community High SchoolTeen Burnout PSALila Green
 2NDScott Community High SchoolHygiene PSAPhebe Trout
 HMScott Community High SchoolTeen Vaping PSAChayston Berry
     
High School Visual1STRock Creek High SchoolBack Roads Broadcast CommercialNathan Bortnick, Tyler Bortnick
 2NDMaize Career Academy VisualPeople’s Bank and Trust – Customer TestimonialGreir Stewart, Hailey Blurton
 HMScott Community High School VisualElevate You CommercialFredy Frances Aguilar
     

Best Special Programming

   
High School Visual1STMaize Career AcademyOneMaize Media visits the Kansas State FairHailey Blurton, Lance Schafer, Ava Doyle, Spencer Broberg, Mason Bauman
 2NDMill Valley High SchoolJLC Collab w MVTV GBB CoverageAddi Moeller, Evan LeRoy, Stuart Lovejoy, Elliot Fischer, Josh Garcia, Brandon Neis
 HMLawrence High SchoolLHS Winter Court 2026: Court’s KitchenAlex Velasco-Crates, Pilar Sphabmixay, Jeffery Clark, Sydney Riner
High School Audio1STRock Creek High SchoolCornfield Conversations FFA EditionSkyler Hulett

Promotional Announcement

   
High School Audio1STScott Community High SchoolBBN Sports PromoEmi Sanchez
 2NDScott Community High SchoolGiving Day PromoBetty Selfridge
 HMSt. James AcademyOCIA at St. James AcademyKatelyn Seay
     
High School Visual1STMaize Career AcademyMaize High Basketball Hype VideoAva Doyle
 2NDScott Community High SchoolBBN Basketball PromoCaden Burkhart
 HMHays High School 2025 Hays High Tennis Hype VideoEmersyn SanderHigh
     

Public Affairs/Talk Show Program

  
High School Audio1STRock Creek High SchoolWake Up or Break UpOlivia Bowman , Joee’ Perkins
High School Visual1STMaize Career AcademySpotlight Podcast: Aftermath from weapon being found at MHSHailey Blurton, Lance Schafer, Audrey Leen, Spencer Broberg, Mason Bauman

Best Newscast

    
High School Visual1STWichita Southeast High SchoolBTV Episode 11 2024-2025Dan Nguyen, Payton Simons, Leyna Huynh
 2NDMaize Career AcademyOneMaize Show: Season 7 Episode 2Ava Doyle, Malia Taylor, Colton Forrest, Lance Schafer, Mason Bauman, Ian Reyes
 HMWichita Southeast High SchoolBTV Episode 6 2025-2026Alexis Barker, Veronica Sanchez-Roman
     

Best General News Story

   
High School Visual1STMaize Career AcademyStudents stand up, walk out against I.C.E.Lauryn O’Brien, Malia Taylor, Emma Palmer
 2NDWichita Southeast High SchoolEliminating the Dept. of EducationJazmine Snyder
 HMBlue Valley NW High SchoolGold Out for Pediatric CancerKate Dawson
High School Audio1STRock Creek High SchoolHumanitarian Crisis General News StoryColedon Johnson

Best Feature

    
High School Visual1STBlue Valley NW High School VisualClassroom CollectionsJaden Gines
 2NDMaize Career AcademyElote vendor becomes staple of north WichitaIan Reyes, Spencer Broberg, Daniel Droubie
 HMBlue Valley NW High SchoolHowling Husky HighlightJulia Haney
High School Audio1STSt. James AcademyThe Back Counter at St. James AcademySophia Steixner
 2NDScott Community High SchoolCommunity Hero Feature Story with Mrs. Christy BriggsEvanelen Rojas Ornelas
 HMRock Creek High SchoolFeature – The Art Gallery with MattMatthew Shinaberger

Complete Sports Feature

   
High School Audio1STSt. James AcademyZacharias interviews Coach RadkeMary Claire Zacharias
 2NDScott Community High SchooBBN Gives SCHS Students Unique Opportunities on Game DayCaden Burkhart
 HMSt. James AcademySept 26, 2025 Football Broadcast OpenerKatelyn Seay
High School Visual1STWichita Southeast High SchoolBand Behind the ScenesDan Nguyen
 2NDBlue Valley NW High SchoolCross Country Pool WorkoutsClaire Blackinton
 HMMaize Career AcademyMicro wrestling provides unique opportunity for unique athletesLance Schafer, Mason Bauman, Lauryn O’Brien, Emma Palmer
     

