2020
OSMAN C. HOOPER NEWSPAPER AWARDS
&
OHIO COLLEGIATE NEWSPAPER COMPETITION
HOOPER DIVISIONS
A
Circulation 4300 and above
B
Circulation 2501-4299
C
Circulation 2500 and below
Athens News • Barberton Herald • Chagrin Valley Times • Geauga Times Courier • Putnam County Sentinel • The Budget • The People’s Defender • The Press (Millbury) • West Life
Clermont Sun • Geauga County Maple Leaf • Monroe County Beacon • Morgan County Herald • News Democrat • Pike County News Watchman • The Gazette • The Lake County Tribune • The Telegram (Jackson) • Vinton-Jackson Courier
Archbold Buckeye • Fulton County Expositor • Morrow County Sentinel • Ripley Bee • Solon Times • Swanton Enterprise • The Courier • The News • Yellow Springs News
COLLEGIATE DIVISIONS
A
The News Record, University of Cincinnati The Collegian, Lorain Co. Community College The Lantern, The Ohio State University The Post, Ohio University The Clarion, Sinclair Community College The Guardian, Wright State University The Jambar, Youngstown State University
B
The Collegian, Ashland University The Exponent, Baldwin Wallace University The Witmarsum, Bluffton University The Chimes, Capital University Cedars, Cedarville University The Pulse, University of Findlay The Carroll News, John Carroll University Northern Review, Ohio Northern University T&C Media, Otterbein University The Newswire, Xavier University
HOOPER CATEGORY
01
NEWS COVERAGE
Division
A
CATEGORY
01
NEWS COVERAGE
3rd Place Athens News Credit: Staff
Division
A
CATEGORY
01
NEWS COVERAGE
2nd Place West Life Credit: Staff
Division
A
CATEGORY
01
NEWS COVERAGE
1st Place Chagrin Valley Times Credit: Staff
Division
B
CATEGORY
01
NEWS COVERAGE
3rd Place Vinton-Jackson Courier Credit:
Sydney Dawes, Jeremiah Shaver, Tyler Buchanan
Division
B
CATEGORY
01
NEWS COVERAGE
2nd Place Pike County News Watchman Credit:
Matt Lucas, Sherry Stanley, Julie Billings
Division
B
CATEGORY
01
NEWS COVERAGE
1st Place Geauga County Maple Leaf Credit: Staff
Division
C
CATEGORY
01
NEWS COVERAGE
3rd Place Archbold Buckeye Credit: Staff
Division
C
CATEGORY
01
NEWS COVERAGE
2nd Place Yellow Springs News Credit: Staff
Division
C
CATEGORY
01
NEWS COVERAGE
1st Place Swanton Enterprise Credit: Staff
COLLEGIATE
CATEGORY 01 NEWS COVERAGE
Division
A
CATEGORY
01
NEWS COVERAGE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
3rd Place The Post, Ohio University Credit: Staff
The Post gives readers a comprehensive buffet of news, features, sports and commentary. The stories were written well and the graphics offered readers additional information at a glance. Keep up the good work.
Division
A
CATEGORY
01
NEWS COVERAGE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
2nd Place The Guardian, Wright State Univ. Credit:
Sarah Cavender, Natalie Cunningham, Lucas Gonzalez, Michael Mathews
The Guardian staff does an excellent job of covering news both on campus and in the Dayton community. Stories are written well as are the headlines. The coverage includes a good mix of news, features, sports and commentary. Well done.
Division
A
CATEGORY
01
NEWS COVERAGE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place The Jambar, Youngstown State Univ. Credit:
Rachel Gobep, Morgan Petronelli, Jambar Staff
The Jambar staff skillfully tackles a wide range of hard news stories that impact both university students and the greater Youngstown community. The writing was lean and tight with excellent leads. Interesting features on campus personalities and sports rounded out each edition.
Division
B
CATEGORY
01
NEWS COVERAGE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
3rd Place The Pulse, University of Findlay Credit: Staff
The Pulse reflected a nice balance of campus news, features, opinion and sports. Stories and headlines were written well. This high level of work is impressive for a college newspaper.
Division
B
CATEGORY
01
NEWS COVERAGE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
2nd Place The Newswire, Xavier Univ. Credit: Staff
The Newswire gives readers a comprehensive reflection of issues important to students. Good writing, headlines. Staff does a nice job.
Division
B
CATEGORY
01
NEWS COVERAGE
1st Place The Exponent, Baldwin Wallace Univ.
Credit: Emma Selmon and Staff
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
The Exponent packs a punch of news, features and sports in each edition. The writing is good, headlines tight and photos used well. Nice job.
HOOPER CATEGORY
02
BEST NEWS STORY
Division
A
CATEGORY
02
BEST NEWS STORY
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
Really good story. The reporter did a lot of legwork to get comments from seniors who had been scammed and people who worked with seniors to help them.
3rd Place West Life Credit: Jeff Gallatin
Division
A
CATEGORY
02
BEST NEWS STORY
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
2nd Place Putnam County Sentinel Credit: Steven Coburn-Griffis
Powerful lead on a great story that connected a national issue to your community. I appreciated that you returned to the animal at the end.
Division
A
CATEGORY
02
BEST NEWS STORY
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
This kind of story is what a local newspaper needs to do. The News ran down all the leads they could to get to the bottom of who financed this effort.
1st Place Athens News Credit: Conor Morris and Kayla Beard
Division
B
CATEGORY
02
BEST NEWS STORY
3rd Place The Gazette Credit: Stefanie Wessell
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
Good localizing story. Nice use of descriptions of the interactions at the event.
Division
B
CATEGORY
02
BEST NEWS STORY
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
A well executed story. It provides an excellent narrative outline of the abuse case.
2nd Place Geauga County Maple Leaf Credit: Ann Wishart
Division
B
CATEGORY
02
BEST NEWS STORY
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place Geauga County Maple Leaf Credit: John Karlovec
Nice execution of a heartbreaking story. It provides both details about the crime and an overall context for the increasing use of DNA evidence by law enforcement.
Division
C
CATEGORY
02
BEST NEWS
3rd Place Archbold Buckeye Credit: David Pugh
Division
C
CATEGORY
02
BEST NEWS STORY
2nd Place Archbold Buckeye Credit: Mary Huber
Division
C
CATEGORY
02
BEST NEWS STORY
1st Place Yellow Springs News Credit: Carol Simmons
COLLEGIATE
CATEGORY 02
IN-DEPTH REPORTING
Division
A
CATEGORY
02
IN-DEPTH REPORTING
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
3rd Place The Jambar, Youngstown State Univ. Credit:
Morgan Petronelli and Rachel Gobep
Interviews with multiple students who had concerns about this professor delivered a strong and compelling story. The narrative also was engaging and drew readers into the story.
