Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: The Crozet Gazette Entry Title: Lisa Martin Education Writing 2 Entry Credit: Lisa Martin Judge Comment: Excellent illustration of issues in the communities education system. These are issues plaguing other parts of the country as well. The issues are thoroughly covered with details, various quotes from both sides of the issues (including students, teachers and parents) in each story. These deep dives really detail the issues at hand in relating to these topics – from content and grading pracitices to technology use in schools and the aftermath of COVID-19 lockdowns. Nicely done.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Fauquier Times Entry Title: School safety and trans rights protest Entry Credit: Colleen LaMay Judge Comment: This entry covers topics often seen in education -- the threat of school shootings, mental health, etc. The quotes used specifically in the School shooting prep story were striking. The quote about hoping these will be unused tourniquets was especially powerful. This paper also makes great use of breakout boxes that capture the reader's attention but also add to the overall topic. The breakout box on the student who attempted suicide was especially attention grabbing and added to it, making it full-bodied coverage. Good work.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: The Crozet Gazette Entry Title: Lisa Martin Education Writing Entry Credit: Lisa Martin Judge Comment: Very nice job. This entry included in-depth looks at big topics in school systems. This news organization offered strong entries throughout.
Place Name: Alternate Winner Contestant Name: Fauquier Times Entry Title: Equity initiatives, Head Start masks and hiring freeze Entry Credit: Daniel Berti Judge Comment: The figures and use of breakout boxes once again added to coverage for this news organization. Strong entries from this source throughout the competition..
Competition Comment: Not only were these entries well organized and included great content, they also went above and beyond in terms of research and in-depth reporting and information gathering. This competition was rather impressive.
