Cora Walsh, a seventh grader from Long Island, N.Y., has been named the middle school winner of this year's NPR Student Podcast Challenge. Her winning entry tells the story of her personal journey with dyslexia.
The result was announced on October 9, 2026, by NPR. The Student Podcast Challenge is a national competition that invites students to produce original audio stories. Walsh's selection as the middle school winner places her among the top student podcasters in the country.
Dyslexia is a learning difference that affects reading and language processing. By sharing her own experience, Walsh offers listeners a firsthand perspective that can help reduce stigma and build understanding. Her achievement highlights the power of personal storytelling and the importance of giving young people a platform to discuss learning differences.
For local audiences, Walsh's success is a point of pride for Long Island and a reminder of the talent and resilience of students in the community. The NPR Student Podcast Challenge continues to encourage students to develop their voices and share stories that matter.