Division
A
CATEGORY
02
IN-DEPTH REPORTING
2nd Place The Lantern, The Ohio State Univ. Credit: Jerrod Mogan
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
An amazing piece of data journalism to show an important trend that would have likely gone unnoticed otherwise. A great example of using data to tell important stories. Well done.
Division
A
CATEGORY
02
IN-DEPTH REPORTING
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place The Post, Ohio University Credit: Bailey Gallion
By far the most compelling writing in this category. The author gave readers a great sense of the challenges two women overcame to fight sexual harassment. A strong overall effort.
Division
B
CATEGORY
02
IN-DEPTH REPORTING
3rd Place The Collegian, Ashland Univ. Credit: Avaerie Fitzgerald
Division
B
CATEGORY
02
IN-DEPTH REPORTING
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
2nd Place Cedars, Cedarville University Credit: Staff
An impressive team effort showing how technology impacts all of us in many, many ways. A good concept with strong execution.
Division
B
CATEGORY
02
IN-DEPTH REPORTING
1st Place Cedars, Cedarville University Credit: Paolo Carrion
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: A compelling story told with strong writing that successfully holds a reader’s attention.
HOOPER CATEGORY
03
IN-DEPTH REPORTING
Division
A
CATEGORY
03
IN-DEPTH REPORTING
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Very good in-depth reporting of a single sexual assaults case and the nuances of recovery for the victim.
3rd Place Athens News Credit: Conor Morris
Division
A
CATEGORY
03
IN-DEPTH REPORTING
2nd Place The Press (Millbury) Credit: The Press Staff
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
This is an ambitious and very well-conducted overview of the environmental problems facing Lake Erie’s southwestern shore. The reporting covers many different aspects of the problem, is very well sourced, and is reasonably well written.
Division
A
CATEGORY
03
IN-DEPTH REPORTING
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
Exceptionally well researched, reported, and written series. Text provides ample context about regional recycling programs. Infographics are informative.
1st Place Chagrin Valley Times Credit: Staff
Division
B
CATEGORY
03
IN-DEPTH REPORTING
3rd Place Clermont Sun Credit: Brett Milam
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
Good coverage of a classic NIMBY story involving drug/alcohol addiction clinics.
Division
B
CATEGORY
03
2nd Place Clermont Sun
IN-DEPTH REPORTING
Credit: Staff
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
Thorough coverage of all events related to a multi-faceted community tragedy.
Division
B
CATEGORY
03
IN-DEPTH REPORTING
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place Monroe County Beacon Credit: Kreg Robinson, Carey Harlan
Strong, consistent coverage of the financial difficulties facing the county’s elder care facility and the political controversy surrounding actions of the county commission. The reporting is balanced, fair, and thorough.
Division
C
CATEGORY
03
IN-DEPTH REPORTING
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
3rd Place Archbold Buckeye Credit: Pam Graber
Articles are “information dense” and provide important information to the community about the challenges of municipal recycling locally and nationwide.
Division
C
CATEGORY
03
IN-DEPTH REPORTING
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
2nd Place Yellow Springs News Credit:
Megan Bachman, Carol Simmons, Diane Chiddister
Strong and thorough overview of anti-racism and pro-diversity challenges and efforts in the community. Strong local reporting augmented with review of scholarly research and expert testimony.
Division
C
CATEGORY
03
IN-DEPTH REPORTING
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place Solon Times Credit: Sue Reid
Thorough and multi-faceted coverage of a divisive development proposal that revealed loopholes and limits of the community’s home-rule and zoning policies. Coverage was consistently fair, balanced, and thorough.
COLLEGIATE
CATEGORY 03
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Division
A
CATEGORY
03
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
3rd Place The Lantern, The Ohio State Univ. Credit: Staff
Good topics with straight writing. Very different entries that encompass a wide range of topics. Focused writing that was easy to read.
Division
A
CATEGORY
03
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
2nd Place The Post, Ohio University Credit:
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
Alexis Eichelberger, Taylor Johnston, Georgia Davis
Nice subjects. Well written. Geocaching piece especially strong.
Division
A
CATEGORY
03
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place The Clarion, Sinclair Community College
Credit:
Henry Wolski, Jeri Hensley, Samuel J. Claude
Great pieces with solid graphics to bring the piece together. Mario is a must and the writer killed it in making others want to take the game for a spin.
Division
B
CATEGORY
03
3rd Place Cedars, Cedarville University
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
Varied topics. Nice layouts. Solid writing.
Credit: Lauren McGuire, Kattie Milligan
Division
B
CATEGORY
03
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
2nd Place The Chimes, Capital University Credit: Staff
Nice mix of topics. Solid writing. Easy to understand.
Division
B
CATEGORY
03
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
1st Place The Witmarsum, Bluffton Univ. Credit:
Hannah Conklin, Dakota Fredette, Nicole Centofanti
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
These pieces set the bar. Topics were focused. Writing was clear. Incredible job.
HOOPER CATEGORY
04
BEST LOCAL FEATURE
Division
A
CATEGORY
04
BEST LOCAL FEATURE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
3rd Place Chagrin Valley Times Credit: Julie Hullett
The unusual subject matter drew me in. A fox hunt in Ohio made me curious. The writer provided a good sense of scene.
Division
A
CATEGORY
04
2nd Place The People’s Defender
BEST LOCAL FEATURE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
Starting the story with an ordinary day drew me in. The quotes showed the emotion that the family went through trying to save the store.
Credit: Patricia Beech
Division
A
CATEGORY
04
BEST LOCAL FEATURE
1st Place The Budget Credit: Beverly Keller
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: This behind-thescenes look at a long-standing family business was enlightening. You get a sense of the family and employees’ love and care about the business.
Division
B
CATEGORY
04
BEST LOCAL FEATURE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
3rd Place Monroe County Beacon Credit: Carey Harlan
Effective local reporting of a story that has implications far beyond the paper’s circulation area. Educational piece with crisp writing and good use of quotes.
Division
B
CATEGORY
04
BEST LOCAL FEATURE
2nd Place Monroe County Beacon Credit: Kreg Robinson
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
Heartwarming story. This is a classic piece for community-based journalism.
Division
B
CATEGORY
04
BEST LOCAL FEATURE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place Geauga County Maple Leaf Credit: Rose Numenaitis
It is written in warm, colorful language, engaging the reader and eliciting the owner’s emotion. Effective use of imagery without going over the top.
Division
C
CATEGORY
04
BEST LOCAL FEATURE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
3rd Place Swanton Enterprise Credit: David J. Coehrs
The subject matter in this story is not only compelling but also shocking with its specifics of brutality. The writer lets the survivor tell her story without judgment.
Division
C
CATEGORY
04
BEST LOCAL FEATURE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
2nd Place Archbold Buckeye Credit: David Pugh
The dialog gives it a literary feel. This story shows you can tell a tale in a linear fashion and still be creative.
