The Arizona Press Club is proud to announce the winners of the 2019 journalism awards.
Results from some categorieas have been delayed, and we will update this list with more winners as we receive final results from our volunteer judges.
This contest cycle has been unusual to say the very least. We normally hold this contest in January and announce results in the spring, but we delayed this year because of circumstances including Covid, wildfires, and layoffs and furloughs in Arizona newsrooms and beyond. We hope to return to the normal contest cycle in January 2021.
Due to administrative errors, three incorrect top-three placements were mistakenly announced in three Community Journalism categories. Those mistakes have been corrected in this post, and the Arizona Press Club sincerely regrets the errors.
We deeply appreciate your patience – and your continued good work – while our contest volunteers have worked to ensure we can all celebrate another year of incredible journalism together. We ask that you remain patient as we work with our judges and mail out paper certificates.
Congratulations to you all for keeping local journalism strong in 2019 and always!
– Arizona Press Club Board
Virg Hill Journalist of the Year — Tony Davis, Arizona Daily Star
Virg Hill was a popular and witty political columnist and reporter for The Phoenix Gazette. Hill died at the age of 62 of a heart attack while covering the Arizona House of Representatives. He passed away in January 1969, and in December of that year, the Arizona Press Club created the award in his honor. The Virg Hill Award goes to the writer or editor who, in the opinion of the judges, has done the best work during 2019.
Judge’s comment: Tony Davis’ investigative reporting on two Tuscon-area projects threatening the environment — a housing development near the San Pedro River and the Rosemont mines — laid bare the political influences that shaped key decisions. He got people to talk on the record — hard to do in these situations — and his reporting had impact. His work made a difference to his region and possibly to future policy.
Second place (tie): Lily Altavena, The Arizona Republic, and Rachel Leingang, The Arizona Republic
Third place: Seven Hsieh, Phoenix New Times
Judges: Julie Anderson is Editor-in-chief of the South Florida Sun Sentinel and Jim Simon is former managing editor of the Honolulu Civil Beat.
Community Journalist of the Year — Genesis Lara, Nogales International
The Community Journalist of the Year Award is given to the writer or editor of a weekly or Community publication who, in the opinion of the contest judges, has done the best work in 2019 to enhance the goals of the journalism profession and the quality of life in the community.
Judge’s comment: An impressive mix of news and feature stories. Offers readers incisive and striking portraits of the community, from interesting people to key local issues.
Second place: Nick Phillips, Nogales International
Third place (tie): Michele Nelson, Payson Roundup, and Paul Ingram, Tucson Sentinel
Judges: Alan Achkar is Executive Editor of the South Bend Tribune and David McCumber is editor and general manager of The Montana Standard and Lee Enterprise’s regional editor for Mountain West states.
Designer of the Year — No award this year
Community Photojournalist of the Year — Arianna Grainey, Independent Newsmedia
Judge’s comment: Nice well rounded body of work covering your community. Keep up the great work.
Judge: Kent Nishimura is a staff photographer at the L.A. Times.
Photojournalist of the Year — Patrick Breen, The Arizona Republic
Judge’s comment: Patrick demonstrated sound news judgement, a keen eye, and solid variety in his body of work for the year.
Second place: Mark Henle, The Arizona Republic
Third place: Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Judge: Howard Owens is a journalist, photographer, coder, and Publisher of The Batavian.
SPANISH-LANGUAGE CATEGORIES
A1. Spanish-language news reporting
Mia Armstrong, Cronkite Noticias
Activistas en la frontera dicen que su trabajo no es delito
Judge’s comment: Through engaging description, clear explanations, interviews, context, and depth, this story raises important questions about humanitarian work at the border. The reporter gives the reader an important piece of journalism that showcases rigor, a unique point of view, and beautiful writing.
Second place: Liliana López Ruelas, La Estrella de Tucsón
Third place: Stephanie Casanova, La Estrella de Tucsón
Judge/s: Carmen Graciela Díaz is a Puerto Rican journalist who teaches Spanish-language journalism clases at City University of New York. She has worked with Univision News Digital, El Nuevo Día, and Primera Hora writing on arts journalism, lifestyle, entertainment, education, and Hispanic issues.
