Now in its 34th year, the contest invites students throughout the Daily Press readership area to design original advertisements for local businesses, giving them practical experience in advertising and insight into the businesses that support their communities.

Sarah Greenlund, publisher of the Daily Press, is particularly passionate about the well-established contest.

“‘Design an Ad’ is my personal favorite promotion that we do,” said Greenlund. “We are in our 34th year of this promotion, and I love seeing all of the different designs that come from our area students.”

Each classroom taking part in the contest is paired with a specific business, with students creating their own ad designs to showcase the business’ products or services. The experience encourages creative thinking and design skills while introducing students to real-world advertising concepts.

The deadline for teachers to sign up for the Daily Press' 37th annual Design an Ad contest is Feb. 27. Businesses must sign up by Feb. 27. This student's winning ad from 2025 was drawn for Bay College. (Daily Press file photo)

During the final phase of the contest, each business chooses the student ad that best reflects its brand, while the Daily Press advertising staff selects a winning entry at each grade level. All top designer ads are featured in the newspaper.

Many local businesses eagerly anticipate the contest each year – some returning year after year, others joining for the first time. Paul “Blade” Bloedorn of Blade’s Bait & Tackle is new to ‘Design an Ad’ this year.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the ideas that student believe will help promote our business,” said Blade. “The collaboration of creative minds in addition to the spirit of competition with a contest is certain to bring out their best work.”

Among the returning participants is Nick Bink of Bink’s Coca-Cola, a longtime supporter of the contest who continues to value its impact. Bink expressed his appreciation for the contest.

“We have been participating for many years. We appreciate being a part of this popular school [contest] to help kids learn about local news and current events which provides a nice alternative to digital screen time!”

He also shared the company’s enthusiasm for student creativity, noting, “We look forward to the design an ad artwork, and we are always impressed with the creativity. Our staff enjoys seeing the ads and debating over the best in class.”

Local participating businesses are currently looking for classrooms to partner with in creating advertisements for the contest.

Schools in Delta County, Schoolcraft County and Northern Menominee County are eligible to participate. Teachers do not need to be part of the Newspapers in Education (NIE) program to join.

The deadline for teachers to sign up is Feb. 6. To participate, call Sarah at 906-786-2021, ext. 101, or email smaki@dailypress.net as soon as possible. The deadline for businesses to participate is Feb. 27.

Student ads are due back to the Daily Press by March 13 and will be published sometime in late March.

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Sophie Vogelmann can be reached at 906-786-2021 or svogelmann@dailypress.net.