Division
C
CATEGORY
04
BEST LOCAL FEATURE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place Archbold Buckeye Credit: Mary Huber
The writer’s use of dialog moves the story quickly. The story gives a great sense of a community pulling together to help a family of its own.
COLLEGIATE
CATEGORY 04
OPINION WRITING
Division
A
CATEGORY
04
OPINION WRITING
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
Each piece was well written. Great job.
3rd Place The Lantern, The Ohio State Univ. Credit: Wyatt Crosher
Division
A
CATEGORY
04
OPINION WRITING
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
2nd Place The Post, Ohio University Credit: Mikayla Rochelle
Great topics and solid writing. While these were topics many have talked about, the writer made them feel like you had read them for the first time.
Division
A
CATEGORY
04
OPINION WRITING
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place The Post, Ohio University Credit: Georgia Davis
Looking at the bad of Netflix was an angle that was unique for that age set. Clear messages. Not afraid to speak her mind.
Division
B
CATEGORY
04
OPINION WRITING
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
Great pieces with wellrounded content. Deeply personal and moving pieces are definitely what set this writer apart from others.
3rd Place The Chimes, Capital University Credit: Kathryn Poe
Division
B
CATEGORY
04
OPINION WRITING
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
2nd Place The Carroll News, John Carroll Univ. Credit: Olivia Shackleton
Each piece had a zip to it that made it easy to read and left me wanting to read more opinions from this writer. Well organized.
Division
B
CATEGORY
04
OPINION WRITING
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place Northern Review, Ohio Northern Univ.
Credit: Emma M. Green
Absolutely fantastic. Well written and easily understood.
HOOPER CATEGORY
05
BEST LOCAL PROFILE
Division
A
CATEGORY
05
BEST LOCAL PROFILE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: This story was very personal and must have been as difficult to write as it was for the subject to discuss it. A great story with vivid descriptions during a time where many people can relate to mental health issues and drug abuse.
3rd Place West Life Credit: Maureen Bole
Division
A
CATEGORY
05
BEST LOCAL PROFILE
2nd Place Athens News Credit: Dennis Powell
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
Stories about those behind the scenes are always great. The more personal style of writing also helps to draw in the reader.
Division
A
CATEGORY
05
BEST LOCAL PROFILE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place The People’s Defender Credit: Patricia Beech
I couldn’t put this story down. The description of the war and all the history that is relayed can’t help but make a reader emotional.
Division
B
CATEGORY
05
BEST LOCAL PROFILE
3rd Place Monroe County Beacon Credit: Kreg Robinson
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
Avoids a pat “program review” story or a standard “feel-good” story by intertwining a program’s development with one person it served.
Division
B
CATEGORY
05
BEST LOCAL PROFILE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
2nd Place Geauga County Maple Leaf Credit: Rose Numenaitis
Writer places reader at the scene, demonstrating significant interviewing and listening skills to bring detail to life.
Division
B
CATEGORY
05
BEST LOCAL PROFILE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place Geauga County Maple Leaf Credit: Jamie Ward
Writer deftly moves the reader back and forward in time while keeping the focus on the subject.
Division
C
CATEGORY
05
BEST LOCAL PROFILE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
3rd Place Archbold Buckeye Credit: Mary Huber
The quotes totally make this story. While the story is mostly told through the couple’s words, I don’t think it would have worked any other way. It was a heartfelt story that made me remember my grandparents.
Division
C
CATEGORY
05
BEST LOCAL PROFILE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
2nd Place The Courier Credit: Martha Sorohan
It’s a great story about a man coming home, and the lead about football was interesting and relatable.
Division
C
CATEGORY
05
1st Place Yellow Springs News
BEST LOCAL PROFILE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
This profile made me laugh out loud. All the points in his life transition smoothly and it was a quick read!
Credit: Diane Chiddister
COLLEGIATE
CATEGORY 05
SPORTS COVERAGE
Division
A
CATEGORY
05
SPORTS COVERAGE
3rd Place The Lantern, The Ohio State Univ. Credit: Colin Gay, Wyatt Crosher
Division
A
CATEGORY
05
SPORTS COVERAGE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
2nd Place The Clarion, Sinclair Community College
Credit: Jeffery Allen
Very solid coverage. Excellent writing, especially in the feature piece, in addition to color and design.
Division
A
CATEGORY
05
SPORTS COVERAGE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place The Post, Ohio University Credit: Sports Staff
Excellent use of photography and layout to advance the stories. Well-rounded coverage.
Division
B
CATEGORY
05
SPORTS COVERAGE
3rd Place The Exponent, Baldwin Wallace Univ. Credit: Staff
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
Good coverage.
Division
B
CATEGORY
05
SPORTS COVERAGE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
2nd Place The Collegian, Ashland Univ. Credit: Staff
Well-rounded coverage with a good use of graphics to enhance the feel of the pages.
Division
B
CATEGORY
05
SPORTS COVERAGE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place The Newswire, Xavier Univ. Credit: Staff
Professional looking products with a good mix of game coverage and info/entertainment pieces.
HOOPER CATEGORY
06
ORIGINAL COLUMNS
Division
A
CATEGORY
06
ORIGINAL COLUMNS
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
3rd Place West Life Credit: Maureen Bole
This writer submitted a series of three columns on her first person fight with drug addiction. Tthis was a strong recounting of a terrible, widespread problem.
Division
A
CATEGORY
06
ORIGINAL COLUMNS
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
2nd Place West Life Credit: Michele Murphy
Clear explanations and down-to-earth outrage ... made Michele Murphy’s columns compelling. She speaks with the voice of a goodhearted person who is angered by wrongs and incompetencies.
Division
A
CATEGORY
06
ORIGINAL COLUMNS
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place Athens News Credit: Terry Smith
The writer speaks out with a voice on important local issues. He clearly is not afraid of challenging people, and will never stoop to boring readers with opinions about the weather.
Division
B
CATEGORY
06
ORIGINAL COLUMNS
3rd Place Clermont Sun Credit: Marc Hoover
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
Marc Hoover took deep dives into the lives of his subjects.
Division
B
CATEGORY
06
2nd Place
ORIGINAL COLUMNS
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
Pat Greene’s folksy tales, often connected to Butters the dog, were entertaining looks at life in the community.
The Lake County Tribune Credit: Pat Greene
Division
B
CATEGORY
06
1st Place Clermont Sun
ORIGINAL COLUMNS
Credit: Danei Edelen
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
Danei Edelen’s three-part series of columns on “What are the signs of mental illness?” provided a great community service. Her technique of telling the real stories of people in the community who suffered from mental illness brought the issue home to readers.
Division
C
CATEGORY
06
ORIGINAL COLUMNS
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
I like the premise of this column -thought for food -- using basic staples as symbols of the life around us.