A2. Spanish-language feature reporting
Paulina Verbera, Cronkite Noticias
Acompañantes forjan lazos de confianza y apoyo con niños migrantes
Judge’s comment: This piece by Paulina Verbera embodies the spirit of feature writing: lively prose, effective descriptions, and clear storytelling that merges reporting with strong writing to convey the stories of volunteers in The Young Center that support unaccompanied minors and young migrants.
Second place: Sam Leal, Cronkite Noticias
Third place: Mia Armstrong, Cronkite Noticias
Judge/s: Carmen Graciela Díaz is a Puerto Rican journalist who teaches Spanish-language journalism clases at City University of New York. She has worked with Univision News Digital, El Nuevo Día, and Primera Hora writing on arts journalism, lifestyle, entertainment, education, and Hispanic issues.
A3. Spanish-language commentary/analysis
Maritza L. Félix, Prensa Arizona
“La hispanidad: El nuevo rostro de Estados Unidos”
Judge’s comment: Maritza L. Félix offered great pieces for this category — nuanced, poignant, well-written — but in this one, she gives the reader a powerful first-person singular account that then changes to a first-person plural account to celebrate and acknowledge the beauty and complexity of Hispanic heritage. Also worth noting is how the writer used the Spanish language to emphasize the place of Hispanics in the fabric of the U.S. Beautiful piece!
Second place: Maritza L. Félix, Prensa Arizona
Third place: Ernesto Portillo Jr., La Estrella de Tucsón
Judge/s: Carmen Graciela Díaz is a Puerto Rican journalist who teaches Spanish-language journalism clases at City University of New York. She has worked with Univision News Digital, El Nuevo Día, and Primera Hora writing on arts journalism, lifestyle, entertainment, education, and Hispanic issues.
COMMUNITY JOURNALISM CATEGORIES
B1. Community investigative reporting
Paul Ingram, Tucson Sentinel
‘Insane’ immigration bonds: Spiraling costs, Trump policies strain migrant families
Judge’s comment: Good example of accountability reporting, exposing an issue that impacts an underserved community. Story used data to document that the price to bail someone out of federal detention has jumped dramatically, in some cases more than 100 times previous levels, could outstrip people’s ability to pay.
Second place: Rima Krisst, Navajo Times
Third place: Wayne Schutsky, Scottsdale Progress
Judge/s: Mark Rochester is editor-in-chief of Type Investigations, which produces high-impact investigative reporting for diverse audiences. He was previously senior news director for investigations at the Detroit Free Press and executive editor of the Rock Hill Herald in South Carolina. He is vice president of Investigative Reporters and Editors.
B2. Community public service journalism
Andrew Nicla, Arizona Capitol Times
Judge’s comment: Timely example of watchdog journalism with a truly in-depth look at the technical/personal/systemic problems in the maintenance of the campaign finance site — also a good explainer for the public about a process typically invisible to the community.
Second place: Dylan Smith, Tucson Sentinel
Judge/s: Dana Coester is an associate professor at the WVU Reed College of Media and creative director for the College’s Media Innovation Center. Coester also serves as executive editor for the collaborative media outlet 100 Days in Appalachia.
B3. Community breaking news
Pauly Denetclaw, Navajo Times
“Chaos at Tate’s”
Judge’s comment: Good coverage of a story that affected many people. Most outlets might have considered it unimportant, but it was empathetic and factual at the same time.
Second place: Michele Nelson, Payson Roundup
Third place: Paul Ingram, Tucson Sentinel
Judge/s: Milwaukee Press Club
B4. Community public safety reporting
Terry Greene Sterling, Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting
Judge’s comment: This thoroughly researched story humanizes how some of the most vulnerable in society are made worse through outdated practices in small county jails where one in four inmates have mental illness. The piece is full of infuriating examples that should draw the attention of policymakers.