Best Sportscast

    
High School Visual1STWichita Southeast High SchoolEpisode 10 Sports 2024-2025Sylas Chalfant
 2NDWichita Southeast High SchoolEpisode 6 Sports 2025-2026Adriel Wilson
 HMBlue Valley NW High SchoolDecember Husky Sports NetworkJaden Gines
High School Audio1STSt. James AcademySJA GamedayMary Claire Zacharias, Josh Milnes, Zach Wolzen, Salvador Valera

On Air Personality

    
High School Audio1STHays High School2026 Hays High vs Sunrise Christian Pregame ShowHarper Sultzer, Alex Kershner
 2NDRock Creek High SchoolHot Takes with JacksonJackson McCann
     
High School Visual1STMill Valley High SchoolMVTV Episode 2 & October 8th Daily AnnouncementsHadley Doyle, Reece Riedel
 2NDMaize Career AcademyLance SchaferLance Schafer
 HMRock Creek High SchoolSenior Insight SegmentJackson McCann , Addi Ebert , Claire Schmike

Sports Play by Play

   
High School Audio1STSt. James AcademyNov 11, 2025 Football SJA v Mill Valley 4th QRTGraham Wearner, Salvador Valera, Mary Claire Zacharias
 2NDHays High School Audio2026 Hays High vs Sunrise Christian Play-by-PlayHarper Sultzer, Alex Kershner
 HMRock Creek High School AudioFeb. 20, 2026 Girls Basketball GameRyder Bunnell
     
High School Visual1STManhattan High SchoolMHS-Topeka matchupLane Lewison, Ayavanth Natarajan, Decker Mosier, Elizabeth Thornley, Lake Rodriguez
 2NDBlue Valley High SchoolBlue Valley vs Manhattan Boys BasketballSam Strouse, TSPN Staff
 HMLawrence High SchoolJames Gassmann/Torin Yung, LHS vs. Olathe NW BasketballJames Gassmann, Torin Yung
     

Documentary

    
High School Visual1STHays High SchoolThe Last Miles North | A Coming of AgeConnor Werth
 2NDRock Creek High SchoolNature – DocumentaryHalen Garcia , Abigail Schneider

Best Episodic Entertainment Program

  
High School Visual1STMaize Career AcademyExplorin’ with Emma and LaurynLauren O’Brien, Emma Palmer, Malia Taylor
 2NDHays High SchoolJLC Collab w MVTV GBB CoverageAddi Moeller, Evan LeRoy, Stuart Lovejoy, Elliot Fischer, Josh Garcia, Brandon Neis
 HMLawrence High SchoolLHS Winter Court 2026: Court’s KitchenAlex Velasco-Crates, Pilar Sphabmixay, Jeffery Clark, Sydney Riner
High School Audio1STRock Creek High SchoolRate It or Hate It (4 Episodes)Karson Toburen, Dylan Jones

Station Website

    
High School Visual1STMaize Career Academymaizenews.comLance Schafer, Hailey Blurton, Ava Doyle, Isaac Fulks, Lauryn O’Brien, Audrey Leen
 2NDConcordia High SchoolCat Scratch Productions Home PageEugene Lesslie
     

Best Podcast

    
High School Audio1STScott Community High SchoolHistory Is Lit! Podcast – Episode 1, BeowulfLila Green
 2NDScott Community High SchoolBehind the Scenes of BBN – Episode 1, Scott HoltKaleb Beaton
 HMHays High SchoolShe Said What?! Ep. 1Jayleigh Weilert, Amelia Taylor
High School Visual1STScott Community High SchoolBehind the Scenes of BBN – Episode 2, Sara Miles RatzlaffKaleb Beaton
 2NDMill Valley High SchoolSeniors Look Forward to Final YrTaleen Elkhatib, Evan LeRoy
 HMMaize Career AcademyElephant in the Room: Episode 1Matthew Fairlie, Middy Bowring, Karson Anderson

Vertical Video

    
High School Visual1STScott Community High SchoolGiving Day “Lights Out” PromoFredy Frances Aguilar
 2NDMaize Career AcademyMaizeMinute Sports UpdateCarter Harper, Titus Dopps
 HMHays High School2025 Bob Kuhn RecapParker Linenberger

Sports Color Commentator or Sideline Reporter

    
High School Audio1STSt. James AcademyMary Claire Zacharias – St. James AcademyMary Claire Zacharias
 2NDRock Creek High SchoolHalftime Sideline ReportingLily Wick , Brooklyn Gibbs
GroupAwardOrganizationEntryCredits

 