3rd Place Yellow Springs News Credit: Lauren “Chuck” Shows
Division
C
CATEGORY
06
ORIGINAL COLUMNS
2nd Place Yellow Springs News Credit: Bomani Moyenda
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: The author offered a very personal perspective on events happening around him -forcing readers to see, and perhaps understand things through the eyes of someone else.
Division
C
CATEGORY
06
ORIGINAL COLUMNS
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place Morrow County Sentinel Credit: Anthony Conchel
The author uses his personal observations to tell clear, often entertaining stories. He uses a direct, but gentle touch.
COLLEGIATE
CATEGORY 06 DESIGN
Division
A
CATEGORY
06
DESIGN
3rd Place The Clarion, Sinclair Community College
Credit: Clarion Graphic Design Team
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
Topic headlines effectively guide readers through the paper. Unjustified type gives pages interesting look. Use of photos with stories was effective.
Division
A
CATEGORY
06
DESIGN
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
2nd Place The Lantern, The Ohio State Univ. Credit:
Jack Westerheide, Kelly Meaden, Claire Kudika
The Lantern designers effectively used classic layout techniques to produce clean pages that were easy for the reader to navigate. Uses of photos made pages pop. There was good use of entry points to break up the gray type.
Division
A
CATEGORY
06
DESIGN
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place The Post, Ohio University Credit: Design Staff
The Post had sophisticated use of illustrations on the cover and inside as well as excellent use of graphics to complement stories. Pages were clean with good use of headline font, subheads and lines to separate the stories.
Division
B
CATEGORY
06
DESIGN
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
3rd Place The Exponent, Baldwin Wallace Univ. Credit: Staff
The Exponent has a nice clean layout style that accommodates putting as many as four stories on a page without it looking crowded. There was good use of photos on front and inside pages as well as entry points.
Division
B
CATEGORY
06
DESIGN
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
Cedars draws readers in with its front cover illustration. The front cover of the winning men’s basketball team shot was done well. Good use of photos throughout the paper. Headlines were balanced and centered for a nice clean look. Pages had entry points thanks to pull quotes. It was nice to see some graphics.
2nd Place Cedars, Cedarville University Credit: Staff
Division
B
CATEGORY
06
DESIGN
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place Northern Review, Ohio Northern Univ.
Credit: Staff
The photo cover was eye-catching. Headlines are clear and easy to read. Good use of photos. Nice entry points on the pages with pull quotes to break up the type.
HOOPER CATEGORY
07
BEST EDITORIAL
Division CATEGORY CO MB IN ED BEST EDITORIAL
07
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
4th Place Chagrin Valley Times Credit: Ellen J. Kleinerman
Chagrin Valley Times made very clear how out of touch the Geauga County Commissioners were who complained about members of the public using social media to object to a proposal to move county offices. When one commissioner said people who used social media must be bored or unemployed, the paper let the commissioner know that he needed to learn how to communicate with his constituents.
Division CATEGORY CO MB IN ED BEST EDITORIAL
07
3rd Place West Life Credit: Susan Condon Love
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
West Life named names and publicly scorned the elected officials who voted against a ban on plastic bags. This issue had been explained and explored in previous editorials and West Life was able to bring those arguments back to refute the excuses made by those voting against the ordinance. This was a strong stance that was well-argued.
Division CATEGORY CO MB IN ED BEST EDITORIAL
07
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
The Athens News joined a national campaign condemning Donald Trump’s attacks on the news media in which he described members of the media as “enemies of the people.” Some might consider an editorial in support of the media to be self-serving. This one was not. It clearly made the point that the First Amendment guarantee of a free press is meant to serve all of the people.
2nd Place Athens News Credit: Staff
Division CATEGORY CO MB IN ED BEST EDITORIAL
07
1st Place Athens News Credit: Staff
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
This editorial urging defeat of State Issue I offered a clear explanation of a complicated subject and a strong argument supporting the editorial stance. There was no mistaking where the Athens News stood on this issue and no misunderstanding about the basis for the opinion.
COLLEGIATE
CATEGORY 07
PHOTOJOURNALISM
Division
A
CATEGORY
07
PHOTOJOURNALISM
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: The snow. The sidewalk. The light. The contrast. The strife. This is an important thing to take a picture of. Well done.
3rd Place The Guardian, Wright State Univ. Credit:
Soham Parikh, Staff Photographer
Division
A
CATEGORY
07
PHOTOJOURNALISM
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
2nd Place The Lantern, The Ohio State Univ. Credit: Casey Cascaldo
To capture the emotion in an otherwise normal sports situation is important to the culture. Love the vulnerability. And composition and light are particularly strong here.
Division
A
CATEGORY
07
PHOTOJOURNALISM
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place The Lantern, The Ohio State Univ. Credit: Casey Cascaldo
A photo within a photo, which is what this is, can be so compelling and fun. Way to be in the right place at the right time and capture a strong moment.
Division
B
CATEGORY
07
PHOTOJOURNALISM
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
3rd Place Cedars, Cedarville University Credit: Carrie Bergan, Macey Wymer
Like the angle and ability to capture color and light.
Division
B
CATEGORY
07
PHOTOJOURNALISM
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
2nd Place The Exponent, Baldwin Wallace Univ. Credit: Jesse Kucewicz
What a photo! And I’ve seen so many attempt to do this. Clear, crisp, and a great moment used to highlight a high in the season.
Division
B
CATEGORY
07
PHOTOJOURNALISM
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place Northern Review, Ohio Northern Univ.
Credit: McKenzie Wilson
Captured such a normal moment in a way that was symmetrical and yet interesting. There’s adventure had and also adventure to be had. Familiar and fun. A nice celebration of the season.
HOOPER CATEGORY
08
SPORTS COVERAGE
Division
A
CATEGORY
08
SPORTS COVERAGE
3rd Place Putnam County Sentinel Credit: Charlie Warnimont
Division
A
CATEGORY
08
SPORTS COVERAGE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
2nd Place West Life Credit:
Jack Kopanski, Chris Voloschuk, Rob DiFranco
Stats are important in sports coverage. But, the sports writer(s) avoid stats-dump and make the stories interesting.
Division
A
CATEGORY
08
SPORTS COVERAGE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place Chagrin Valley Times Credit: Tony Lange
Lucid writing that would motivate even a non-sports fan to read the stories.
Division
B
CATEGORY
08
SPORTS COVERAGE
3rd Place News Democrat Credit: Wade Linville
Division
B
CATEGORY
08
SPORTS COVERAGE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
2nd Place Pike County News Watchman Credit:
Julie Billings, Ethan Leist, Baden Fuller
Compelling writing and good coverage of a wide array of sports.
Division
B
CATEGORY
08
SPORTS COVERAGE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place Vinton-Jackson Courier Credit: Staff
Captivating leads without score-data dumps. It makes the stories interesting even to non-sports readers.
