GREATER CINCINNATI SPJ PRO CHAPTER
EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM CONTEST
The Greater Cincinnati Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists is pleased to announce the winners and finalists in the 2025 Excellence In Journalism Contest. We thank the members of Northwest SPJ in Washington , Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska for their work in judging the entries.
The Excellence In Journalism Awards were presented on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at the new WVXU studios in Evanston.
The awards ceremony was in conjunction with the induction of three new members of the Greater Cincinnati Journalism Hall of Fame: the late Pat Crowley, Cincinnati Post, The Cincinnati Enquirer and Strategic Advisers, LLC; Courtis Fuller of WLWT-TV and Tom McKee of WCPO-TV and the University of Cincinnati Media Production Department.
ALL MEDIA
100 - GERALD WHITE MEMORIAL AWARD
WINNER: “Cincinnati Homicide Cases Unravel After Deals With Informants”
ENTRANTS: Amber Hunt & Dan Horn
MEDIA OUTLET: The Cincinnati Enquirer
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Fantastic reporting on a hard subject. Provoked change and
reflection from the local legal system. A good example of the kind of work that
only journalists can do.”
101 - CAMILLA WARRICK AWARD
WINNER: “Teen Mental Health”
ENTRANT: Elizabeth B. Kim
MEDIA OUTLET: The Cincinnati Enquirer
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Kim pressed through the vague assurances she received from local
authorities and showed that although reporters have a growing number of tools
at their disposal, some of the most important remain scrutiny and rigor.”
103 - OUTSTANDING NEW JOURNALIST
WINNER: Kenton Hornbeck
ENTRANT: Kenton Hornbeck
MEDIA OUTLET: LINK nky
FINALIST: Quinlan Bentley
ENTRANT: Quinlan Bentley
MEDIA OUTLET: The Cincinnati Enquirer
104 – JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
WINNER: Duane Pohlman
ENTRANT: Duane Pohlman
MEDIA OUTLET: WKRC-TV
FINALIST: Madeline Fening
ENTRANT: Madeline Fening
MEDIA OUTLET: Cincinnati CityBeat
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
105 - GENERAL ASSIGNMENT NEWS
STORY
WINNER: “Pro-Palestinian Protesters Slapped with Felony Charges for
Wearing Masks Outside Xavier Commencement”
ENTRANT: Madeline Fening
MEDIA OUTLET: Cincinnati CityBeat
JUDGE’S COMMENT: “Good digging into the issue by gathering context of what
happened from informed sources.”
FINALIST: “Despite International Fame, Nikki Giovanni Never Forgot
Cincinnati”
ENTRANT: Nick Swartsell
MEDIA OUTLET: WVXU, Cincinnati Public Radio
106 – BREAKING NEWS/DEADLINE COVERAGE
WINNER: “Florence Mass Shooting”
ENTRANT: The Cincinnati Enquirer Staff
MEDIA OUTLET: The Cincinnati Enquirer
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “… The reporters sensitively conveyed the stages of the situation
in their continuing coverage.”
FINALIST: “David Bothast, First-Term Talawanda Board Member, Resigns”
ENTRANT: Sean Scott
MEDIA OUTLET: Oxford Free Press
107 – DANIEL CARTER BEARD BRIDGE FIRE
COVERAGE
WINNER: “Daniel Carter Beard Bridge Fire”
ENTRANT: The Cincinnati Enquirer Staff
MEDIA OUTLET: The Cincinnati Enquirer
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Great coverage of the fire, capturing lots of different
perspectives and stories from one news event...”
108 – CONTINUING COVERAGE OR SERIES
WINNER: “First Suburbs—Beyond Borders”
ENTRANTS: David Holthaus, Joe Simon & Patrice Watson
MEDIA OUTLET: Soapbox Media
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “This reporting provides context and helpful information for
parents, residents and entrepreneurs across the region.”
