The Illinois Press Foundation hosted the Illinois Journalism Education Association Luncheon this year on Saturday, June 6, 2026.  The event was held in Springfield, IL at the Illinois Press Foundation/Illinois Fuel and Retailers Association building.  The luncheon is a celebration for recognizing students who have proven themselves to be indispensable to their respective school media.  Students whose leadership, energy, dedication, and expertise make their publications possible but whose main contributions often occur behind the scenes.    

Each member of the All-State Journalism Team received a plaque, and his or her adviser was honored as well.  The Illinois Press Foundation gave All-State shirts to the team.

Pictured above is the All-State Team that attended the luncheon.   

Front, l-r: Siya Iyer, Washington Community HS; Sam Gonzales, Palatine HS; Stella Rankin, LIFT Regional Innovation and Technology Center; Anda Wattanakit, Richwoods HS;  Isabelle Robinson, Edwardsville HS.

Back, l-r: Alex Brudvik, Barrington HS; Declan Smith, University of Chicago Laboratory HS; Addison Stone, Huntley HS; Atticus Ball, Edwardsville HS; Audra Wolf, Normal Community HS; Carson Ryan, Meridian HS.

IJEA Lifetime Achievement Award: DENNIS BROWN

Journalist of the Year: LIGHT DOHRN from University of Chicago Laboratory High School

Runner-up: ADDISON STONE from Huntley High School

2026 All-State Journalism Team:  

Pictured above is IJEA president Keith Carlson  pictured with Light Dohrn, Illinois Journlist of the Year. 

Picture courtesy of Dave Porreca.

Pictured above is Keith Carlson, IJEA president with IJOY runner-up Addison Stone. 

Picture cortesy of Dave Porreca.

Pictured above is Jeff Rogers speaking to the All-State winners at the luncheon. 

Photo courtesy of Dave Porreca.