Division
C
CATEGORY
08
SPORTS COVERAGE
3rd Place Swanton Enterprise Credit: Staff
Division
C
CATEGORY
08
SPORTS COVERAGE
2nd Place The Courier Credit: Byron C. Wessell
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
Good leads and lucid writing.
Division
C
CATEGORY
08
SPORTS COVERAGE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
Good story-telling interspersed with tidbids and research.
1st Place Fulton County Expositor Credit: Staff
COLLEGIATE
CATEGORY 08
HEADLINE WRITING
Division
A
CATEGORY
08
HEADLINE WRITING
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
Piques reader interest.
3rd Place The Post, Ohio University Credit: Bailey Gallion
Division
A
CATEGORY
08
HEADLINE WRITING
2nd Place The Clarion, Sinclair Community College
Credit:
Cerridwyn Kuykendall, Henry Wolski, Samuel J. Claude
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
Lyrical, colorful words draw reader to story.
Division
A
CATEGORY
08
HEADLINE WRITING
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place The Lantern, The Ohio State Univ. Credit: Amanda Parrish
Nice use of Greek mythology to describe problems with Greek fraternities.
Division
B
CATEGORY
08
HEADLINE WRITING
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
3rd Place Cedars, Cedarville University Credit: Staff
Clever use of double meaning of diamonds and mining.
Division
B
CATEGORY
08
HEADLINE WRITING
2nd Place The Newswire, Xavier Univ. Credit: Sofia Ordonez
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
Succinct headline with clever alliteration.
Division
B
CATEGORY
08
1st Place
HEADLINE WRITING
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
A succinct headline that leads you to read the story.
Northern Review, Ohio Northern Univ.
Credit: McKenzie Wilson
HOOPER CATEGORY
09
BEST SPORTS FEATURE
Division
A
CATEGORY
09
BEST SPORTS FEATURE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
3rd Place Chagrin Valley Times Credit: Tony Lange
A well-written story about the emotional roller coaster of a football player whose dream had been shattered by hemorrhage.
Division
A
CATEGORY
09
BEST SPORTS FEATURE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
2nd Place West Life Credit: Jack Kopanski
An in-depth story on how the community helps with housing for lowpaid minor league players. Kudos!
Division
A
CATEGORY
09
BEST SPORTS FEATURE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: The writer deftly captures the grit of a physically challenged high school wrestler.
1st Place Chagrin Valley Times Credit: Tony Lange
Division
B
CATEGORY
09
BEST SPORTS FEATURE
3rd Place Pike County News Watchman Credit: Julie Billings
Division
B
CATEGORY
09
BEST SPORTS FEATURE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: A compelling read about a father who draws inspiration from his young daughter. It is more than a sports feature.
2nd Place Monroe County Beacon Credit: Kreg Robinson
Division
B
CATEGORY
09
BEST SPORTS FEATURE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place Clermont Sun Credit: Garth Shanklin
A thoroughly-researched series on an issue that affects all sports nationwide, not limited to Ohio. Kudos to the writer for highlighting the challenges faced by referees.
Division
C
CATEGORY
09
BEST SPORTS FEATURE
2nd Place Archbold Buckeye Credit: Mary Huber
Division
C
CATEGORY
09
BEST SPORTS FEATURE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place Yellow Springs News Credit: Carol Simmons
A timely story about the school’s push for equity in cheer-leading.
COLLEGIATE
CATEGORY 09 BEST MULTI-MEDIA PACKAGE
Division
A
CATEGORY
09
BEST MULTIMEDIA PACKAGE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
With the growing use of video and audio production in multi-media, we sometimes forget the power of photographs capturing one moment in time. Excellent use of a photo gallery to show the emotion of the event.
3rd Place The Jambar, Youngstown State Univ.
Credit:
Morgan Petronelli, Tanner Mondok and Jambar Staff
Division
A
CATEGORY
09
BEST MULTIMEDIA PACKAGE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
2nd Place The Post, Ohio University Credit:
Bennett Leckrone, Ashton Nichols, Georgia Davis
Solid job of reinforcing the written article with a video interview.
Division
A
CATEGORY
09
BEST MULTIMEDIA PACKAGE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place The Lantern, The Ohio State Univ. Credit:
Rachel Bules, Joe Matts, Casey Cascaldo
Excellent coverage of a controversial topic by using multi-media. Equal weight was given between the written word and the video, allowing a consumer an equal choice in how they wanted to receive the news. Top quality production work on the video.
Division
B
CATEGORY
09
BEST MULTIMEDIA PACKAGE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
3rd Place T&C Media, Otterbein Univ. Credit: Tim Pennucci
Exceptional examples of using one of the fastest growing storytelling mediums - podcasting.
Division
B
CATEGORY
09
BEST MULTIMEDIA PACKAGE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
Great use of short form video in combination with the written story. Technically solid with interviews and the use of voice overs to keep the visual storytelling interesting. Shows how much can be done on a dayto-day basis of covering events.
2nd Place Cedars, Cedarville University Credit: Keegan D’Alfonso
Division
B
CATEGORY
09
BEST MULTIMEDIA PACKAGE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place The Witmarsum, Bluffton Univ. Credit: Dakota Fredette
Excellent mini-documentary with good transitions, interesting graphics, and good use of interspersed interviews to keep the story moving. Even the closing credits helped to bring out the personality of the subject.
HOOPER CATEGORY
10
NEWSPAPER DESIGN
Division
A
CATEGORY
10
NEWSPAPER DESIGN
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
3rd Place Chagrin Valley Times Credit:
Amanda Petkiewicz, Maureen Bole
All three newspapers that placed in this category were well designed. All use headlines in one font family, follow modular design, organize with section headers and sigs and feel contemporary. They have a great balance of photos and text. Choosing the place finishes boiled down to small details from the pages the news organizations chose to submit.
Division
A
CATEGORY
10
NEWSPAPER DESIGN
2nd Place West Life Credit: Maureen Bole
Division
A
CATEGORY
10
NEWSPAPER DESIGN
1st Place Athens News Credit: Terry Smith
Division
B
CATEGORY
10
NEWSPAPER DESIGN
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
3rd Place Clermont Sun Credit: Brett Milam, Garth Shanklin
The second and third place winners were very similar in design. Both have organized pages and stories packaged as modules with headlines helping to organize the page.
Division
B
CATEGORY
10
NEWSPAPER DESIGN
2nd Place Pike County News Watchman Credit: Staff
Division
B
CATEGORY
10
NEWSPAPER DESIGN
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place Geauga County Maple Leaf Credit: Pam Molnar
The format of the Maple Leaf is an advantage. The combination of restrained design, modular organization and consistent signposts aids in the reading of the newspaper. Story packages included a pulled quote, appropriate clip art or photograph that visually enhanced the story rather than distracting the reader.
