As AI Reshapes Journalism, These Students Are Shaping Its Future
Manchester Central Senior Wins 2026 Brodsky Prize for Excellence in Student Journalism
The future of journalism is in good hands.
The Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 Brodsky Prize, which recognizes outstanding New Hampshire high school journalists who demonstrate curiosity, initiative, strong reporting skills, and a commitment to informing their communities.
This year's first-place winner is Catherine Tenn, a senior at Manchester Central High School and editor of the school’s Little Green newspaper. Catherine received the $5,000 top prize for her impressive portfolio of work and thoughtful responses to questions about the future of journalism, including the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence and the role young journalists can play in rebuilding public trust in the news.
"I am so pleased to see the strength of candidates from across the state and working in different media," said Howard Brodsky, who established the prize with his son, Jeffrey, in 2018. "Catherine stood out as a star, and it's wonderful that she will continue her journalism career at Dartmouth."
The judges also recognized two exceptional student journalists whose work reflects the creativity and dedication thriving in New Hampshire's high schools.
Noel Beauchaine, a senior at Stevens High School in Claremont, earned second place and a $1,500 award. Judges praised her entrepreneurial spirit and initiative in creating and hosting Cardinal Perspectives, a current affairs program featuring interviews with community leaders and local voices.
Jahrie Houle, a senior at Oyster River High School in Durham, received third place and a $1,000 award for a portfolio of work in the school’s Mouth of the River newspaper that demonstrated strong reporting skills and journalistic promise.
Since its founding, the Brodsky Prize has awarded more than $76,000 to New Hampshire student journalists. The award honors the legacy of Jeffrey Brodsky, a former co-editor of Manchester Central High School's Little Green newspaper whose career as a historian and documentary producer reflected a lifelong commitment to inquiry, storytelling, and independent thinking.
Following Jeffrey's passing in 2023, Howard Brodsky has continued to champion the Prize and its mission to encourage "boldness and innovation" among the next generation of journalists.
The 2026 judging panel included Howard Brodsky; Misbah Tahir, a former Little Green co-editor and biotechnology finance executive; Susan Geier, executive director of the Loeb School; Joseph McQuaid, former president and publisher of the New Hampshire Union Leader and Sunday News; Rebecca Pereira of the Concord Monitor; and Zoë Mitchell of NH Public Radio.
At a time when journalism faces rapid technological change and growing public skepticism, the Brodsky Prize serves as a reminder that talented young reporters across New Hampshire are already stepping forward to tell important stories, ask difficult questions, and strengthen their communities through thoughtful, ethical journalism.
Learn more about the Brodsky Prize and previous winners.