Second place: Michele Nelson, Payson Roundup
Third place: Yael Grauer, Arizona Mirror
Judge/s: Jennifer LaFleur is data editor at The Investigative Reporting Workshop and teaches at American University. She previously was a senior editor at Reveal/CIR, data editor at ProPublica, The Dallas Morning News, the San Jose Mercury News and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. She was NICAR’s founding training director and has won awards for her coverage of disability, legal and open government issues.
B5. Community political reporting
Laura Gómez, Arizona Mirror
Why South Phoenix businesses want Prop. 105 to pass and stop the light rail
Judge’s comment: I felt I was placed right in the middle of this issue, and right in the middle of this community. By including so many voices and descriptions of the issue, I felt like I was there.
Second place: Jeff Gardner, Tucson Weekly
Third place: Julia Shumway, Arren Kimbel-Sannit, Hank Stephenson and Andrew Nicla, Arizona Capitol Times
Judge/s: David Taub is a senior reporter at GV Wire in Fresno, California. Last year, Taub won the enterprise and feature writing divisions and claimed second, third, and fourth places for local government reporting in the CNPA California Journalism Contest.
B6. Community local government reporting
Paul Ingram, Tucson Sentinel
Pima County to lease juvenile center for stop-over for asylum-seekers
Judge’s comment: The story is a thorough explanation of a government action meant to address a real-world community problem. It includes data, links to source material, context and, importantly, details on the current problem and the proposed solution. It’s a topic of great public interest, told in an accessible way.
Second place: Michele Nelson, Payson Roundup
Third place: Arlyssa Becenti, Navajo Times
Judge/s: Steve Beatty is a consultant at LION Publishers.
B7. Community state/federal government reporting
Colleen Keane, Navajo Times
“ICWA changed history, now court says it’s unconstitutional”
Judge’s comment: Keane’s work paints a vivid picture of a historical decision, and how a judicial ruling may affect it. Keane explains the history of the issue in clear language that establishes background before bringing readers into the present situation. While Keane could have stopped at taking a look at the ruling and what happens next, she also took a detailed look at how the ICWA impacts communities to bring further depth to her piece.
Second place: Genesis Lara and Nick Phillips, Nogales International
Third place: Heather Smathers, Casa Grande Dispatch
Judge/s: Leah Schwarting is the Associate Managing Editor for Florida News at The Villages Daily Sun. She won first place in government news writing for her division in Florida Press Club’s 2019 Excellence in Journalism Competition. She previously worked as a community and education reporter and public safety reporter.
B8. Community health reporting
Peter Aleshire, Payson Roundup
Portfolio
Judge’s comment: An effective article about a critical public health topic. Good use of a large amount of data, with clear and easily understood comparisons. It included important political and legislative context to help explain falling vaccination rates.
Second place: Jerod MacDonald-Evoy, Arizona Mirror
Third place: Tom Blodgett, Community Impact Newspaper – Gilbert Edition
Judge/s: Lisa M. Krieger is a science writer at The Mercury News, covering research, scientific policy and environmental news. She was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in breaking news in 2019 with a team from The Bay Area News Group/Chico Enterprise-Record for coverage of the devastating Paradise fire.
B9. Nina Mason Pulliam Environmental Journalism Award (Community division)
Donovan Quintero, Navajo Times
“Fire: taker, giver of life for mountains, forests”
Judge’s comment: A detailed and fascinating look at practical, on-the-ground forest management by people who care for and know it deeply.
Second place: Tom Blodgett, Community Impact Newspaper-Gilbert Edition
Third place: Andrew Nicla, Arizona Capitol Times
Judge/s: Matt DeRienzo is editor-in-chief of the Center for Public Integrity. Previously, he was vice president of news at Hearst’s newspapers in Connecticut, and served as the first full-time executive director of LION, a national nonprofit that supports local independent online news publishers.
B10. Community science reporting
Jeff Gardner, Tucson Weekly
Hands off the Wheel: Under the hood of autonomous trucking in Tucson
Judge’s comment: Thorough and comprehensive look at the introduction of autonomous vehicles in the world of trucking. Great summary of the environmental, economic and cultural/job training impacts. Good ‘outside voices.’ Strong kicker.
