An RRC Polytech student-led online magazine is the top overall winner at the 2025 Canadian Online Publishing Awards (COPA).
Produced by Creative Communications (CreComm) students, Working Draft is a web magazine that highlights the emerging voices of students in the program. The magazine won a total of six awards - five gold and one silver - for its 2025 issue, "Movement."
"Having our work recognized in national awards is a profound validation of students' hard work on these stories," said Emily Cain, Working Draft faculty advisor. "These achievements show Working Draft contributors are producing top-notch work that holds up among the country's top publications."
The recognition placed Working Draft at the number one spot in the national medal standings, surpassing outlets like Legion Magazine (four gold, two silver) and CBC/Radio-Canada (three gold, one silver).
The winning COPA entries from Working Draft include:
- Gold - Best Patriotic Story (Academic): "A Chance to Dream" by Sofia Peralta-Baron
- Gold - Best Feel Good Story (Academic): "Moving Through Grief" by Grace Wilmer
- Gold - Best Feature/Cover Story (Academic): "More Than Words" by Zoé Buissé
- Gold - Best Photo Journalism (Academic): "Chasing Fire" by Georgia Dyck
- Gold - Best Service Article (Consumer): "Supporting Sobriety at Work" by Mackenzie Oliver
- Silver - Best Investigative Article (Consumer): "Breaking the Ice" by Brielle Campbell
Working Draft also received its first-ever recognition at the John H. McDonald (JHM) Awards for Excellence in Student Journalism on February 14. The magazine earned an additional three gold medals and one bronze at the national ceremony hosted by the Canadian University Press.
"Winning at the national level for an investigation into the barriers facing female para-hockey players proves that Manitoban stories have a place on the national stage," said double-award winner Brielle Campbell. "It's an honour to see Working Draft recognized by both the COPA judges and the Canadian University Press in the same week."
For more information and to read stories, visit workingdraftmagazine.com.
