Feature Story Writing (OPEN) ( Daily Group 1,Daily Group 2,Daily Group 3,Non-Daily Group 1,Non-Daily Group 2,Non-Daily Group 3,Non-Daily Group 4,Online,Specialty )Back
Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Richmond magazine Entry Title: The Dish on Dining Entry Credit: Eileen Mellon Judge Comment: This well-written and richly reported feature uses the experience of a local restaurateur to shed light on the difficult economics of running a restaurant in the years following the pandemic. Anchored by vivid scenes and unusually concrete financial detail, the story moves skillfully from the personal to the broader forces shaping the industry, helping readers understand a complex issue in clear, human terms. The depth of reporting, narrative focus, and relevance of the topic make this an engaging and memorable piece of feature writing.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Rappahannock News Entry Title: From ‘family’ to fallout: What drove half the educators to leave county high school Entry Credit: Randy Rieland Judge Comment: This carefully reported feature examines teacher turnover at a rural high school, combining data, interviews, and narrative detail to explain a complex and emotionally charged issue. Drawing on multiple perspectives, the reporter explores the reasons behind the departures while placing them in the broader context of challenges facing educators nationwide. Clear organization and steady pacing help readers understand both the human impact and the institutional pressures at work.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Richmond magazine Entry Title: Word on the Street Entry Credit: Ian M. Stewart Judge Comment: This engaging feature examines Carytown’s “new normal” after years of pandemic disruption and rapid turnover, showing how the district has remained busy even as businesses come and go. Through strong sense-of-place reporting and clear context, the story captures the resilience and evolution of a neighborhood in transition. The writer’s use of detail and local voices creates a lively portrait of change that helps readers understand both the character of the district and the forces shaping its future.
Competition Comment: I enjoyed reading this year’s entries. Choosing winners was difficult because the overall quality was strong, and each story brought something worthwhile to the page. Congratulations to all of the journalists who submitted work in this category for producing well-written, compelling features.
