TROY, Mich. — Twelve student journalists and photographers from The Detroit Writing Room and Coaching Detroit Forward programs were recognized at the Society of Professional Journalists Detroit Chapter Awards on May 20 at the San Marino Club in Troy.

The annual awards celebrate excellence in journalism across Michigan, honoring reporters, photographers and media professionals from major news organizations, including The Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News. This year, student journalists and photographers joined more than 275 award recipients recognized for their outstanding work.

For the sixth consecutive year, students who participated in The Detroit Writing Room Journalism Camp and Coaching Detroit Forward Photography Camps earned recognition for stories and photographs published in Perspectives Magazine. Over the past six years, students from the programs have won 61 SPJ Detroit awards.

In 2025 The Detroit Writing Room partnered with Planet Detroit, a local nonprofit news outlet that covers impactful stories about the environment, health and community news. The students’ award-winning stories featured those topics, in addition to education and sports. Student photographers were recognized for feature photography, portrait photography and cover photography work.

Among this year's winners was Solomon Spann IV, a recent University of Detroit Jesuit High School graduate, who earned first place in education reporting for his story on student burnout, especially among athletes.

“As a student athlete, I wanted to dive deeper into burnout and understand the signs and how it affects students,” Spann said. “It’s important to stay on schedule and make time for your mental health and your own peace.”

Robert Thompson, a Walled Lake Western High School junior, received first place in sports reporting. He said journalism has given him an opportunity to shine a light on the unknown and break down the disconnect between sports and the world around us. “Journalism gives me a chance to shed light on the unknown and break down the disconnect between sports and the world around us,” Thompson said. 

For photography student Khloe Hrabowski, a junior at Western International High School, receiving an honorable mention in feature photography was a reminder how far consistency and determination can take someone.

“You can’t give up. You have to keep going and stay consistent,” said Hrabowski, who added her family motivated her and supported her photography passion.

Throughout the evening, students, families, mentors and professional journalists gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of young storytellers. Award recipients connected with industry professionals, reflected on their work and recognized the impact journalism can have on communities.

The students’ achievements also reflect the support of journalism coaches, photography mentors, donors and community partners who help make the programs accessible to students each year. The camps were free for Detroit high school students in summer 2025 thanks to the Fisher Foundation, Michigan Environmental Council, Automotive Press Association, Junior League of Detroit, Rotary Club of Detroit and Detroit NABJ.

In 2025, student work was published not only in Perspectives Magazine but also in Planet Detroit, expanding opportunities for young journalists to reach wider audiences.

Nina Ignaczek, founder,publisher and editor of Planet Detroit, said she enjoys working with students because they bring a fresh perspective to the issues society faces. “We are seeing them and experiencing them for the first time and with a different insight and perspective,” Ignaczek said. “I love working with them and helping.” 

Detroit Writing Room founder and Coaching Detroit Forward founder Stephanie Steinberg said she’s grateful for all the journalism and photography coaches who have shared their expertise with students since 2020. 

“We couldn’t offer these camps without the coaches,” she said. “It’s always inspiring to watch these professionals pour into the next generation and produce award-winning student journalists and photographers.” 

As the evening concluded, students celebrated alongside family members and mentors who have supported them throughout their journeys. Their recognition serves as a testament to the power of youth journalism and the importance of investing in the next generation of storytellers.

With awards earned alongside professional journalists from across Michigan, these students demonstrated that meaningful reporting and impactful storytelling can begin long before a career in the newsroom.

SPJ Detroit 2025 Winners

Feature Photography:

Portrait Photography:

Community/Local News Reporting:

Environmental Reporting:

Health Reporting:

Education Reporting:

Sports Reporting:

Magazine Spread Design:

Cover Design:

Collaborative News Coverage:

2nd Place - Detroit Writing Room, Coaching Detroit Forward and Planet Detroit News for “Our Detroit, Our Future”