Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: The Virginian-Pilot Entry Title: Walmart Entry Credit: Staff Judge Comment: One of the best examples I've seen in a while of a newsroom coming together to report on breaking news. Each piece discusses a different angle of the story, whether that's details of the event or resources for those who were affected. Genuinely incredible reporting from everyone involved.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Richmond Times-Dispatch Entry Title: Fox Elementary, a Richmond institution since 1911, closed indefinitely after late-night fire Entry Credit: Chris Suarez Judge Comment: A fantastic piece on a fire in a school, what the response to it was, and how families reacted to the situation. It's precise and touching without losing its objectivity. It's use of different writing styles is what elevates this piece just a step above.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: The Virginian-Pilot Entry Title: Newport News 7- Eleven fatally Entry Credit: Peter Dujardin Judge Comment: An article providing the available details of a robbery and murder that doubles as a short profile of the business owner victim. By the end of the article, I felt like I knew Peter and was equally saddened by the situation. Overall, powerful writing in the breaking news format.
Place Name: Alternate Winner Contestant Name: The Virginian-Pilot Entry Title: Dinosaurs in the Park Entry Credit: Stacy Parker Judge Comment: A change of pace in relation to its competition, which is what helped it stick out more. A fun, informative article about a different type of breaking news.
Competition Comment: Overall, each article is solidly constructed and thoughtfully written. The strengths in each article speak to every reporter's voice and how they are able to convey information in a short time. All around excellent work from everyone who submitted an article in this competition.
