The University of Wisconsin–Superior’s student-led newspaper, The Promethean, has been a staple on campus since 1920. Over its 105-year history, The Promethean has skillfully recognized and celebrated the campus community through print, online media, and radio broadcasting.

Now, it’s The Promethean’s turn to be recognized. The Wisconsin Newspaper Association (WNA) recently awarded the publication seven collegiate student journalism awards. These include two first-place honors, three second-place awards, and two honorable mentions.

Maddie Schaffer, a multimedia journalism major with a psychology minor graduating this spring, serves as chief editor of The Promethean. Holding the role as part of her senior capstone, Schaffer reflects on her leadership experience:

“It helped me grow in journalism in so many ways,” Schaffer says. “I started off in The Promethean focusing on photography and writing stories when I could. But becoming chief editor made me fully immerse myself. It’s given me so many opportunities and experiences that I can use in my future. The Promethean has made me realize that I’m passionate about journalism and giving people a voice.”

The team’s dedication to amplifying campus voices is evident in the wide-ranging recognition they received. Their coverage of arts and entertainment, public affairs, mental health, and sports captured the attention of WNA judges. The paper was also honored for its effective use of multimedia and photography.

Schaffer reflects on what the awards mean for the team:

“I think it’s affirming to get these awards,” she says. “The team is getting recognized for the stories they choose to tell. It’s not just validation that they’re doing a good job—it shows how hard they’ve worked and how proud they are of what they do.”

Thomas Hansen, senior lecturer in the Communication, Media, and Theatre Department and academic advisor to The Promethean, emphasizes that the students deserve all the credit. He also acknowledges the campus community for its role in supporting student journalism:

“I would like to thank the entire UW–Superior campus community who took the time to share their stories with our student journalists—this wouldn’t be possible without them,” Hansen said. “I’d also like to thank the WNA judges who thought so highly of the work our students are doing here at UW–Superior.”

The Promethean team was recognized at the Yellowjacket Student Excellence Awards on April 23. This year’s staff has honored the newspaper’s long-standing legacy through their excellence, dedication, and creativity. There is no doubt that the voice of UW–Superior continues to be powerfully represented through this student-run publication.

By Olivia Fleming, English major and student writer for UWS.