Division
C
CATEGORY
10
NEWSPAPER DESIGN
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
2nd Place Archbold Buckeye Credit: Staff
Strong color sports photography would have appeal for local audience. Modular design and standing headers help the reader move through the newspaper. Font choices and sizes are appropriate and consistent.
Division
C
CATEGORY
10
NEWSPAPER DESIGN
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
Yellow Springs was the clear winner in this division. The overall design is the right balance of photos and text. The clean design is organized and uses consistent headers to help the reader move through the paper. Story packages are designed as modules and smaller “briefs” are grouped into sections.
1st Place Yellow Springs News Credit: Staff
COLLEGIATE
CATEGORY 10 BEST WEBSITE
Division
A
CATEGORY
10
BEST WEBSITE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
Attractive contrast and design. Information seems easy to find. Appreciate the Twitter feed.
3rd Place The Jambar, Youngstown State Univ. Credit:
Brady Sklenar, Ryan Peplowski and Jambar Staff
Division
A
CATEGORY
10
BEST WEBSITE
2nd Place The News Record, Univ. of Cincinnati Credit: Staff
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
There is a lot of content very visible, but this makes this website easy to scan for important information. Appreciate the header, color scheme and design.
Division
A
CATEGORY
10
BEST WEBSITE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place The Post, Ohio University Credit: Staff
The Post website is far and away the easiest entry to navigate and is very easy on the eyes. Love the simplicity, clarity and design. Keep up the good work.
Division
B
CATEGORY
10
BEST WEBSITE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
3rd Place Cedars, Cedarville University Credit: Staff
Headers make it easy to find what you’re looking for and seem inviting because of the design. The division of Campus News and OffCampus News is wise. Also like the graphic element of one big photo and several small ones per topic as you scroll.
Division
B
CATEGORY
10
BEST WEBSITE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
2nd Place The Witmarsum, Bluffton Univ. Credit: Staff
Design is well done with strong graphic element on top and clean navigation elements. Like the three taller columns for News, Features and Opinions, followed by Sports and more general content. In Case You Missed It on the bottom is a smart Easter egg.
Division
B
CATEGORY
10
BEST WEBSITE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: The dual focus on sports and campus life is smart. Like the top stories at the top and the graphic element. Good personality. Clear navigation. Also was pleased to find live broadcast and social media along the side. Keep up the good work!
1st Place T&C Media, Otterbein Univ. Credit: Staff
HOOPER CATEGORY
11
BEST PAGE DESIGN
Division
A
CATEGORY
11
BEST PAGE DESIGN
3rd Place Athens News Credit: Laura Zielinski
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
The depth and dimension created by the designer make the real spider seem alive. The coloring of the crowd picture underneath has a very 1950’s horror movie screen shot feel to it. The combination of the spider and the photo and the placement of the spider across the the nameplate and the dominant photo makes this design work. The added fact that the spider was taken by the designer only adds to the creepiness.
Division
A
CATEGORY
11
BEST PAGE DESIGN
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
2nd Place West Life Credit: Maureen Bole
The reader got a lot of information in a perfectly balanced, appealing, easy-to-digest design. The topic of the spread is reflected in the color choice. The pulled quoted is wrapped in the main story. The font choices are clean and fit with the page design.
Division
A
CATEGORY
11
BEST PAGE DESIGN
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place Chagrin Valley Times Credit: Maureen Bole
The illustrations of Maureen Bole propelled this design to the top. The artwork combined with the color, restrained use of the well-chosen decorative font and the clear packaging of the separate stories made for an outstanding design.
Division
B
CATEGORY
11
BEST PAGE DESIGN
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
The story of the farm closing is told through family photos with standout captions. Color is used in the borders of photos as well. The boxes showing the timeline is a nice addition to the storytelling.
3rd Place The Telegram (Jackson) Credit: Pam Wilson
Division
B
CATEGORY
11
2nd Place Morgan County Herald
BEST PAGE DESIGN
Credit: David Keller
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
The front page is inviting and has a unique design that is related to the story about a farm. The greens are inviting and the fonts add to the design but don’t detract from the main photo.
Division
B
CATEGORY
11
BEST PAGE DESIGN
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place Geauga County Maple Leaf Credit: Pam Molnar
The photo really helped to make this an amazing front page design. The other stories do not detract from the main story. The addition of the cutouts of the books helps to keep your eyes moving down the page to other stories. It’s simple but impactful.
Division
C
CATEGORY
11
BEST PAGE DESIGN
3rd Place Solon Times Credit: Amanda Petkiewicz
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
The second and third place winners are the same front page template. The template relies on a strong dominate photo to carry the main story. All the stories are designed as modules. The overall balance of the page, the typography choice, and the use of color make for a dynamic front page. Children always make a great subject to draw the reader in and the perfect crop of this interesting photo succeeds in making this a winning design.
Division
C
CATEGORY
11
BEST PAGE DESIGN
2nd Place Solon Times Credit: Amanda Petkiewicz
Division
C
CATEGORY
11
BEST PAGE DESIGN
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
This jump page could stand alone and all the elements of the design work together. Clean typography helps the reading as does the use of subheads to divide up a long story. The variety in shape of the photos adds appeal yet allows the photos to work as one visual unit due in part to attention to the alignment and spacing. The detailed captions are placed appropriately and avoid starting the captions with the directional words.
1st Place Yellow Springs News Credit: Staff
HOOPER CATEGORY
12
ADVERTSING
Division
A
CATEGORY
12
ADVERTISING
3rd Place West Life Credit:
Lindsey Poyer, Connie Gabor, Ashley Gier
Division
A
CATEGORY
12
ADVERTISING
2nd Place Chagrin Valley Times Credit:
Connie Gabor, Ashley Gier, Brandyn Mortiz
Division
A
CATEGORY
12
ADVERTISING
1st Place Athens News Credit: Staff
Division
B
CATEGORY
12
ADVERTISING
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
3rd Place Clermont Sun Credit: Staff
Especially like the “Mow the Distance” ad.
Division
B
CATEGORY
12
ADVERTISING
2nd Place Pike County News Watchman Credit: Staff
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Nice ads.
Division
B
CATEGORY
12
ADVERTISING
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place Morgan County Herald Credit: Janis Keller
Nice Father’s Day page. Also like the Easter ad.
Division
C
CATEGORY
12
ADVERTISING
3rd Place The Courier Credit: Lisa Zavada
Division
C
CATEGORY
12
ADVERTISING
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
2nd Place Archbold Buckeye Credit: Mary Huber, Pam Kruse
Loved the ads on the sports page
Division
C
CATEGORY
12
ADVERTISING
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place The News Credit: Lisa Zavada
The MAX pizza ad made me hungry. I like the variety of the ads and the placement on pages
HOOPER CATEGORY
13
BEST NEWS PHOTO
Division
A
CATEGORY
13
BEST NEWS PHOTO
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
3rd Place Chagrin Valley Times Credit: Philip Botta
There is something about showing popcorn balls whizzing through the air on such a winter day that makes for a wonderful image. Plus, I enjoyed the great joy in the woman’s face as she was firing the “popcorn ball cannon.”
