The South Carolina Scholastic Press Association and Journalism Education Association have named a 2026 South Carolina Journalist of the year winner and two finalists. Noah Iverson, senior at Wando High School, is the winner of the Journalist of the Year award. Caroline Brandes, senior at Richland Northeast High School, and Yara Abusamra, senior at Chapin High School, are this year’s finalists. Learn more about them here:
Noah Iverson
Iverson has worked as an editor for CTV News daily broadcast as well as Editor-in-Chief of Tribal Tribune newspaper at Wando High School. He is the student president of the Southern Interscholastic Press Association and won the 2025 SIPA Writing Portfolio 1st place award.
“His passion for journalism was evident early and has only deepened through sustained dedication and creative exploration,” Anita Huggins, Superintendent of Charleston County School District, said. “Noah brings a keen journalistic eye to photography and feature storytelling – tools he uses thoughtfully to elevate stories and invite readers into nuanced perspectives.”
Iverson is engaged with all aspects of journalism, with a portfolio of written articles, photo galleries, spread designs, and website development. He has won multiple SIPA awards in 2024 and 2025 and Quill and Scroll Journalism Honor Society awards. His adviser, Phillip Caston, says he is “extraordinarily overqualified” for this award after his years of dedication to journalism and Wando’s programs.
“He reports on stories like a professional. He writes powerful editorial pieces on tough issues. He designs both the website and much of our newsmagazine. And his photography is astounding as well as you can see…” Caston said.
Iverson has displayed a passion for his craft since ehe began studying journalism in the sixth grade. Advisers, staffers, and professional acknowledge his talent and his qualification for the 2026 South Carolina Journalist of the Year award.
Caroline Brandes
Brandes is a current Editor-in-Chief of The Saber online newspaper at Richland Northeast High School. She is a previous SIPA award winner, taking home 1st place in Feature Storytelling and 3rd place in Public Opinion Analysis in 2025.
“Caroline Brandes stands out as one of the most talented journalism students I have ever encountered,” Leslie Dennis, adviser of The Saber, said.
Brandes has taken on roles in editing, writing, photography, and social media for The Saber. She began a segment, “Artwork of the Week” to encourage artists at her school to submit pieces for publication on their news site. She has also partnered with the school’s visual arts program to commission artwork for website featured images.
“Caroline is always willing to learn a new skill, mentor a younger journalism student, and lead a team to success,” Jeremy Ludemann, CavPlex Convergence Media teacher, said.
Brandes has maintained a commitment to The Saber publication at Richland Northeast High School and has worked hard to earn her spot as a 2026 South Carolina Journalist of the Year finalist.
Yara Abusamra
Abusamra is a current editor-in-Chief of CSPN Eagles newspaper at Chapin High School. She has been on staff for all four years of high school and has won SCSPA and SIPA awards in 2024 and 2025.
“She worked well with group assignments and it was this type of leadership style and approach that Yara was able to provide that showed her dedication to journalism,” Maurice Thomas, adviser of CSPN Eagles, said.
Abusamra has a wide range of skills in the field, with a portfolio consisting of writing, editing, photography, and leadership development. She won first place in infographic design from SCSPA in her first year on staff and has continued to develop her skills throughout high school.
“[Abusamra] has combined editorial judgment, excellent written communication, and a refined visual sensibility as a photographer to produce work that consistently meets high standards,” Vicky Remy, Chapin High School counselor, said.
Abusamra’s work at Chapin High School has built a foundation of passion for her future, whether it leads to a career in journalism or otherwise. Her focus on teamwork and efficient leadership have earned her a finalist spot for the 2026 Journalist of the Year.
