9th September 2026
The student who arrived speaking no English and became an editor
Back in June, Stationers’ Hall welcomed our most competitive field of Shine School Media Awards finalists yet. Journalists, editors, illustrators and podcasters, all under eighteen, all with a story to tell.
The day started with workshops, including cartoon drawing, bookbinding and two new hands-on sessions this year: metallic foiling and letterpress printing.
Then came the ceremony itself, with an Oscars-style reveal as each winner was announced, including the surprise unveiling of a brand new award, Best Humour, added after we noticed just how much wit and satire had come through in this year’s entries.
Our keynote speaker, Basia Cummings, Deputy Editor of The Observer, spoke honestly about the industry’s tougher lessons before leaving our winners with a genuinely inspiring send-off.
But the moment that stayed with everyone in the room was the presentation of the Harrison Cup to Volodymyr Podobeidov of Ermysted’s Grammar School, a Ukrainian student who arrived in the UK speaking no English and went on to edit his school newspaper.
Does your school make a school newspaper, magazine or podcast? Why not get involved?
We’d love your students to be part of the Shine School Media Awards next year. We’re accepting registrations for the 2027 competition right now, just tap on the link below.
Entry deadline: 7th May 2027
Do you have any questions? Email us direct at shine@stationers.org
Best wishes,
Richard Chapman
Chair, Shine School Media Awards