Second place: Peter Aleshire, Payson Roundup
Third place: Cindy Yurth, Navajo Times
Judge/s: Lisa M. Krieger is a science writer at The Mercury News, covering research, scientific policy and environmental news. She was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in breaking news in 2019 with a team from The Bay Area News Group/Chico Enterprise-Record for coverage of the devastating Paradise fire.
B11. Community social issues reporting
Pauly Denetclaw, Navajo Times
Portfolio
Judge’s comment: Pauly Denetclaw’s coverage of the Navajo Nation’s LGBTQ community captures not only the adversity faced by a marginalized group of people, but also their joy and empowerment.
Second place: Julia Shumway, Arizona Capitol Times
Third place: Emily Dieckman, Tucson Weekly
Judge/s: Matt DeRienzo is editor-in-chief of the Center for Public Integrity. Previously, he was vice president of news at Hearst’s newspapers in Connecticut, and served as the first full-time executive director of LION, a national nonprofit that supports local independent online news publishers.
B12. Community education reporting
Peter Aleshire, Payson Roundup
Portfolio
Judge’s comment: Peter Aleshire’s body of work provides readers an understanding of the structural, statewide problems in public education, along with the specific impact on local schools.
Second place: Jeremy Duda, Arizona Mirror
Third place: Katie Campbell, Arizona Capitol Times
Judge/s: Matt DeRienzo is editor-in-chief of the Center for Public Integrity. Previously, he was vice president of news at Hearst’s newspapers in Connecticut, and served as the first full-time executive director of LION, a national nonprofit that supports local independent online news publishers.
B13. Community immigration reporting
Genesis Lara and Nick Phillips, Nogales International
Asylum-seekers series
Judge’s comment: Well-reported local impact of larger federal policy, with good color and quotes
Second place: Arlyssa Becenti, Navajo Times
Third place: Laura Gómez, Arizona Mirror
Judge/s: Jens Gould covers politics for the Santa Fe New Mexican. He was a correspondent for Bloomberg News in Mexico City, a regular contributor for TIME in California, and produced the video series Bravery Tapes.
B14. Community business reporting
Chris Caraveo, Daily Independent/Daily News-Sun
Sellers don’t have to disclose deaths, crimes in homes in Arizona
Judge’s comment: Interesting idea on a subject people many have wondered about but wouldn’t know how to look for.
Second place: Cindy Yurth, Navajo Times
Third place: Genesis Lara, Nogales International
Judge/s: Ron Hurtibise is a business reporter for the South Florida Sun Sentinel. He covers property and health insurance, tourism, the automotive industry, and consumer topics.
B15. Community sports beat reporting
Brian Wright, Casa Grande Dispatch
Portfolio
Judge’s comment: The reporter did an excellent job of bringing these individual athletes’ stories of triumph and heartbreak to life through excellent writing and use of quotes. The stories went beyond who won or lost and made readers care about the athletes themselves.
Second place: Christopher Boan, Tucson Local Media
Third place: Matt Loeschman, Daily Independent
Judge/s: Jim Iovino is the Ogden Newspapers Visiting Assistant Professor of Media Innovation at West Virginia University. He was previously the deputy managing editor of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Iovino started his career as a sports writer for the Tribune-Review in Pittsburgh and Greensburg, Pa., and was co-founder of a website that covered the National Hockey League.
B16. Community sports feature reporting
Brian Wright, Casa Grande Dispatch
Girl power: Villago’s Valencia knocking down barriers
Judge’s comment: A good lead that catches the eye and offers enough information about a timely and interesting topic that left me wanting to read on for more. Nice details and nice pacing.
Second place: Brian Wright, Casa Grande Dispatch
Third place: Anthony Gimino, AllSportsTucson.com
Judge/s: Milwaukee Press Club
B17. Community sports investigative reporting
No award this year
B18. Community sports column writing
No award this year
B19. Community column writing
Maritza L. Félix, Prensa Arizona
“Los muertos que me volvieron a México”
Judge’s comment: Evocative, vivid writing that captured culture and community.
