EDITORIAL CARTOON
Contest Details
Open to all Western New York and Rochester, NY students in grades 5-12.
Each submission is individually judged by The News’ very own Pulitzer-Prize winning Editorial Cartoonist Adam Zyglis — a finalist himself back in middle school.
“It makes it extra special to judge,” he says. “I can truly put myself in the shoes of the students entering.”
Students may enter one cartoon per category (up to three total), and are eligible to win prizes for each entry. Cartoons can be drawn by hand or digitally, and must be displayed on 8.5x11-inch white, unlined paper. Black ink is strongly recommended, but color entries are also accepted!
The Buffalo News judges based on creativity, originality, simplicity, effective interpretation of the topic and correct spelling. Additional contest questions can be answered by contacting Lisa Cislo at lcislo@buffnews.com.
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Winners in each category will be awarded the following in the form of a Target or Amazon gift card (based on availability):
First place: $100
Second place: $60
Third place: $50
Honorable mention: $25
At the conclusion of the contest, all winners and teachers will be invited to attend an awards ceremony at the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site, Buffalo on Tuesday, June 23.
Cartoon Contest Categories
Open Concept
Students convey their opinion on any relevant issue or event that matters to them.
Winners are selected in school year divisions:
- Grade 5
- Grades 6-8
- Grades 9-12
TR Site Informed Citizen Award
Students provide specific commentary on one of following topics:
- Immigration and urban poverty
- Race and social inequities
- Big business and labor
- US role in global affairs
- Environmental conservation
Winners are selected across grades 5-12.
Presented by the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site
Local Perspective
Students speak to a subject related to life in their local area.
Winners are selected across grades 5-12.
The 2025 Editorial Cartoon Contest is presented by
