A recent graduate of RRC Polytech’s Creative Communications program was named 2025 Student Journalist of the Year last month by J-Schools Canada. The following was posted on the Creative Communications LinkedIn page:

He’s curious, hard-working and thoughtful.

And now, he’s Canada’s student journalist of the year.

Matthew Frank (Creative Communications class of 2025; journalism specialization) has been selected for the top honour by J-Schools Canada for their inaugural student journalism awards.

Judges praised Matt for his “outstanding reporting and deep storytelling ability.”

Now a full-time reporter for The Carillon in Steinbach, Matt produced a number of news and feature stories for the Winnipeg Free Press, the Globe and Mail and CBC Manitoba while in school.

J-Schools Canada will host a networking event for award winners later this year. Selections of their winning work will be featured on the j-source website.

A great example of journalism Matt produced for the Winnipeg Free Press in conjunction with his CreComm studies, looks closely at Manitoba’s lack of options for inmates leaving prison.

“I’m incredibly honoured to be awarded Student Journalist of the Year from J-Schools Canada!” he said on his own LinkedIn page. “I would’ve never gotten this recognition without my supportive colleagues, instructors and friends. Them and so many others have helped me grow into the journalist I am now.”