FINALIST: “Addyston Styrene Leak”
ENTRANT: The Cincinnati Enquirer Staff
MEDIA OUTLET: The Cincinnati Enquirer
FINALIST: “Coverage of Kroger's $25 Billion Albertsons Takeover Bid”
ENTRANT: Alexander Coolidge
MEDIA OUTLET: The Cincinnati Enquirer
109 - FEATURE STORY
WINNER: “Joe Burrow Has a Fashion Stylist, and He's Dressing the QB to
the 9s This Year”
ENTRANT: David Wysong
MEDIA OUTLET: The Cincinnati Enquirer
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Great insights, color and quotes make this a winner in a very
competitive category.”
FINALIST: “Holy Ravioli!”
ENTRANT: Mary McCarty
MEDIA OUTLET: Cincinnati Magazine
FINALIST: “From Orphanage To Centenarian: NKY Resident Reflects on 100
Years”
ENTRANT: Haley Parnell
MEDIA OUTLET: LINK nky
110 - BEAT REPORTING
WINNER: “Housing Reporting”
ENTRANT: Sean Scott
MEDIA OUTLET: Oxford Free Press
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Great accountability journalism and staying on top of an
important story…”
FINALIST: “Gordon Wittenmyer Body of Work”
ENTRANT: Gordon Wittenmyer
MEDIA OUTLET: The Cincinnati Enquirer
111 – ELECTION ISSUES REPORTING
WINNER: “Election Issues Reporting at CityBeat”
ENTRANT: Madeline Fening
MEDIA OUTLET: Cincinnati CityBeat
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “A raw and honest look at a polarizing candidate that includes
depth and nuance.”
112 – HUMAN RIGHTS/MINORITY ISSUES
REPORTING
WINNER: “Death Can't Bury Their Stories”
ENTRANT: Jenny Wohlfarth
MEDIA OUTLET: Cincinnati Magazine
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “A moving picture of how living history brings a community
together.”
FINALIST: “The Negro Motorist Green Book Was a Guide to Freedom and Safety”
ENTRANT: Kareem Simpson
MEDIA OUTLET: Soapbox Media
FINALIST: “Mauritanian Immigrants Are Struggling In Lockland, and So Is the
Village”
ENTRANT: Randy Tucker
MEDIA OUTLET: The Cincinnati Enquirer
113 – CRIMINAL/SOCIAL JUSTICE
REPORTING
WINNER: “Missing in Plain Sight: The Inequity Behind Cincinnati's 'North
Fairmount Jane Doe’”
ENTRANT: Madeline Fening
MEDIA OUTLET: Cincinnati CityBeat
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “A gripping look at forensics, race and detective work that
teaches and moves the reader in equal measure.”
FINALIST: “Homelessness In NKY: 'Where Are They Supposed to Go?'”
ENTRANT: Nathan Granger
MEDIA OUTLET: LINK nky
114 – GOVERNMENT/COMMUNITY ISSUES
REPORTING
WINNER: “Parkview Arms Under Scrutiny After Sending Eviction Notices to
Residents”
ENTRANT: Sean Scott
MEDIA OUTLET: Oxford Free Press
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Scott's piece is well-written, enterprising and provides voice
to those who are often otherwise ignored by a one-sided power dynamic.”
FINALIST: “No, It's Not the County Commissioners. Here's Why Your Property
Taxes Went Up”
ENTRANTS: Erin Glynn & Scott Wartman
MEDIA OUTLET: The Cincinnati Enquirer
115 – INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING
WINNER: “Cincinnati Homicide Cases Unravel After Deals with Informants”
ENTRANTS: Amber Hunt & Dan Horn
MEDIA OUTLET: The Cincinnati Enquirer
JUDGE’S COMMENT: “This investigation was eye-opening and important... Crisp
writing and storytelling. Impressive work.”
FINALIST: “Dying Behind Bars”
ENTRANTS: Laura A. Bischoff & Erin Glynn
MEDIA OUTLET: The Cincinnati Enquirer
116 – USE OF PUBLIC RECORDS REPORTING
WINNER: “How an Antisemitic Would-Be Terrorist Emerged from Cincinnati's
Elite”
ENTRANTS: Jolene Almendarez & Zurie Pope
MEDIA OUTLET: The Cincinnati Enquirer
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Excellent work showing a true commitment to providing truth to
the public on this matter.”
