Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Fauquier Times Entry Title: Suicide, staffing shortages and suspensions: Education reporting in Fauquier County by Sarah Dolgin Entry Credit: Sarah Dolgin Judge Comment: Sarah Dolgin’s education reporting in Fauquier County stands out for its depth, clarity, and steady command of difficult subject matter. She tackled some of the toughest issues a school division can face from how the district responds to a student death, to the complexities of educators’ social?media use, to persistent teacher vacancies and made each story accessible, informative, and grounded in strong reporting.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: The Crozet Gazette Entry Title: Lisa Martin Education Writing Portfolio 3 Entry Credit: Lisa Martin Judge Comment:
Lisa Martin’s reporting demonstrates an impressive range in her coverage of Albemarle County Public Schools. Her stories move confidently from complex topics like school safety and weapons?detection systems to more human?centered pieces, such as a coach helping students find success through pole vaulting. She also tackled essential accountability reporting, including SOL performance and the school board’s decision to raise its own pay.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: The Virginia Gazette Entry Title: Schools seek lacrosse certification, Walsingham service trip, James Blair name change Entry Credit: James W. Robinson Judge Comment: James W. Robinson submitted a strong set of entries that reflect solid reporting instincts and a clear commitment to informing his community
