2025-2026 Critique & Contest – All Entries Due May 15
Critique & Contest is the national communications and journalism competition for ACT members. This contest allows students the opportunity to have their work analyzed by professionals and judged against members across the nation. Divisions include Writing, Publication, Electronic Media, Photography, Design and Layout, and Public Relations. Each individual entry is $5 USD per entry. All group entries are $5 USD per entry. Magazine entries are $20 USD per entry. The National ACT organization will invoice each chapter for the number of judged entries.
If National ACT dues-paying chapters need individual invoices for each student along with records of their Critique & Contest submissions, please email Shelly Legg at nact.treasurer@gmail.com
Writing Entry Format Example:
Submit Entries to Submittable
If you have any questions, email Vice President Wyatt Morrow.
2025-2026 Awards
Congratulations to all winners! View the comprehensive awards list.
View the 2026 C&C Awards Ceremony presentation. Click “share” to access download options.
Download the 2026 Critique & Contest Certificates.
2025-2026 Winning Entries
News Story: Kelsey Miller, University of Missouri “A Fight for First Breath: Mizzou Student Tackles Piglet Mortality”
Short Feature Story: Elizabeth Hert, Texas A&M University “Texas A&M, Washington County EMS Partnership On New Working Dog Treatment Efforts Takes Flight”
Long Feature Story: Jenna Whitaker, University of Idaho “The Long Game”
Short Personality Feature Story: Kyra Holt, Texas Tech University “From Comfort Zone to Crop Innovation”
Long Personality Feature Story: Jenna Whitaker, University of Idaho “A Ring and a Ranch Loan”
Research Related Writing: Bailey Smith, Texas A&M University “Life in Orbit”
Editorial or Single Blog Entry: Samantha Selliers, Kansas State University “How the Agriculture Industry is Addressing Mental Health: The Role of the National Farmer Mental Health Alliance”
News/Press Release: Emma Roberts, Texas Tech University “NRHC to Host Candlelight at the Ranch”
Writing Award of Excellence: Elizabeth Hert, Texas A&M University “Texas A&M, Washington County EMS Partnership On New Working Dog Treatment Efforts Takes Flight”
Publication Division:
Small-Format Publication: LaKacee Lipp, Mallory Drake, Carli Siebrandt, Capri Mullinix, Chevelle Spaulding, and Matalyn Martinson, South Dakota State University “2026 SDSU Little International Catalog”
Magazine: Oklahoma State University “Cowboy Journal Summer/Fall 2026”
Publications Award of Excellence: Oklahoma State University “Cowboy Journal Summer/Fall 2026”
Design and Layout Division:
Page Layout: Emma Roberts, Texas Tech University “Redefining Roles”
Poster or Flyer: Katrina Hageman, Iowa State University “INRC Spring Seminar Series”
Logo Design: Ellie Taylor, Purdue University “Rooted Creative Co”
Infographic Design: Addie Carlson, Texas Tech University “The Fruits of Community Gardens”
Print Advertisement Design: Aubrey Malone, Oklahoma State University “Through Every Season”
Electronic Advertisement Design: Ginny Falls, Tarleton State University “The Link is Live!”
Web Design: Tayla Wiedeman, Texas Tech University “Wiedeman Portfolio Site”
Blog Design: Lydia Hill, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College “From Pond to Plate: Aquaculture”
Design and Layout Award of Excellence: Emma Roberts, Texas Tech University “Redefining Roles”
Photography Division:
Scenic Photo: Torrance Thedford, Texas Tech University “Trans Pecos Storm Front”
People Photo: Jordan Lamb, Kansas State University “Poise Under Pressure”
Animal Photo: Colin McIntyre, Missouri State University “Where Tradition Meets Today”
Plant Photo: Taylor Duhaime, University of Arkansas “On the Thistle Bloom”
Food Photo: Jennifer Hersee, Virginia Tech University “Blockbuster Bites”
Other Photo: Brenna Francis, Texas Tech University “Stipping till Sunset”
Black and White Photo: Aubrey Malone, Oklahoma State University “Reflecting the Ride”
Photo Series: Kelsey Miller, University of Missouri “The Work Behind the Ribbon”
Photography Award of Excellence: Brenna Francis, Texas Tech University “Stipping till Sunset”
Electronic Media Division:
Audio Package: Anna Hendricks, Oklahoma State University “Time Passes On”
Audio Advertisement: Kelsey Miller, University of Missouri “Protection for Every Adventure: Simparico Trio Advertisement”
Short Video Production: Alexis Studebaker, Kansas State University “Kansas State University Agricultural Communications and Journalism Student Highlight: Ainsley Viets”
Long Video Production: Brenna Francis, Cydney Newsom & Emma Hendrickson, Texas Tech University “Texas Tech’s Bridge Adventure Program”
Video Advertisement Production: Andi Baker, Missouri State University “An Upset Carrie”
Electronic Media Award of Excellence: Brenna Francis, Cydney Newsom & Emma Hendrickson, Texas Tech University “Texas Tech’s Bridge Adventure Program“