The Little Hawk won 27 Iowa High School Press Association state journalism awards and was one of 15 high school publications named IHSPA News Team of the Year Finalists for the 2025-2026 school year. The awards were published on the IHSPA website.
Writing Awards:
First Place Social Justice Reporting: SNAP GETS SNAPPED: 2025 Government Shutdown Affects Students by Lily Rantanen
First Place Personality Profile: It’s More than just Hair by Rayan Ahmed
In-Depth News Story First Place: SNAP GETS SNAPPED: 2025 Government Shutdown Affects Students by Lily Rantanen
In-Depth Sports Story First Place: Parker Sutherland: A Gentle Giant by Tessa Driscoll
First Place Sports Game Recap: City takes down Marshalltown at the Roundhouse to Advance in the Playoffs by Rito Perez and Owen Raefield
Local News Story First Place: MELT THE ICE: Students Walk Out to Protest Anti-Immigration Activity by Lily Rantanen
First Place Column: Phones Should be Banned During the School Day by Ramy Makawi
In-Depth News Story Second Place: An A+ For C Students: Grade inflation is on the rise according to new ACT study by Martha Willard
Second Place Review Writing: Diane Keaton and the Greatest Final Shot of All Time Farewell, You Wonderful Star by Ben Haines
Local News Story Second Place: SNAP GETS SNAPPED: 2025 Government Shutdown Affects Students by Lily Rantanen
Honorable Mention Local News Story: ‘We’re Just Trapped in This Hotel’: Pilot Strike Strands 100+ Students in Chicago by Lily Rantanen
Honorable Mention Staff Editorial:Can Phones be Banned for Good? by Nico Vergara-Vanegas
Honorable Mention Column: The Bad History of Project 2025 and Why It Matters by Melody Ross
Honorable Mention Environmental Portrait: It’s More than just Hair byRayan Ahmed
Honorable Mention Personality Profile: Harris’ Hard Fought Return by Jack Rogers
Multimedia Awards:
First Place Videographer of the Year: Martha Willard
First Place Video Story: Increasing Risks of Sleep Deprivation Found in Teenagers by Avery O’Brien, Stevie Wilmoth and Bella Ragona
First Place Video News Show: Good Morning City High by Avery O’Brien, Stevie Wilmoth and Bella Ragona
Second Place Video News Show: Good Morning City High by by Avery O’Brien, Stevie Wilmoth and Bella Ragona
Honorable Mention Video Story: Class Teaches Students Fashion Design and Entrepreneurship by Martha Willard
Honorable Mention Online Innovation: LH Fact Check by LH Staff and Lily Rantanen
Honorable Mention Podcasting: LH SPORTS POD: XC Makes State with Coach of the Year Ryan Ahlers by Jack Rogers, Rito Perez and Jack Lampe
Design and Art Awards:
First Place Website Design: The Little Hawk
First Place Newspaper – One Page Design: The Little Hawk: AI Thumbs Up and Down by Kyle Hartwig
First Place Newspaper – Multiple Page Design: Freshmen to Watch by Tessa Driscoll
Second Place Newspaper – One Page Design: All-State Musicians by Margaret Cilek