Second place: Jerry Wilkerson, Arizona Daily Star
Third place: Donovan Quintero, Navajo Times
Judge/s: Milwaukee Press Club
B20. Community editorial writing
No award this year
B21. Community personality profile
Brian Smith, Tucson Weekly
Judge’s comment: Not more than one section in, it feels as if profile subject Marquez “Quezzy” Johnson is a close friend. Brian Smith’s writing seems to want to measure up, and certainly seems to do so, to Johnson’s colorful, vibrant exuberance for the art of dance and movement, painting a picture of a man who gives immense energy and hope to all those who encounter him, whether as students, teammates, friends or family.
Second place: Emily Dieckman, Tucson Weekly
Third place: Nick Phillips, Nogales International
Judge/s: Asia Morris is the Arts and Culture Editor for the Long Beach Post in California, where she’s worked for five years, concentrating on the arts. She won first place last year in the California Newspaper Publishers Association and second place in the Los Angeles Press Club contest for a piece on an Oaxaca-born artist who painted life in the fields.
B22. Community human interest writing
Cindy Yurth, Navajo Times
“A fruitful legacy”
Judge’s comment: There are no small stories, just small reporters, right? This category was full of large sweeping ideas and one darn good project. But Cindy Yurth’s piece on one man in an extremely remote location trying to keep his grandfather’s apple orchard alive snaps with details. As much a profile of the orchard keeper as on the art of apple growing, Yurth’s story is moving, funny and captures what makes the Arizona landscape one-of-a-kind. Her prose has rhythm and is a great example of showing, not telling. A sample: “Bears don’t just eat the fruit, he explained. They climb the trees and break branches across each other until they have a nice little treehouse to sit in while they gorge on apples.”
Second place: Julia Shumway, Arizona Capitol Times
Judge: John Pacenti is a veteran investigative reporter for The Palm Beach Post, specializing in the justice system and health.
B23. Community short-form writing
Jim Small, Arizona Mirror
Fireworks salesman backs bill to expand fireworks sale. Why isn’t it a conflict?
Judge’s comment: Goes beyond surface storytelling to solid reporting.
Second place: Heather Smathers, The Eloy Enterprise
Third place: Tom Blodgett, Community Impact Newspaper – Gilbert Edition
Judge/s: Milwaukee Press Club
B24. Community arts criticism
First Place: Cindy Yurth, Navajo Times
Judge/s: Claire McNeil is an enterprise reporter with the Tampa Bay Times.
B25. Community arts reporting
First place: Cody Bashore, Arizona Daily Sun
Second place: Christina Fuoco, The Entertainer
Judge/s: Claire McNeil is an enterprise reporter with the Tampa Bay Times.
B26. Community food and beverage reporting
Arlyssa Becenti, Navajo Times
“Goodbye, coffee desert! Monument Coffee is on the scene”
Judge’s comment: This short, sweet and clear report in the Navajo Times about the Monument Coffee truck reminds the reader that food and beverage stories provide an important lens through which to explore community, culture and business.
Second place: Genesis Lara, Nogales International
Judge/s: Liane Faulder is The Edmonton Journal’s food columnist and food blogger and a journalism fellow at Massey College at the University of Toronto.
B27. Community headline writing
Chris Caraveo, Daily Independent/Daily News-Sun
Portfolio
Judge’s comment: Nice job getting the reader’s attention and making me want to read the rest of the story. While a great headline can tell a story, a super headline encourages the reader to dive deeper. The “Did anyone die here?” got me going.
Second place: Cindy Yurth Navajo Times
Third place: Christina Fuoco, The Entertainer
Judge/s: Milwaukee Press Club
B28. Photojournalism – Picture Story
Arianna Grainey, Independent Newsmedia
Active Shooter Drill Pinal County Courthouse
Judge’s comment: Highly disturbing practice, they did a good job capturing the event. Nice, small edit.
Second place: Paul Ingram, Tucson Sentinel
Judge/s: Kent Nishimura is a staff photographer at the L.A. Times.
