Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: The Daily Progress Entry Title: Charlottesville's jail is preparing for a pricey renovation. The cost of life behind bars isn't cheap either. Entry Credit: Luke Fountain Judge Comment: What a great body of work here. So much detail and nuance, yet told in an easy and engaging way not full of jargon. The writer stayed on point and clearly has a great grasp on organization and storytelling. I enjoyed reading this reporter's work.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Culpeper Star-Exponent Entry Title: Police join recruiting initiative; Drug court graduate honored; Woman sentenced in DUI death Entry Credit: Allison Brophy Champion Judge Comment: This reporter clearly has a gift for telling people's stories. She gave us a beautiful glimpse into who would be otherwises names and badges working in a man's world, plus good looks into the personalities of the people who were subjects of her other two pieces. These were a pleasure to read.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: The Daily Progress Entry Title: Albemarle socialite accused of child sex crimes says she's not 'particularly dangerous,' seeks release Entry Credit: Hawes Spencer Judge Comment: What a horrific story, yet it was told so well. The writer gave us glimpses into why this woman did what she did, and how the society she is from closed ranks around her. Yet no one is above the law. Nice job!
Competition Comment: This was a tough group and could easily have been placed differently. Great work everyone.
