Ziskey, Lewis earn Hearst national writing honors

Livia Ziskey won first place in the National Writing Championship, earning a $10,000 cash prize. Grace Lewis placed third and received a $5,000 cash prize. Both graduates are from Omaha.

The two journalists competed against seven other university finalists in the contest, which challenged participants to answer the question “Did San Francisco really recover from the pandemic?”

The annual Hearst Championships featured 29 student journalists from colleges and universities across the United States. Finalists earned places in the championship after producing work judged among the best of 1,353 entries submitted to the 14 monthly Hearst Journalism Awards competitions conducted throughout the academic year.

Earlier this year, Ziskey placed first and Lewis seventh nationally in the investigative reporting category for work produced as part of the 2025 depth report “Nebraska Behind Bars.” Lewis also earned a top 25 finish in the 2025 Hearst Profile Writing Competition.

The finalists gathered in San Francisco from May 30 through June 5 and completed a series of spot assignments under deadline. The work was evaluated by leading media professionals serving as judges, who selected national champions and top finishers in six competition categories.

The Hearst Journalism Awards Program, often referred to as the “Pulitzers of college journalism,” recognizes excellence in student journalism and provides aspiring journalists opportunities to showcase their talents before industry leaders.

Ziskey said she focused her championship story on San Francisco’s historically Black neighborhoods and found that many residents felt excluded from the city’s pandemic recovery.

“The most challenging part was knowing when to stop reporting and start storytelling,” she said. “It was an exercise in trusting my gut and finding enough to tell a slice of San Francisco’s story.”

Lewis approached the assignment through the lens of public transit, reporting that ridership has reached post-pandemic highs while transit agencies face a looming fiscal crisis. Without voter approval of new tax measures in November, she found, the city’s recovery could stall.

Both students described the championship experience as transformative and said they were inspired by the talent and passion of fellow student journalists from across the country.

“I wouldn't be here without every single professor who challenged me, supported me and believed in me along the way,” Ziskey said. “I've always been optimistic about the future of journalism, but this week reminded me that there are other young people who care deeply about the importance of truthful and enlightening stories.”

Adam Wagler, interim dean of the College of Journalism and Mass Communications, said the recognition reflects the students’ commitment to excellence.

“Livia and Grace were outstanding in the Hearst competition,” he said. “It is a testament to their hard work, dedication and talent as journalists. We are incredibly proud of their success.”

Chris Graves, associate professor of practice and a Deepe Family Chair in Depth Reporting, applauded the students and echoed Ziskey’s confidence in the future of journalism. Graves and co-instructor Linda White, assistant professor and a Deepe Family Chair in Depth Reporting, supervised the students’ work on “Nebraska Behind Bars,” an investigation into Nebraska’s troubled prison system.

“We are beyond proud of Liv and Grace and delighted that the Hearst judges recognized their passion, curiosity and relentless pursuit of the truth,” Graves said. “Both journalists also bring compassion, humanity and humility to their work.”

White said the students exemplify the highest standards of the profession.

“For aspiring journalists, Liv and Grace offer an example of rigorous reporting, journalistic writing and the relentless pursuit of a story told well,” White said. “Their achievement is a reminder that great journalism is not only alive, but thriving, in the next generation.”