THE JOHN DRURY HIGH SCHOOL RADIO AWARDS
The John Drury High School Radio Awards were created to recognize excellence in high school radio broadcasting. The awards are named in honor of award-winning ABC-Chicago news anchor, John Drury, and are hosted by North Central College and WONC 89.1FM in Naperville, IL.
2025-2026 Awards
Thank you for your interest in the 2025-2026 John Drury High School Radio Awards. We will begin accepting entries on April 1, 2026.
Important dates:
- Entries open: April 1, 2026
- Entries close: May 31, 2026
- Nominee announcement: August 10, 2026
- Reception and awards ceremony at North Central College in Naperville, IL: October 24, 2026
Eligible content must have been aired or published between June 1, 2025 and May 31, 2026
Award Entry Information
For a complete list of awards categories, click here.
Each entry is $15 and the awards ceremony is free to attend. Our judges include active members of Chicagoland radio and media who know what it takes to make a career in broadcast and communications.
Entries will be submitted through Google Drive, DropBox, or any file sharing platform that you choose. You will document your entries on a spreadsheet, found here (right click, select “open link in new tab,” and the spreadsheet will download). Titles of entries on this spreadsheet must correspond to the titles of the entries submitted via your file sharing platform. Please be sure to fill out the spreadsheet accurately and as completely as possible. Note that each category has its own tab at the bottom of the spreadsheet. Once your entries are uploaded and your spreadsheet is complete, you’ll simply share a link to them via email to zjdewitz@noctrl.edu.
If you need alternative accommodations for entry submissions, if you have any questions regarding the entry process or the entry spreadsheet, or if you have any other questions, please contact Zach DeWitz at zjdewitz@noctrl.edu.
Award Reception Information
The reception and awards ceremony for the 2025-2026 John Drury High School Radio Awards will take place October 24, 2026 at North Central College in Naperville, IL. The program will begin in Stevenson Hall on the second floor of Wentz Science Center (131 S. Loomis St.) with food served beginning at 11:30 a.m. and the awards ceremony beginning at noon. The presentation will conclude no later than 2:00 p.m. If you are unable to attend the ceremony in person, a live stream will be provided. If you plan to attend, please RSVP with Zach DeWitz no later than September 18, 2026. The ceremony is free for all students and their families, radio advisors, school administrators, and other radio or school representatives to attend.
If you would like a tour of the North Central College campus prior to the awards ceremony, please arrive no later than 10:20 a.m. You may check in at WONC-FM 89.1 in Oliver Hall, located at 232 E Chicago Ave, Naperville, IL 60540.
Directions to campus may be found here and a map of campus buildings may be found here.
Sign Up For Updates
If you’d like to receive updates regarding the John Drury High School Radio Awards, including announcements regarding entry dates, nominations, winners, and more, please fill out and submit the form below.
**Radio/media advisors and school administrators will remain on the mailing list from year to year. Students and parents must sign up each year to receive updates. The email list for students and parents resets after the winners of each year are announced.**
Thasis Radio Network Partnership
The John Drury Radio Awards are proud to announce our partnership with Thasis Radio Network. Thasis Radio Network is committed to supporting the next generation of broadcasters and media professionals. As part of our mutual dedication to community engagement, we are working with Thasis as they launch a high school student radio station within their network of 15 professionally managed stations. This initiative provides students with hands-on experience in a real-world broadcasting environment, positioning them for success in college admissions and careers in media, broadcasting, and podcasting. Click here for more information.
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