117 – BUSINESS/CONSUMER NEWS STORY
WINNER: “What's Keeping Greater Cincinnati's Zombie Malls Alive”
ENTRANTS: Sydney Franklin, Victoria Moorwood, Erin Couch, Meredith Perkins
& Allison Kiehl
MEDIA OUTLET: The Cincinnati Enquirer
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “An interesting read that I'm sure locals appreciated. Good
set-up and good net-casting to include many properties. Nice photos too—they
set the scene!”
118 – BUSINESS FEATURE/ANALYSIS/COLUMN
WINNER: “Best Bang for the Buck: Public Company CEO Performance Versus
Pay Analysis”
ENTRANT: Steve Watkins
MEDIA OUTLET: Cincinnati Business Courier
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “A good way to report on CEO salaries and comparing them to
company performance. Great context and visuals for readers.”
FINALIST: “Tipping Point”
ENTRANT: Jim DeBrosse
MEDIA OUTLET: Cincinnati Magazine
FINALIST: “Independent Pharmacies on the Verge of Extinction”
ENTRANT: Kenton Hornbeck
MEDIA OUTLET: LINK nky
119 – EDUCATION REPORTING
WINNER: “Finding Her Voice: Family Fights for Fair Education for Daughter
with Hearing Loss”
ENTRANT: Madeline Mitchell
MEDIA OUTLET: The Cincinnati Enquirer
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Excellent story that touches on all the nuances of special
education but gives you one child's journey!”
FINALIST: “New Year, Same Routes: Talawanda Continues Busing at State
Minimum”
ENTRANT: Taylor Stumbaugh
MEDIA OUTLET: Oxford Free Press
FINALIST: “Unpacking the Discourse Around Amendment 2”
ENTRANT: Nathan Granger
MEDIA OUTLET: LINK nky
120 – CHILD/YOUTH/TEEN ISSUES REPORTING
WINNER: “Mental Health Matters”
ENTRANTS: Eileen McClory, Samantha Wildow & Josh Sweigart
MEDIA OUTLET: Dayton Daily News
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “This effort …stood out for the depth of reporting and visuals…”
FINALIST: “Innocent Words or Predator's Trap? The Trouble with Making
Grooming Illegal”
ENTRANT: Madeline Mitchell
MEDIA OUTLET: The Cincinnati Enquirer
FINALIST: “Teens Graduate While Awaiting Trial”
ENTRANT: Cameron Knight
MEDIA OUTLET: The Cincinnati Enquirer
121 –
HEALTH/MEDICAL/SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING
WINNER: “Cincinnati Schools Are Using an App to Identify Suicidal Kids.
Not Everyone Is Convinced”
ENTRANT: Elizabeth B. Kim
MEDIA OUTLET: The Cincinnati Enquirer
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Excellent writing, use of scenes and weaving in of the
reporter's perspective.”
FINALIST: “A Race Against Time: The Hidden Cruelty of Ohio’s 24-Hour Waiting
Period Abortion Rule”
ENTRANT: Madeline Fening
MEDIA OUTLET: Cincinnati CityBeat
FINALIST: “Changing Minds”
ENTRANT: Cedric Rose
MEDIA OUTLET: Cincinnati Magazine
122 – EDITORIAL
WINNER: “The Cincinnati Enquirer Editorials”
ENTRANT: Kevin Aldridge
MEDIA OUTLET: The Cincinnati Enquirer
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Strong editorials, calling for public process and transparency
on policymaking and government hiring and health and safety for the vulnerable.
Perfect examples of the causes that a community newspaper should champion.”
123 – ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT REPORTING
WINNER: “A Freewheelin' Appreciation of Bob Dylan in Cincinnati”
ENTRANT: Steven Rosen
MEDIA OUTLET: Cincinnati Magazine
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Impressive depth of sourcing and a great balance… An enjoyable
read throughout.”