B29. Photojournalism – News
Arianna Grainey, Independent Newsmedia
Pinal County Shooter Drill Cover
Judge’s comment: Photo/story that does a good job to show this American epidemic of mass shootings.
Second place: David Jolkovski, Sedona Red Rock News
Third place: David Jolkovski, Sedona Red Rock News
Judge/s: Kent Nishimura is a staff photographer at the L.A. Times.
B30. Photojournalism – Feature
Donovan Quintero, Navajo Times
“Hello, little one”
Judge’s comment: Beautiful moment.
Second place: David Jolkovski, Sedona Red Rock News
Third place: David Jolkovski, Sedona Red Rock News
Judge/s: Kent Nishimura is a staff photographer at the L.A. Times.
B31. Photojournalism – Pictorial
David Jolkovski, Sedona Red Rock News
“Cathedral Rock Lightning”
Judge’s comment: Beautiful scene that leans on colors and composition and moment.
Second place: Paul Ingram, Tucson Sentinel
Third place: David Jolkovski, Sedona Red Rock News
Judge/s: Kent Nishimura is a staff photographer at the L.A. Times.
B32. Photojournalism – Sports Action
David Jolkovski, Sedona Red Rock News
“Out of the Fire”
Judge’s comment: Moment, composition and a nice sunset to boot.
Second place: David Jolkovski, Sedona Red Rock News
Third place: Paul Natonabah, Navajo Times
Judge/s: Kent Nishimura is a staff photographer at the L.A. Times.
B33. Photojournalism – Sports Feature
Cody Bashore, Arizona Daily Sun
Judge’s comment: Nice moment, nice composition.
Second place: David Jolkovski, Sedona Red Rock News
Third place: Arianna Grainey, Independent Newsmedia
Judge/s: Kent Nishimura is a staff photographer at the L.A. Times.
STATEWIDE JOURNALISM CATEGORIES
C1. The Don Bolles Award for Investigative Reporting
Staff: The Arizona Republic and USA Today
Judge’s comment: USA Today, the Arizona Republic and the Center for Public Integrity dedicated more than two years to a massive data collection and analysis effort on the use of model legislation. The data analysis and resulting stories established in a unique way the scope and standardization of legislation that is passed from one state to another almost without change by special interests.
Second place: Anne Ryman, The Arizona Republic
Third place: Carol Ann Alaimo, Arizona Daily Star
Judge/s: Mark Rochester is editor-in-chief of Type Investigations, which produces high-impact investigative reporting for diverse audiences. He was previously senior news director for investigations at the Detroit Free Press and executive editor of the Rock Hill Herald in South Carolina. He is vice president of Investigative Reporters and Editors.
C2. Statewide public service journalism
Elizabeth Whitman, Phoenix New Times
Electricity shutoff series
Judge’s comment: This series of stories both humanizes the impact of power shutoffs while also laying bare the systemic issues that led to the death of Stephanie Pullman.
Second place: Jessica Boehm and Robert Anglen, The Arizona Republic
Third place: Lily Altavena and Mariana Dale, The Arizona Republic and KJZZ
Judge/s: Dana Coester is an associate professor at the WVU Reed College of Media and creative director for the College’s Media Innovation Center. Coester also serves as executive editor for the collaborative media outlet 100 Days in Appalachia.
C3. Statewide breaking news
Daniel Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic
At least 9 women and children murdered in apparent ambush in Mexico
Judge’s comment: Tightly written. Empathetic. Good visualization of the events and scenes.
Second place: Sam McManis, Arizona Daily Sun
Third place: Rachel Leingang, The Arizona Republic
Judge/s: Milwaukee Press Club
C4. Statewide public safety reporting
Uriel J. Garcia and Bree Burkitt, The Arizona Republic
Judge’s comment: This investigation was a standout in this category. The investigation has a foundation of solid data analysis told through compelling examples. While the topic is something many communities are discussing at this time, stories like this provide the evidence of the stark disparities in how people are treated.
