Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Culpeper Star-Exponent Entry Title: Culpeper claims it has no control over flag, pole broken flag stolen, speakers express views on Confederate symbols, group gathers to show gratitude Entry Credit: Allison Brophy Champion Judge Comment: 'Speakers express views' by Allison Brophy Champion sparkled because of concrete forum reporting: 50 citizens spoke, a dozen specifically about the flag, and a h.s. essayist noted how her town was trying to get away with murder.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Martinsville Bulletin Entry Title: Out of sight Entry Credit: Holly Kozelsky Judge Comment: Holly Koleslsky's piece was spectacular visual storytelling of a tragedy.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Northern Virginia Daily Entry Title: W12 - Charles Paullin Entry Credit: Charles Paullin Judge Comment: Holy cow! Charles Paullin's piece about the cattle rustlers who hit Mount Jackson farm scored a 10 out of 10. And the suspect who shot at state police story included a detail from the Balt Sun at end of story that was jaw dropping. Boom!