FINALIST: “Rob Fetters Is Never Boring”
ENTRANT: Jason Gargano
MEDIA OUTLET: Cincinnati Magazine
FINALIST: “How a 'Little Farm Kid' From Cincinnati Created the Hit 'Queer
Eye' TV Empire”
ENTRANT: Grace Tucker
MEDIA OUTLET: The Cincinnati Enquirer
124 – ARTS REVIEW/CRITIQUE
WINNER: “Picture Perfect”
ENTRANT: Brandon Wuske
MEDIA OUTLET: Cincinnati Magazine
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Nice use of a sidebar to present at-a-glance info. Good details
of dishes. Great photos. Makes me want to eat there!”
125 – SPORTS/SPORTS FEATURE REPORTING
WINNER: “Legendary Coach Ron Russo Beloved by Former Runners”
ENTRANT: Brendan Connelly
MEDIA OUTLET: The Cincinnati Enquirer
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “A poignant story well told.”
FINALIST: “'Are They Waiting for Me to Die?' Can Pete Rose Find Hall Pass In
MLB's New Gambling Ties?”
ENTRANT: Gordon Wittenmyer
MEDIA OUTLET: The Cincinnati Enquirer
FINALIST: “The Man Behind the Mullet: Xavier's Brad Colbert Puts Musketeers
First, Hair Second”
ENTRANT: Shelby Dermer
MEDIA OUTLET: The Cincinnati Enquirer
127 – NEWSPAPER SPECIAL SECTION
WINNER: “Pete Rose Commemorative Section”
ENTRANT: The Cincinnati Enquirer Staff
MEDIA OUTLET: The Cincinnati Enquirer
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “A superb and thorough package of a hometown icon who still
captures attention across Ohio—and the nation…”
FINALIST: “2024 Election Super Issue”
ENTRANTS: Meghan Goth, Lacy Starling, Maggy McDonel, Kenton Hornbeck, Haley
Parnell & Nathan Granger
MEDIA OUTLET: LINK nky
128 – MAGAZINE REPORTING
WINNER: “Keep Going”
ENTRANT: Lisa Murtha
MEDIA OUTLET: Cincinnati Magazine
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Exceptional storytelling of a heartbreaking situation, told with
compassion and detail… A story that will stay with the reader for years to
come.”
FINALIST: “Death Can't Bury Their Stories”
ENTRANT: Jenny Wohlfarth
MEDIA OUTLET: Cincinnati Magazine
129 – MAGAZINE SPECIAL PUBLICATION
WINNER: “Cincinnati Gives 2024”
ENTRANTS: Aiesha Little & Emi Villavicencio
MEDIA OUTLET: Cincinnati Magazine
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “The tales of Cincinnati residents are compelling and clearly
strengthen the community awareness of heroes from all neighborhoods.”
FINALIST: “Global Cincy 2025”
ENTRANTS: Cincy Staff & EACC Cincy
MEDIA OUTLET: Cincy Magazine
BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
130 – GENERAL ASSIGNMENT NEWS
STORY
WINNER: “Colerain Kroger Shooting Aftermath”
ENTRANTS: Tyler Madden & Jake Cail
MEDIA OUTLET: WKRC-TV Local 12
131 – BREAKING NEWS/DEADLINE COVERAGE
WINNER: “'It's Sad': Troop Leaders React to Archdiocese Cutting Ties with
Girl Scouts”
ENTRANT: Tana Weingartner
MEDIA OUTLET: WVXU, Cincinnati Public Radio
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Good job telling a complex story in just one minute…”
132 – DANIEL CARTER BEARD BRIDGE FIRE
COVERAGE
WINNER: “Bridge Fire Continuing Coverage”
ENTRANT: Tyler Madden
MEDIA OUTLET: WKRC-TV Local 12
FINALIST: “Reopening of Big Mac Bridge Targeted for March”
ENTRANT: Tana Weingartner
MEDIA OUTLET: WVXU, Cincinnati Public Radio
133 – CONTINUING COVERAGE OR SERIES
WINNER: “Search for Solutions: Youth Violence”
ENTRANTS: Adrian Whitsett, Kristen Skovira, Melody Thomson, Ray Pfeffer
& Dwayne Slavey
MEDIA OUTLET: WCPO-TV
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “This story tackles an important issue with good community
engagement that goes beyond official sources…”
FINALIST: “Battling Deadly Brain Damage”
ENTRANTS: Duane Pohlman, Holden Robinson & News Staff
MEDIA OUTLET: WKRC-TV Local 12
FINALIST: “The Park Hills Survivor: How a Single Fingerprint and a Victim's
Memory Solved a 40-Year-Old Cold Case”
ENTRANTS: Jessica Schmidt & Tom Dewees
MEDIA OUTLET: WXIX-TV FOX19
134 – FEATURE STORY
WINNER: “The Save”
ENTRANTS: Duane Pohlman, Holden Robinson, Kevin Barnett & Austin
Tanner
MEDIA OUTLET: WKRC-TV Local 12
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “This memorable story captures the power of making a connection,
and the positive impact of sharing experiences.”
