Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: The Smithfield Times Entry Title: Windsor traffic stop goes viral Entry Credit: Stephen Faleski, Tracy Agnew Judge Comment: An important story covered professionally and completely, allowing readers to follow every twist and turn.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Rappahannock News Entry Title: COVID-19 Vaccines Roll Out in Rappahannock County Entry Credit: Rachel Needham, Sara Schonhardt, Randy Rieland Judge Comment: The writers provided a valuable service to their community, with particular focus on vulnerable populations and repeated efforts to bring the story to life through the vivid and empathetic incorporation of individual community members representing multiple perspectives.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: The News & Record Entry Title: Coverage of Halifax County Public Schools -- facilities and employee compensation debates Entry Credit: Tom McLaughllin, Liza Fulton Judge Comment: These stories allowed the community to follow each step in a months-long series of steps that were likely to reshape the community's next generations.
