Ava Smith Named 2025 Wisconsin Journalist of the Year

Kyra Balch, Associate Editor • April 30, 2025

Ava Smith was named the 2025 Wisconsin Journalist of the Year. Smith is the first Indian Trail student to receive this honor.

When yearbook class started, so did the challenges and stressors. Through the door came a beam of light, Ava Smith (12). She was willing to help anyone she could to the best of her ability. Her dedication and eagerness to succeed led her to win Journalist of the Year for Wisconsin.

“I was just excited,” Smith said. “I didn’t think that they would pick me.”

With the award came a $1000 scholarship that Smith planned to put towards her education at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She planned to study journalism and pursue a career to teach it.

“Knowing that I’m one of the top journalists in the state was very rewarding to me,” Smith said.

To apply for the award, Smith created a portfolio, showcasing the work she’s done throughout her years in journalism and publication classes. The portfolio began as an assignment in Capstone in Journalism. However, with the support of her teacher and adviser Michelle Corbett, Smith, along with her classmate Juliana Mora (12), went on to apply for the scholarship.

Blaze yearbook Editor in Chief and Ava Smith attend the annual Wisconsins Newspaper Association Convention March 7th. Smith was presented with her Journalist of the Year award by Wisconsin JEA President Matt Smith. (Michelle Corbett)

“The Wisconsin JEA (Journalism Education Association) said what stood out about Ava was her leadership abilities in the newsroom, and I think that really is true,” Corbett said. “She has a very kind way about her when she’s working with fellow students.”

Mora appreciated the confidence Smith brought to the newsroom.

“I like that she brings different things to the table no matter what it is about,” Mora said. “She also speaks her mind in any situation that leads us to great things in the end.”

The constant hustle and bustle of the yearbook schedule required a calming presence and Andrea Lepley (12) found this in Smith.

“The way she approaches people with gentleness and empathy leads everyone to feel comfortable with her,” Lepley said. “Having those traits makes her a wonderful leader that we all respect.”

Smith found out she won the award while in yearbook class one day after checking her email.

“I didn’t believe it,” Smith said. “I ran up to Corbett and asked her to look at the email.”

The excitement made her shake in disbelief. This was just beginning, however, as her work would move on to the national competition.

“Now that my portfolio is submitted nationally and I won state, I think I have a little bit of a chance now because I already won,” Smith said. “I’m hopeful for nationals.”

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About the Contributors

Kyra Balch, Associate Editor

Kyra Balch, junior, is in her first year of publications, working as the associate editor. Balch has wanted to work in the media industry since middle school. After high school she hopes to go into photojournalism, primarily working with travel and wildlife. The cross country runner used to work at Chili’s as a hostess and now works occasionally for her mom’s company, Shorewest Realtors, as an assistant. On off days, Balch enjoys being a foodie and exploring new cities and places around Wisconsin and Illinois with her friends. “When in doubt, take a break and get Panda Express,” Balch said.

Talon Larson, Design Editor

Talon Larson, senior, is in the Communications Academy and the design editor of The Blaze. As a returning staff member, Larson is growing into a leadership role on staff, working with new staff members on different tasks and projects. He loves to hangout with his friends and his dog Ember, but sometimes likes to hang back with a good book or audiobook. As a self-proclaimed music lover, Larson explores new genres with every listen. You’ll never see him without his headphones on. “Getting to know the new staff has been great, especially because I can watch them grow within their skills,” Larson said.