FINALIST: “Need to Know the Time or Temp? There's (Still) a Phone Number for
That”
ENTRANT: Tana Weingartner
MEDIA OUTLET: WVXU, Cincinnati Public Radio
FINALIST: “The Yellow Bus”
ENTRANTS: Meghan Mongillo & Eric Gerhardt
MEDIA OUTLET: WKRC-TV Local 12
137 – HUMAN RIGHTS/MINORITY ISSUES
REPORTING
WINNER: “60 Years Ago, The West End Was Uprooted by I-75. Can the Area Be
'Stitched' Back Together?”
ENTRANT: Nick Swartsell
MEDIA OUTLET: WVXU, Cincinnati Public Radio
139 – GOVERNMENT ISSUES/COMMUNITY
REPORTING
WINNER: “Seniors Could Be Hit Hardest by Cincinnati's Property Tax
Increases”
ENTRANT: Nick Swartsell
MEDIA OUTLET: WVXU, Cincinnati Public Radio
140 – INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING
WINNER: “Fallout”
ENTRANTS: Duane Pohlman, Holden Robinson & Tim Geraghty
MEDIA OUTLET: WKRC-TV Local 12
145 – BUSINESS/CONSUMER REPORTING
WINNER: “Sharing Medical Information”
ENTRANTS: Duane Pohlman & Holden Robinson
MEDIA OUTLET: WKRC-TV Local 12
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “At a time when individuals' health care is becoming increasingly
politicized — and criminalized — the complete lack of privacy exposed here is
stunning...”
146 –
HEALTH/MEDICAL/SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING
WINNER: “Battling Deadly Brain Damage”
ENTRANTS: Duane Pohlman, Holden Robinson & News Staff
MEDIA OUTLET: WKRC-TV Local 12
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “In-depth reporting that illuminated lesser-known causes of brain
injuries.”
FINALIST: “Body of Work”
ENTRANT: Tana Weingartner
MEDIA OUTLET: WVXU, Cincinnati Public Radio
147 – SPORTS/SPORTS FEATURE REPORTING
WINNER: “The Godfather”
ENTRANTS: Marshall Kramsky & Raymond Pfeffer
MEDIA OUTLET: WCPO-TV
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “The tales of Cincinnati residents are compelling and clearly
strengthen the community awareness of heroes from all neighborhoods.”
FINALIST: “Bearcats Holtman Doesn't Allow Hearing Loss to Limit On-Court
Dreams”
ENTRANTS: Austin Tanner, Chris Renkel & Kevin Barnett
MEDIA OUTLET: WKRC-TV Local 12
FINALIST: “This Para Athlete Can't Train When It Rains. 3 UC Students Want
to Change That”
ENTRANT: Tana Weingartner
MEDIA OUTLET: WVXU, Cincinnati Public Radio
148 – THE PASSING OF PETE ROSE COVERAGE
WINNER: “Pete Rose Tributes”
ENTRANTS: Tyler Madden, Jake Cail & Greg Singleton
MEDIA OUTLET: WKRC-TV Local 12
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “This coverage captures the heavy hearts around Cincinnati after
the Hit King's passing, first with a breaking news approach to Pete Rose's
death and next with a great feature on what the iconic player meant to the
city...”