Division
A
CATEGORY
13
BEST NEWS PHOTO
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
2nd Place West Life Credit: Dave Gielow
I thought showing the bridge in the winter was the most effective way of telling the story of the demolition of the bridge. The grayness of the image set the emotional tone of the overall photograph.
Division
A
CATEGORY
13
BEST NEWS PHOTO
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: I think this might be the perfect representation of Palmer Fest. This picture needed the caption provided and that’s all.
1st Place Athens News Credit: Jordan Kelley
Division
B
CATEGORY
13
BEST NEWS PHOTO
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
3rd Place Vinton-Jackson Courier Credit: Sydney Dawes
I thought the ability to capture the tilt of the girl’s head showing the joy of riding in the wagon was a perfect encapsulation of this event. There is something about the happiness of children during Christmas that makes this image.
Division
B
CATEGORY
13
BEST NEWS PHOTO
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
The therapy dog was well framed in the image and caught at the right moment in time. I thought there was a real sense of emotion in the eyes of the dog.
2nd Place Clermont Sun Credit: Brett Milam, Megan Alley
Division
B
CATEGORY
13
BEST NEWS PHOTO
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place Clermont Sun Credit: Brett Milam, Megan Alley
I felt the stillness of the image plus the contrast between the damage in the background against the sense of hope in the foreground of the image made the photograph for me. It seems to capture a moment in time where words alone could not provide. I feel the photographer got to the essence of what the story was about in this one image.
Division
C
CATEGORY
13
BEST NEWS PHOTO
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
3rd Place Yellow Springs News Credit: Megan Bachman
The emotion of the UPS driver expressed in the image made the image. I found that the crowd’s reaction to the driver added to the overall nature of this compelling work.
Division
C
CATEGORY
13
BEST NEWS PHOTO
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: I felt the angle the photograph chose allowed the viewer to understand the full impact of the damage of the accident.
2nd Place Archbold Buckeye Credit: David Pugh
Division
C
CATEGORY
13
BEST NEWS PHOTO
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place Yellow Springs News Credit: Audrey Hackett
I thought the framing of the image felt like the photographer was capturing a slice of life in this image. Also, I thought the flash of humanity within the image made it the most compelling image of the group.
HOOPER CATEGORY
14
BEST FEATURE PHOTO
Division
A
CATEGORY
14
BEST FEATURE PHOTO
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
3rd Place West Life Credit: Nadine Bluemel
Simple but sweet, with beautiful colors, well structured and framed. Contrasts help the image pop.
Division
A
CATEGORY
14
BEST FEATURE PHOTO
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
2nd Place Geauga Times Courier Credit: Michael Steinberg
Good eye to frame and capture the steam and the expressions of wonder. Strong image that brings the moment to life.
Division
A
CATEGORY
14
1st Place
BEST FEATURE PHOTO
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
Beautiful photo--well framed, lovely colors. Terrific work.
West Life Credit: Nadine Bluemelv
Division
B
CATEGORY
14
BEST FEATURE PHOTO
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
3rd Place The Telegram (Jackson) Credit: Mindy Barry
Nice framing and cow is full of expression. We can only guess what the kids are thinking.
Division
B
CATEGORY
14
BEST FEATURE PHOTO
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
2nd Place The Telegram (Jackson) Credit: Mindy Barry
This is a joyful photo that captures such a wonderful moment.
Division
B
CATEGORY
14
BEST FEATURE PHOTO
1st Place The Gazette Credit: Dee Riley
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
The expression on his face is what seals this terrific photo, which is well framed and executed.
Division
C
CATEGORY
14
BEST FEATURE PHOTO
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
3rd Place Yellow Springs News Credit: Luciana Lieff
Lovely shot of the moment before freedom. Well framed with lovely expression and feel.
Division
C
CATEGORY
14
BEST FEATURE PHOTO
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
2nd Place Archbold Buckeye Credit: David Pugh
This simple shot says so much. I love his hand on the corn and the authority in his pose. The future of farming.
Division
C
CATEGORY
14
BEST FEATURE PHOTO
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place Yellow Springs News Credit: Carla Steiger
Creative use of fisheye lens, well structured with clear focal point. Good use of black and white. Very pleasing.
HOOPER CATEGORY
15
BEST SPORTS PHOTO
Division
A
CATEGORY
15
BEST SPORTS PHOTO
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
The rain adds to the interesting mood of the image. The wider composition, not typical for this action, works well and I’m happy to see the paper included the horizontal composition with the ball.
3rd Place Chagrin Valley Times Credit: Philip Botta
Division
A
CATEGORY
15
BEST SPORTS PHOTO
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
2nd Place Chagrin Valley Times Credit: Philip Botta
Great job reading the game and anticipating the action.
Division
A
CATEGORY
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
15
BEST SPORTS PHOTO
This is a great image that brings me right into the action. The wide angle, the position of the ball and the faces of all the players on the action made this image stand out from the rest.
1st Place West Life Credit: David Cleveland
Division
B
CATEGORY
15
BEST SPORTS PHOTO
3rd Place Morgan County Herald Credit: Janis Keller
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
Good anticipation and timing to capture this image. You can clearly see he is out!
Division
B
CATEGORY
15
BEST SPORTS PHOTO
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
Love the kids expression. Great choice for the cover with space for text to invite the audience into the the story.
2nd Place Clermont Sun Credit: Garth Shanklin
Division
B
CATEGORY
15
BEST SPORTS PHOTO
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
You can definitely see the intensity and determination of the player trying to get every inch possible against his rivals. Great moment.
1st Place Pike County News Watchman Credit: Julie Billings
Division
C
CATEGORY
15
BEST SPORTS PHOTO
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Great example of using a slow shutter speed and panning with a fast-moving subject. Perfect moment and execution of a photo technique that works for this scene.
3rd Place Yellow Springs News Credit: Kathleen Galarza
Division
C
CATEGORY
15
BEST SPORTS PHOTO
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
2nd Place Archbold Buckeye Credit: Mary Huber
Great job catching an emotional moment that tells the story. This image complements the article and photo package extremely well. Good job.
Division
C
CATEGORY
15
BEST SPORTS PHOTO
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place Yellow Springs News Credit: Matt Minde
I love the intensity in the pitcher’s eyes in this photograph. The photographer did a very good job composing the image by using the batter and the catcher in the foreground to frame the pitcher.