:60 Second or less Commerical: PSA or non-com donor announcement

College Audio1STKansas State UniversityTanners Bar & GrillAdrian Holguin
 2NDKansas State UniversityThe Village GeekCadence Brier
 HMFort Hays State UniversityArea Game of the Week PSAEli Blankinship
     
College Visual1STWashburn UniversityMaking a Daily DifferenceChase Wareham, Cameron Manthe
 2NDFort Hays State UniversityTMN Area Game of the Week promoEli Blankinship
 HMUniversity of KansasOK to not be OKViolet Frick
     

 

Best Special Programming

  
College Audio1STKansas State UniversitySunflower Dance Festival: Where Every Step Finds Its RhythmAnnalise Angell, Derek Foster
 2NDKansas State UniversityNat 1 Edge of Darkness SpecialAdolfo Blanco
     
     
College Visual1STFort Hays State UniversitySgt. Scott Heimann Memorial ServiceTiger Media Network
 2NDKansas State UniversityMHK All Day Sports Special 2025Hannah Whetstone, MacKenzie Weller, Bella Zarate, Jimmy Coffman, Brayden Meseke, Nate Lowen
 HMKansas State UniversityShowcase of Excellence: Fashion Studies 2025Wildcat Watch Staff
     

 

Promotional Announcement

  
College Audio1STKansas State UniversityWildcat 91.9 “Making Parking Problems Better”Jon Grove, Emily Willi, Dawson Wagner
 2NDKansas State UniversityThe Evening Drive with Cadence and DelaneyCadence Brier, Delaney Murphy
 HMKansas State UniversityCat Core PromotionBrody Zwiebel
     
College Visual1STFort Hays State UniversityTrailer: The Cost of a DreamTaylor Thompson, Kyson Evans, Katie Kuhlman
 2NDPittsburg State UniversityPittsburg State Brand Identity VideoAlexandria Acheson
 HMFort Hays State UniversityFHSU football vs. UCO Scene-SetterKaden Johnson

Public Affairs/Talk Show Program

  
College Audio1STKansas State UniversityWildcats Beyond the ClassroomAdolfo Blanco, Hailey Vardiman, Delaney Murphy
 2NDKansas State UniversityLoud Light Fellow Narissa Hampton Talks Politics, Parking, and the Power of Local ElectionsCadence Brier
 HMKansas State UniversityMorning Mix Up – Lifestyle tips for the girlsAnnalise Angell, Aubrey Weishaar
College Visual1STKansas State UniversitySGA Weekly on Wildcat 91.9Jimmy Coffman, Wildcat Watch Staff
 2NDUniversity of KansasCrimson ChatJaden Huehl
 HMKansas State UniversitySGA on Channel 8 NewsHannah Whetstone, Annabella Peterson, Summer Sperke, Sophie Dilley
     

Best Newscast

    
College Audio1STKansas State UniversityK-State Fires Jerome TangHank Corsair
     
     
College Visual1STKansas State UniversityChannel 8 News, Spring 2026, February 19Hannah Whetstone, Libby Zuck, Meredith MacCalmon, Rebecca Tonkin, Brayden Meseke, Jimmy Coffman
 2NDUniversity of KansasGood Morning Indian CountryJaden Huehl, GMIC News Team
 HMKUJHKUJH News – February 2026Jude Gosse, Alex Moore, KUJH News Team
     

Best General News Story

   
College Audio1STKansas State UniversityICE Raids Prompt Outcry in ManhattanEmma Baldwin
 2NDKansas State UniversityCity Commission Tax Increase HearingEmily Willi
 HMKansas State UniversityAggieville Construction Enters New PhaseBrian Nicholson
College Visual1STKUJHCampus TragedyEmma Noble
 2NDKUJHCultural BurnAlex Moore
 HMPittsburg State UniversitySEK Recycling Center Temporary Shutdown PKGDavid Sheets
     

Best Feature

    
College Audio1STKansas State UniversityFuture Technology in FarmingAdolfo Blanco
 2NDButler Comm CollegeBand Mini-FeaturesCole Wert
     
College Visual1STKansas State UniversityThe Scoop on Frog Wizard FestLauren Betts
 2NDUniversity of KansasMetallica FansKara Lyons
 HMKUJHKU Operations TeamEmma Noble
     

Complete Sports Feature

   
College Visual1STUniversity of KansasMLB Off-SeasonEli Greenwald, Charlie Marshall
 2NDUniversity of KansasJaliya DavisKara Lyons
 HMPittsburg State UniversityPSU Men’s Basketball Season Preview PKGTitus Conrad
College Audio1STKansas State UniversityLeveling up K-State’s EsportsAdolfo Blanco
 2NDFort Hays State UniversityFHSU vs. KU recapEli Blankinship
 HMBaker UniversitySuperbowl LX previewEthan Koehn, Andrew Ryan, J.J. Dos Santos