FINALIST: “Pete Rose Leaves Behind Lifetime Fans and a Complicated Legacy”
ENTRANT: Bill Rinehart
MEDIA OUTLET: WVXU, Cincinnati Public Radio
149 – DOCUMENTARY
WINNER: “Milan's Moment”
ENTRANTS: Marshall Kramsky, Mike Dyer & Raymond Pfeffer
MEDIA OUTLET: WCPO-TV
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Really well done, feel-good documentary. Great use of music,
archive footage, blending of "Hoosiers" info and modern-day shots.”
VISUAL
COMMUNICATION
150 – NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY PORTFOLIO
WINNER: “Body of Work”
ENTRANT: Corrie Schaffeld
MEDIA OUTLET: Cincinnati Business Courier
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Corrie Schaffeld presented a terrific body of work with
versatile compositions. From food photography to portraits and more, Schaffeld
delivered an excellent and well-rounded portfolio.”
151 – FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY PORTFOLIO
WINNER: “Body of Work”
ENTRANT: Joe Simon
MEDIA OUTLET: Soapbox Media
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Joe Simon showcased strong compositions and an impressive
overall portfolio.”
152 – SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY PORTFOLIO
WINNER: “Body of Work”
ENTRANT: Corrie Schaffeld
MEDIA OUTLET: Cincinnati Business Courier
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Corrie Schaffeld captured amazing sports moments with vibrant
colors. I especially loved the photo of the fan in the luchador mask—it was
both striking and memorable.”
154 – NEWSPAPER PAGE ONE DESIGN
WINNER: “Cincinnati Business Courier”
ENTRANTS: Corrie Schaffeld & John Lauer
MEDIA OUTLET: Cincinnati Business Courier
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “It's no easy task to make business news appealing and effective,
but Cincinnati Business Courier does that with color, wordplay and impact.”
FINALIST: “Oxford Free Press”
ENTRANT: Macey Chamberlin
MEDIA OUTLET: Oxford Free Press
155 – MAGAZINE COVER DESIGN
WINNER: “Cincinnati Magazine”
ENTRANTS: Brittany Dexter & Emi Villavicencio
MEDIA OUTLET: Cincinnati Magazine
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Great color and use of art.”
157 – GRAPHICS/ILLUSTRATIONS
WINNER: “Cincinnati Business Courier”
ENTRANT: John Lauer
MEDIA OUTLET: Cincinnati Business Courier
FREELANCE
163 – EDITORIAL OR COMMENTARY
WINNER: “Opinion: Did You Know Florence Has a Flag? It’s Time to Change
It.”
ENTRANT: Eric Inda
MEDIA OUTLET: LINK nky
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Soundly reasoned, to the point. Well done.”
COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY
167 – STUDENT PUBLICATION
WINNER: “The Miami Student”
ENTRANT: The Miami Student Staff
MEDIA OUTLET: The Miami Student
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “The Miami editorial team provides polished and comprehensive
coverage with each issue. Great news judgment, nice layout, comprehensive
coverage and more!”
FINALIST: “The News Record”
ENTRANT: The News Record Staff
MEDIA OUTLET: The News Record
FINALIST: “Northern Review”
ENTRANT: Northern Review Staff
MEDIA OUTLET: Northern Review
168 – STUDENT REPORTER – PRINT/ONLINE
WINNER: “Olivia Patel”
ENTRANT: Olivia Patel
MEDIA OUTLET: The Miami Student
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Patel professionally crafts a range of well-reported pieces that
include important coverage on campus and beyond.”
FINALIST: “Ella Rinehard”
ENTRANT: Ella Rinehard
MEDIA OUTLET: The Northerner
FINALIST: “Emily Sisk”
ENTRANT: Emily Sisk
MEDIA OUTLET: The Northerner
169 – STUDENT REPORTER –
BROADCASTING
WINNER: “Transform Cincy”
ENTRANT: Louis Rogers
MEDIA OUTLET: University of Cincinnati Media Production
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “The tales of Cincinnati residents are compelling and clearly
strengthen the community awareness of heroes from all neighborhoods.”