HOOPER CATEGORY
16
BEST HEADLINE
Division CATEGORY CO MB IN ED BEST HEADLINE
16
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
4th Place West Life Credit: Jack Kopanski
Excellent play on the word “home” to draw reader attention to this feel-good story. Headline is concise and connects to ordinary readers. The headline clearly matches the tone of the article.
Division CATEGORY CO MB IN ED BEST HEADLINE
16
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
3rd Place
Headline is clear, simple and powerful. Headline is excellent in matching tone of the article and connecting to readers. The headline also sparks curiosity in how the two got clean and gave back.
West Life Credit: Maureen Bole
Division CATEGORY CO MB IN ED BEST HEADLINE
16
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
2nd Place Putnam County Sentinel Credit: Steven Coburn-Griffis
Humor is a an element of strong headline writing, when appropriate. In this case, humor works well. Headline is concise and basically tells the whole story. Headline does a good job in sparking curiosity!
Division CATEGORY CO MB IN ED BEST HEADLINE
16
1st Place Chagrin Valley Times Credit:
Ellen J. Kleinerman, Tim Tedeschi
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
Eye-catching headline with creative use of cursive writing to draw reader attention. Headline connects with most readers and sets the tone of the story. Strong verb choice. Headlines are the most important element on a page, and this one is outstanding in grabbing attention.
HOOPER CATEGORY
17
SPECIAL EDITION/ SECTION
Division
A
CATEGORY
17
SPECIAL EDITION/ SECTION
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
3rd Place The Budget Credit: Staff
Delightful coverage of all things cheese. The writing here was as sharp as cheddar and provided a good history of the region as it became Ohio’s curds and whey mecca. Combine that with cute pictures of aspiring Little Swiss Miss contestants and you have a special section that exudes all the charm of an Alpine village.
Division
A
CATEGORY
17
SPECIAL EDITION/ SECTION
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
2nd Place Chagrin Valley Times Credit:
Tony Lange, Amanda Petkiewicz
I liked the way the magazine allowed its readers to re-live every moment of a memorable year for Kenston High School, reprising each game story and flooding the pages with excellent gameaction photography. Great job and Go Kenston!
Division
A
CATEGORY
17
SPECIAL EDITION/ SECTION
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place Athens News Credit: Staff
The folksy writing style blended sometimes with a bite and the tongue-in-cheek humor that runs from subtle to a pie-smack is what makes this a fun - and informational - read. The reader gets a good sense of Athens as the townies see it.
Division
B
CATEGORY
17
SPECIAL EDITION/ SECTION
3rd Place Clermont Sun Credit: Staff
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
Beautifully laid-out section with fascinating stories, safety tips and even recipes. For the hunter (and the cook), this section is a complete package.
Division
B
CATEGORY
17
SPECIAL EDITION/ SECTION
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
2nd Place Clermont Sun Credit: Staff
An excellent special section that is both educational and poignant with local survivors telling their stories. The writing is solid and the experiences related by the women who beat cancer are powerful.
Division
B
CATEGORY
17
SPECIAL EDITION/ SECTION
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
Bright writing focusing on one of the original farms in the area with the delightful Clarke sisters and a wonderful story about a girl and her pigs with an opening that makes you smell the barn - all make this a special edition that should have sent everyone in Geauga County straight to the fairgrounds.
1st Place Geauga County Maple Leaf Credit: Staff
Division
C
CATEGORY
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SPECIAL EDITION/ SECTION
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
3rd Place Solon Times Credit: Staff
Good comprehensive look at the past and the future of Solon as the city nears its 200th anniversary.
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SPECIAL EDITION/ SECTION
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
2nd Place Morrow County Sentinel Credit: Staff
Photos were crisp - even the cap toss was in focus. I’m sure the newspaper had to print a lot of extra copies.
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SPECIAL EDITION/ SECTION
1st Place Yellow Springs News Credit: Staff
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
Nicely done section that shows the versatility of the community with interesting and well-written stories about artists - famous and not-so-famous - who have helped to give Yellow Springs its special personality.
HOOPER CATEGORY
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COMMUNITY AWARENESS
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AWARENESS
4th Place Archbold Buckeye Credit: Staff
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
Good combination of stories and editorials.
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AWARENESS
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
3rd Place Pike County News Watchman Credit: Matt Lucas, Sherry Stanley
Excellent work by paper in tracking a complex, critical issue even while covering other major stories. Evidence of hard work by reporting staff and editors keeping focus on multiple important stories.
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AWARENESS
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
2nd Place Vinton-Jackson Courier Credit:
Sydney Dawes, Tyler Buchanan, Andy Hudnall
Excellent work outlining a problem critical to county residents. Particularly notable that the writer distinguished what truly makes a cancer cluster that’s distinct from anecdotal evidence.
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AWARENESS
JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place Putnam County Sentinel Credit: Martin Verni
Terrific example of a local paper owning an issue important to its community. Great depth, presentation of different views and opportunities for public engagement in critical issue.
HOOPER CATEGORY
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BEST WEBSITE
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4th Place Yellow Springs News Credit: Staff
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JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
3rd Place Athens News Credit: Staff
The site has a clean design and is easy to navigate. Photos are played well. The content was updated often during the judging period. The site had the strongest calendar feature of all those reviewed. The mobile site also looked good.
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JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
The site has a striking design that allows for great photo play. It looks great on mobile, too. The colorcoded, static navigation bar at the top of the site makes it easy to navigate. Ads are tastefully placed.
2nd Place Geauga County Maple Leaf Credit: Staff
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JUDGE’S COMMENTS:
1st Place Vinton-Jackson Courier Credit: Staff
This website stood out because it is updated regularly and offers a variety of multimedia content, including photo galleries and video. The design is clean, and the site is easy to navigate; it doesn’t require the reader to wade through unnecessary subsections. Ads don’t overwhelm readers. The mobile site looks good, too.
AND A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR JUDGES: HOOPER JUDGES
Steve Dorsey - Statesman Media, Austin Nicole Kraft - The Ohio State University Leonardo Carrizo - The Ohio State University Bill Reader - Ohio University Hans Meyer - Ohio University Kelly Taylor - Bowling Green State University Jim Foust - Bowling Green State University Terry Rentner- Bowling Green State University Jessica Graue - Sinclair Community College Jo Ingles - Ohio Wesleyan University Kelly Messinger - Capital University Cliff Anthony - Lorain County Community College Shane Tilton - Ohio Northern University Hillary Warren - Otterbein University Bob Jonason - University of Cincinnati John Stowell - Xavier University David Wells - Miami University
COLLEGIATE JUDGES
Bev Keller - The Budget, Sugarcreek Kirk Dougal – AIM Media Midwest Ellen Kleinerman – Chagrin Valley Times Jamie Ward – Geauga County Maple Leaf Mike Shearer – Akron Beacon Journal Wendy McManamon - formerly w/Cleveland Plain Dealer