Best Sportscast

   
College Audio1STKansas State UniversityEnemy Insight – KSU vs UNDHank Corsair
 2NDKansas State UniversityKSU Embarrassed by CincinnatiJimmy Coffman, Adrian Holguin
     
     
College Visual1STUniversity of KansasRun it Back

Annika Gustafson, Ben Vaskov, Grant Schere, and Emmett Swendseid

 2NDFort Hays State UniversityTMN Area Game of the Week Preview Show: Week 9Eli Blankinship
 HMKansas State UniversityHannah Whetstone on Channel 8 NewsHannah Whetstone, Adrian Holguin, Kyra Case
     

On Air Personality

   
College Audio1STPittsburg State UniversityDJ Brown Demo AircheckDJ Brown
 2NDKansas State UniversityAdrian Holguin On-Air PersonalityAdrian Holguin
 HMKansas State UniversityThe Nate LowenNate Lowen
     
College Visual1STKansas State UniversityHannah Whetstone On Air PersonalityHannah Whetstone
 2NDKansas State UniversitySophie Smith, Kansas State UniversitySophie Smith
 HMUniversity of KansasEmily SutterEmily Sutter
     

Sports Play by Play

   
College Audio1STKansas State UniversityUND vs KSU FootballAdam Donner
 2NDUniversity of KansasKU BaseballGabriel Stigers
 HMKJHKSam Johnson Houston Vs. KansasSam Johnson
     
College Visual1STPittsburg State UniversityPlay-by-PlayDrake Miller
 2NDFort Hays State UniversityGarrett Wellbrock Play-by-PlayGarrett Wellbrock
 HMPittsburg State UniversityUCM vs Minnesota St. Mankato Men’s Basketball Play by PlayBrayton Lind
     

Sports Color Commentator or Sideline Reporter

  
College Audio1STFort Hays State UniversityEli Blankinship Color CommentaryEli Blankinship
 2NDPittsburg State UniversitySports Color Commentary (Pittsburg State vs Arkansas Fort-Smith)Zack Farabough
 HMFort Hays State UniversityConnor Adams color commentaryConnor Adams
     

Documentary

    
College Visual1STFort Hays State UniversityThe Cost of a DreamTaylor Thompson, Kyson Evans, Katie Kuhlman
 2NDFort Hays State UniversityBethesda: Beyond the LabelDaniel Little
 HMPittsburg State UniversityPreserving The Big Train: A Family’s Gift to HumboldtAaron Thompson
     

Best Episodic Entertainment Program

  
College Audio1STKansas State UniversityNat 1 Podcat – The Last Words and Confession of Rupert MerriweatherAdolfo Blanco
     
     
College Visual1STKansas State UniversityStudio Sessions at Wildcat 91.9Ella Murray, Emily Willi
 2NDKansas State UniversityKS NowPeter Wallace, Jacob Underwood
 HMBaker UnversityThe Tea with Gavin CurlessMeg Qualls

Station Website

   
College Audio1STKansas State UniversityWildcat 91.9 WebsiteBrody Zwiebel
 2NDFort Hays State UniversityTiger Media NetworkTiger Media Network
 HMKJHKKJHK.orgJackson Tabel
College Visual1STBaker UnversityThe Baker OrangeThe Baker Orange Staff
 2NDFort Hays State UniversityTiger Media NetworkTiger Media Network
 HMKansas State UniversityWildcat 91.9Brody Zweibel, Emily Willi, Aubrey Hopper, Adolfo Blanco, Ashton Todd
     

Best Podcast

    
College Audio1STKansas State UniversityThe Heat CheckAdam Donner
 2NDKansas State UniversityNat 1 Podcat – End of the RoadAdolfo Blanco
 HMFort Hays State UniversityTMN Sports PodcastMayan Paz
     
College Visual1STKansas State UniversityCats + with Hannah WhetstoneHannah Whetstone
 2NDKansas State UniversityOff the Record with Emma WileyEmma Wiley
 HMKansas State UniversityThe Green Room InterviewsElla Murray, Derek Foster, Emily WIlli, Ashton Todd
     

Vertical Video

    
College Visual1STButler Comm CollegeSurviving West HallEvan Sinclair
 2NDKansas State UniversityK-State FootballMilana Rowe