FINALIST: “Mulcahey Family Darts Night”
ENTRANT: Patrick Mulcahey
MEDIA OUTLET: University of Cincinnati Media Production
171 – STUDENT FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY PORTFOLIO
WINNER: “Body of Work”
ENTRANT: Evelyn Megery
MEDIA OUTLET: Northern Review
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Great awareness of lighting, and capturing people's expressions
in action.”
172 – STUDENT SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY PORTFOLIO
WINNER: “Sports Body of Work”
ENTRANT: Maylea Salmon
MEDIA OUTLET: The News Record and The University of Cincinnati Athletics
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Excellent compositions, stunning lighting, creative choices, and
unique perspectives. Great work!”
FINALIST: “Sports Body of Work”
ENTRANT: Evelyn Megery
MEDIA OUTLET: Northern Review
FINALIST: “Sports Body of Work”
ENTRANT: Tavish Sweeney
MEDIA OUTLET: The News Record
173 – STUDENT NEWS/FEATURE/SPORTS/VIDEOGRAPHY
WINNER: “Set Sail for a Night Of Laughter: NKU Brings Comedy Classic
“Anything Goes” to Life”
ENTRANTS: Jillian Kohls, Emily Sisk, Jameson Howard, Olivia Hermann
& John Flowers
MEDIA OUTLET: The Northerner
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Nice, clean cinematography combined with smart editing helps
this play preview story come to life.”
FINALIST: “Five International Markets Share a Slice of Home”
ENTRANT: Elita St. Clair
MEDIA OUTLET: The Northerner
FINALIST: “Meet the NKU Cricket Club”
ENTRANT: Alex Perez
MEDIA OUTLET: The Northerner
174 – STUDENT PODCAST
WINNER: “The Israel-Hamas War: Making Space for Difficult Conversations
at Miami University”
ENTRANTS: Chloe McKinney & Natalie Luci
MEDIA OUTLET: The Miami Student Media
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Such a hard topic to talk about—and it's important to try. Great
work.”
175 – STUDENT SPECIAL PROJECT
WINNER: “Tavish Sweeney Special Project”
ENTRANT: Tavish Sweeney
MEDIA OUTLET: The News Record
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Solid reporting, well-conceived presentation executed with
sophistication. Kudos for pushing into new forms of storytelling.”
FINALIST: “Urban Art for the Soul”
ENTRANTS: Rahaf Abdelaziez, Sadie Brown, Joe Davis, Seth Gavalier, Daniel
Jason, Morgan Manger, Lucas McCorkle & Ella Whalquist
MEDIA OUTLET: University of Cincinnati Media Production
FINALIST: “Before Vegas, There Was Newport: the Glamor, Danger and
Corruption of the South’s “Sin City”
ENTRANTS: Emily Sisk & Jameson Howard
MEDIA OUTLET: The Northerner
HIGH
SCHOOL
176 – STUDENT PUBLICATION
WINNER: “The Chatterbox”
ENTRANTS: Marwa Khzir & Kaylee Robbins
MEDIA OUTLET: The Chatterbox
177 – STUDENT BROADCAST PROGRAM
WINNER: “Walnut Weekly”
ENTRANTS: Violet Garitson, Corey Wasem, Bronson Presnell, Kendra Sullivan,
James Overton, Katie Ragland, Imani Ward, Leo Duchesnault Harris, Avani Wagh,
Grace Cotton, Lily Hope Hoffman Suder
MEDIA OUTLET: The Chatterbox
178 – STUDENT REPORTER –
PRINT/ONLINE
WINNER: “Emma Brown”
ENTRANT: Emma Brown
MEDIA OUTLET: The Chatterbox
FINALIST: “Marwa Khzir”
ENTRANT: Marwa Khzir
MEDIA OUTLET: The Chatterbox
FINALIST: “Sarah Wilson”
ENTRANT: Sarah Wilson
MEDIA OUTLET: The Chatterbox
BEST OF SHOW
184 – BEST OVERALL WRITTEN
REPORTER
WINNER: “Jolene Almendarez”
ENTRANT: Jolene Almendarez
MEDIA OUTLET: The Cincinnati Enquirer
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Jolene's writing style demonstrates versatility and aplomb. This
reporter can tackle a range of stories and write with sensitivity and detail.”