Second place: Terry Greene Sterling, Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting
Third place: Maria Polletta, The Arizona Republic
Judge/s: Jennifer LaFleur is data editor at The Investigative Reporting Workshop and teaches at American University. She previously was a senior editor at Reveal/CIR, data editor at ProPublica, The Dallas Morning News, the San Jose Mercury News and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. She was NICAR’s founding training director and has won awards for her coverage of disability, legal and open government issues.
C5. Statewide John Kolbe Politics Reporting Award
Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republici
McSally-Kelly series
Judge’s comment: I like the behind the scene details of who is financing the campaigns, the backgrounds of the candidates and even the laws blocking access to Mr. Kelly’s registration records. Lots of information broken down to be easily understood.
Second place: Steven Hsieh, Phoenix New Times
Third place: Dianna M. Náñez, The Arizona Republic
Judge/s: David Taub is a senior reporter at GV Wire in Fresno, California. Last year, Taub won the enterprise and feature writing divisions and claimed second, third, and fourth places for local government reporting in the CNPA California Journalism Contest.
C6. Statewide local government reporting
Paulina Pineda and Robert Anglen, The Arizona Republic
Tempe development deal loaded with perks. Critics ask why
Judge’s comment: A complete reporting job on a long, winding story of a valuable piece of public property, and the insider who ended up with it. The story sparks outrage on its face, and it does a good job of examining all aspects of the current situation. The story holds the city accountable for its actions and inactions on a significant piece of city-owned land.
Second place: Agnel Philip, Bree Burkitt and Jessica Boehm, The Arizona Republic
Judge/s: Steve Beatty is a consultant at LION Publishers.
C7. Statewide state/federal government reporting
Dianna M. Náñez, The Arizona Republic
Child welfare series
Judge’s comment: The articles in this entry created a detailed and thorough account of a high-profile situation, leaving no stone unturned. The amount of effort put into these articles was astounding, especially given the court-ordered restrictions. It’s also impressive that the reporting didn’t just stop when the children were returned to their parents, and the result is articles that thoroughly inform readers.
Second place: Ian James and Andrew Nicla, The Arizona Republic
Third place: Maria Polletta, The Arizona Republic
Judge/s: Leah Schwarting is the Associate Managing Editor for Florida News at The Villages Daily Sun. She won first place in government news writing for her division in Florida Press Club’s 2019 Excellence in Journalism Competition. She previously worked as a community and education reporter and public safety reporter.
C8. Statewide health reporting
Stephanie Innes, The Arizona Republic
Judge’s comment: A well-documented probe of the industry of body donation and lax enforcement of regulations, leading to negligence, unethical behavior and consumer confusion. Appreciated the multiple components of the coverage, including a helpful “What You Need To Know” feature.
Second place: Kyley Warren and Delia Johnson, Cronkite News
Third place: Sabine Galvis, Anikka Abbott and Megan Marples, Cronkite News
Judge/s: Lisa M. Krieger is a science writer at The Mercury News, covering research, scientific policy and environmental news from Stanford University, the University of California, NASA-Ames, U.S. Geological Survey and other Bay Area-based research facilities. Lisa was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in breaking news in 2019 with a team from The Bay Area News Group/Chico Enterprise-Record for coverage of the devastating Paradise fire. She has won a variety of awards, including Columbia University’s Oakes Award for Distinguished Environmental Journalism, the Scripps Howard’s Meeman Award for Environmental Reporting and the Association of Health Care Journalists.
C9. Nina Mason Pulliam Environmental Journalism Award (statewide category)
Ian James, Rob O’Dell and Mark Henle, The Arizona Republic
Groundwater series
Judge’s comment: This data-driven look at the lack of oversight of a crucial state resource not only delved into the policy questions at hand, but showed the everyday impact on average families and communities.
Second place: Tony Davis, Arizona Daily Star
Third place: Elizabeth Whitman, Phoenix New Times
Judge/s: Matt DeRienzo is editor-in-chief of the Center for Public Integrity. Previously, he was vice president of news at Hearst’s newspapers in Connecticut, and served as the first full-time executive director of LION, a national nonprofit that supports local independent online news publishers.
