Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: The Daily Progress Entry Title: Search warrants that revealed a stash of guns in a dorm room Entry Credit: Hawes Spencer Judge Comment: An excellent follow-up piece to a devastating situation. It breaks down the news in an objective and dignified manner, effectively informing the community and the world on how such a heartbreaking event could happen. The reporter should be proud of the work they've done.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: The Progress-Index Entry Title: Covering the death of a legendary legislator Entry Credit: Bill Atkinson Judge Comment: This is an incredible example of breaking news in how it is able to inform the reader on what happened while still taking the time to explain this prominent figure's significance and impact he made while in office.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: The Daily Progress Entry Title: Linebacker, DE D'Sean Perry one of 3 killed in Sunday night shooting; shooter still at large Entry Credit: Sydney Shuler Judge Comment: Thoughtfully put together, this article delivers devastating news that details the confusion of the situation from multiple sources, while confirming what was actively going on in the moment. It conveys the setting of the campus before well, along with how the tragic event altered the perceptions of people afterward. Another fantastic example of breaking news.
Place Name: Alternate Winner Contestant Name: The Daily Progress Entry Title: NCAA grants Virginia football players who were in their final seasons of eligibility additional year of eligibility: https://bit.ly/3iAg7pU Entry Credit: Greg Madia Judge Comment: A thoughtful piece coming after a tragedy that's informative of the current situation involving the University of Virginia's football team. It's considerate while providing important details for the reader. The context surrounding this piece is what drives it home and puts it above the rest.
Competition Comment: Every reporter who submitted for this prize should be proud of their work. These pieces are exemplary within the breaking news model. Each one has its own voice, style and angle while understanding what the most important piece of information is in each situation.