FINALIST: “Steve Watkins”
ENTRANT: Steve Watkins
MEDIA OUTLET: Cincinnati Business Courier
185 – BEST OVERALL BROADCAST REPORTER
WINNER: “Duane Pohlman”
ENTRANT: Duane Pohlman
MEDIA OUTLET: WKRC-TV Local 12
FINALIST: “Andrew Rowan”
ENTRANT: Andrew Rowan
MEDIA OUTLET: WCPO-TV
FINALIST: “Tana Weingartner”
ENTRANT: Tana Weingartner
MEDIA OUTLET: WVXU, Cincinnati Public Radio
188 – BEST RADIO NEWS ANCHOR
WINNER: “Maryanne Zeleznik”
ENTRANT: Maryanne Zeleznik
MEDIA OUTLET: WVXU, Cincinnati Public Radio
189 – BEST RADIO NEWSCAST OR NEWS
PROGRAM
WINNER: “WVXU News Team”
ENTRANT: WVXU News Team
MEDIA OUTLET: WVXU, Cincinnati Public Radio
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Solid newscast that covers everything from local politics to
elephants.”
190 – BEST PODCAST
WINNER: “Backed Up”
ENTRANTS: Becca Costello & Ella Rowen
MEDIA OUTLET: WVXU, Cincinnati Public Radio
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Good production and reporting. Good range of interviews and
field audio. Fun listen.”
FINALIST: “Elegy: The Many Myths of JD Vance”
ENTRANTS: Madeline Fening & Ashley Paul
MEDIA OUTLET: Cincinnati CityBeat
FINALIST: “Cincinnati's Crime Vault: Beyond the Broadcast - The Easter
Sunday Massacre”
ENTRANT: Jessica Schmidt
MEDIA OUTLET: FOX19
191 – BEST COLUMNIST/COMMENTATOR
WINNER: “Kevin Aldridge Body of Work”
ENTRANT: Kevin Aldridge
MEDIA OUTLET: The Cincinnati Enquirer
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Compelling, thorough work showing empathy for subjects and
readers alike. Columns that don't shy away from reporting and are careful to
place an issue within its proper and full context.”
FINALIST: “Jason Williams Sports Columns”
ENTRANT: Jason Williams
MEDIA OUTLET: The Cincinnati Enquirer
192 – BEST NEWSPAPER
WINNER: “The Cincinnati Enquirer”
ENTRANT: Enquirer Staff
MEDIA OUTLET: The Cincinnati Enquirer
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Great mix of stories, public-service journalism.”
FINALIST: “Cincinnati Business Courier”
ENTRANT: Cincinnati Business Courier Staff
MEDIA OUTLET: Cincinnati Business Courier
193 – BEST MAGAZINE
WINNER: “Cincy Magazine”
ENTRANT: Cincy Magazine Staff
MEDIA OUTLET: Cincy Magazine
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Queen City residents are lucky to have two exceptional lifestyle
magazines to peruse.”
FINALIST: “Cincinnati Magazine”
ENTRANT: Cincinnati Magazine Staff
MEDIA OUTLET: Cincinnati Magazine
194 – BEST WEBSITE
WINNER: “cincinnati.com”
ENTRANT: The Cincinnati Enquirer Staff
MEDIA OUTLET: The Cincinnati Enquirer
FINALIST: “CincinnatiMagazine.com”
ENTRANTS: Claire Lefton & Staff
MEDIA OUTLET: Cincinnati Magazine
FINALIST: “linknky.com”
ENTRANTS: Lacy Starling, Meghan Goth & Maggy McDonel
MEDIA OUTLET: LINK nky
195 – BEST OVERALL FREELANCE REPORTER
WINNER: “David Holthaus”
ENTRANT: David Holthaus
MEDIA OUTLET: Cincinnati Magazine, Soapbox Media
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Good range of topics, in-depth reporting, good use of photos and
other visual material. Good storytelling too—author has a command of lede
writing and making a story feel compelling and even fun.”
