U of A Journalism Student Named National Hearst Photojournalism Finalist
Taylon Carmody gets hung up in his rigging after riding Cliffhanger at the Tucson Rodeo in Tucson, Ariz., on Feb 23, 2025.
Photo by Mason Kumet/Daily Wildcat
Mason Kumet, a junior at the University of Arizona School of Journalism, has been nationally recognized for his work documenting moments on campus and across the state of Arizona.
Mason Kumet
He was named one of the top 20 finalists in the Photojournalism News & Features Competition of the 2025-2026 Hearst Journalism Awards Program, one of the nation’s most prestigious competitions for college journalists. Finalists in this category were selected from 134 entries representing 72 schools.
Kumet’s portfolio featured images of political events, Arizona men’s basketball games, the Tucson Rodeo, public protests and professional wrestling matches. His photos were originally published by the Daily Wildcat, where he serves as the paper’s photo editor.
Prior to this year’s recognition, Kumet was also one of the top 20 finalists in the 2024-2025 Hearst photojournalism competition.
“This year, I made an effort to broaden my horizon and try out new things,” Kumet said. “This helped kickstart me thinking like a photojournalist and not only a sports photographer.”
Koa Peat of the University of Arizona dunks the basketball during the Red-Blue Showcase at McKale Center in Tucson, Ariz., on Nov. 3, 2025.
Photo by Mason Kumet/Daily Wildcat
Kumet’s passion for sports journalism will take him to Indianapolis this spring, where he will expand his portfolio photographing the Final Four matchup between Arizona and Michigan for the Daily Wildcat.
The Hearst Journalism Awards Program annually offers up to $700,000 in scholarships, matching grants and stipends across its 14 competitions categorized by writing, photojournalism, audio, television, podcasting and multimedia.
The School of Journalism has submitted student work to all Hearst competition categories this academic year, with faculty playing a key role in preparing entries.
Associate Professor Monica Chadha, who helps coordinate submissions, said the recognition reflects both student initiative and faculty support. Accolades like those provided through Hearst can have a lasting impact on students.
“Winners are recognized nationally among journalists and academics, and this recognition can open many doors for graduates entering the workforce,” Chadha said.