Two Holland College Journalism graduates are among the winners named at the 2025 Atlantic Journalism Awards Gala on Saturday, June 7^th, at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel.

Judith Mendiolea Lelo de Larrea was awarded Gold in the Student Journalism category for her documentary ‘At the Edge of the Island’. In addition to the top honour, she received a $1,000 scholarship in recognition of her work.

Fellow graduate Yutaro Sasaki, now a reporter with The Guardian in Charlottetown, earned Bronze in the Climate Action Reporting category for his compelling coverage of the impacts of climate change in Prince Edward Island.

 Several other Holland College alumni were also recognized for their professional excellence at the event:

• Josh Lewis, The Eastern Graphic – Bronze, Legal Affairs Reporting
• Thinh Nguyen, CBC Charlottetown – Bronze, Enterprise Reporting
• Meghan Dewar, Cape Breton Post – Bronze, Indigenous Affairs Reporting
• Ryan Cooke, CBC Newfoundland and Labrador – Silver, Mike Critch Excellence in Crime Reporting

Brad Works, Learning Manager for the Journalism and Communications program at Holland College, attended the gala and celebrated alongside the graduates.

“To see our students and recent graduates being recognized among the region’s top journalists is both humbling and inspiring,” said Works. “It speaks volumes about their talent, dedication, and the strength of the program we offer at Holland College.”

Holland College President and CEO Alexander (Sandy) MacDonald said the College is proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of the Journalism and Communications graduates who were honoured at the AJA Gala.

“Journalists have a significant impact on the communities they serve, and it is inspiring to see our graduates recognized at such an early stage of their careers,” said MacDonald. “Their tenacity and dedication to their craft have paid off, and we celebrate this significant achievement alongside them.”

The Atlantic Journalism Awards celebrate excellence in print, radio, television, and digital media across Atlantic Canada. Holland College extends its congratulations to all the award recipients and finalists whose work continues to elevate the standard of journalism in the region.

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In Photos

(Left) Judith Mendiolea Lelo de Larrea celebrates on June 7 in Halifax after winning Gold in the Student Journalism category at the 2025 Atlantic Journalism Awards for her documentary, “At the edge of the Island.” The 2025 graduate of the Holland College Journalism and Communications program also received a $1,000 scholarship for her outstanding work.

(Right) Class of 2025 Holland College graduate Yutaro Sasaki, a reporter with The Guardian in Charlottetown, won the Bronze award in the Climate Action Reporting category for his story on the effects of climate change in Prince Edward Island, during the 2025 Atlantic Journalism Awards Gala on June 7 in Halifax.

(Above) Holland College alumni celebrate after multiple award wins at the 2025 Atlantic Journalism Awards Gala at the Marriott Halifax on June 7. Taking part in the ceremony (L-R) are Pratik Bhattarai, Yutaro Sasaki, learning manager Brad Works, Meghan Dewar, Kyle Cotton, Judith Mendiolea Lelo de Larrea, Ryan Cooke, and Josh Lewis.