First place: Eric Dundon, Hannibal Courier Post
About this entry: Eric Dundon’s engaging features include a profile of a local veteran, the tale of two canoeist discovering the beauty of the Mississippi River and the story of a group of scientist who venture deep into caves to save the local bat population.
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Through detailed descriptions caught by keen observations, these stories place readers in a cave with bat doctors and on a river trip with three canoeists. The profile of the veteran whose family sent 6 sons to war was a great find and could’ve been longer.
Second place: Neal White, Waxahachie Daily Light
About this entry: Neal White’s features tell wonderful stories about the wonderful people who make up his community and he exemplifies what it is to be a meaningful storyteller.
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Solid pieces – enjoyed the one about the WWII veteran who saved the Italian boy. It was a nice observation on the relationship between the two and what their experience was like decades ago. Also, the Bon Ton story was a good example of letting colorful quotes speak for themselves.
Third place: Vicky O. Misa, The Shawnee News-Star
About this entry: Vicky O. Misa’s features incorporate brilliant visuals and engaging writing to craft her wonderful profiles of local residents, both living and dead.
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A caring profile on the longtime photographer and a twist on the first day of school – for a teacher – help this entry stand out.