C10. Statewide science reporting
Agnel Philip, The Arizona Republic
Judge’s comment: Strong use of data analysis to reveal a troubling trend, with comprehensive reporting about what it did, and didn’t, mean. Comprehensive and balanced reporting with good use of experts and outside facilities to provide necessary caveats and context. Good graphics for visual depiction of average lifespans, database of dolphin deaths, etc.
Second place: Jasmine Demers, Arizona Daily Star
Third place: Sam McManis, Arizona Daily Sun
Judge/s: Lisa M. Krieger is a science writer at The Mercury News, covering research, scientific policy and environmental news from Stanford University, the University of California, NASA-Ames, U.S. Geological Survey and other Bay Area-based research facilities. Lisa was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in breaking news in 2019 with a team from The Bay Area News Group/Chico Enterprise-Record for coverage of the devastating Paradise fire. She has won a variety of awards, including Columbia University’s Oakes Award for Distinguished Environmental Journalism, the Scripps Howard’s Meeman Award for Environmental Reporting and the Association of Health Care Journalists.
C11. Statewide social issues reporting
Dianna M. Náñez, The Arizona Republic
Child welfare series
Judge’s comment: A comprehensive and compassionate look at children failed by the system that tackles the specifics of policy and solutions in addition to delivering powerful narrative.
Second place: Elizabeth Whitman, Phoenix New Times
Third place: Alden Woods, The Arizona Republic
Judge/s: Matt DeRienzo is editor-in-chief of the Center for Public Integrity. Previously, he was vice president of news at Hearst’s newspapers in Connecticut, and served as the first full-time executive director of LION, a national nonprofit that supports local independent online news publishers.
C12. Statewide education reporting
Rachel Leingang, Arizona Republic
Judge’s comment: Rachel Leingang’s reporting on Arizona high school graduates’ lack of preparation for college provided specific and meaningful insight into the state’s misalignment with college admission and recruiting practices, but also provided a sweeping look at deficiencies in the education system from preschool on.
Second place: Craig Harris, Arizona Republic
Third place: Lily Altavena, Arizona Republic
Judge/s: Matt DeRienzo is editor-in-chief of the Center for Public Integrity. Previously, he was vice president of news at Hearst’s newspapers in Connecticut, and served as the first full-time executive director of LION, a national nonprofit that supports local independent online news publishers.
C13. Statewide immigration reporting
Daniel Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic and USA Today
A dangerous red flower is driving record numbers of migrants to flee Guatemala
Judge’s comment: Great reporting, traveled to Guatemala, story gets at the root cause of a major issue.
Second place: Nicole Ludden, Julian Hernandez, Meg Potter and Erica Figuero, Cronkite News
Third place: Perla Trevizo, Arizona Daily Star
Judge/s: Jens Gould covers politics for the Santa Fe New Mexican. He was a correspondent for Bloomberg News in Mexico City, a regular contributor for TIME in California, and produced the video series Bravery Tapes.
C14. Statewide business reporting
Agnel Philip and Dennis Wagner, The Arizona Republic
Fake bids drive up prices on popular site Auction Nation, Republic finds
Judge’s comment: A useful exposé about a shady practice that novice auction participants need to know about.
Second place: Lorraine Longhi, Jen Fifield, Ronald J. Hansen and Catherine Reagor, The Arizona Republic
Third place: Agnel Philip, The Arizona Republic
Judge/s: Ron Hurtibise is a business reporter for the South Florida Sun Sentinel. He covers property and health insurance, tourism, the automotive industry, and consumer topics.
C15. Statewide sports beat reporting
Bruce Pascoe, Arizona Daily Star
Arizona Wildcats basketball beat
Judge’s comment: This entry shows the reporter’s versatility — from game stories to in-depth features to FAQs on upcoming court cases and more. The breadth and depth of coverage is impressive.
Second place: Jeff Metcalf, Arizona Republic
Third place: Caitlin Schmidt, Arizona Daily Star
Judge/s: Jim Iovino is the Ogden Newspapers Visiting Assistant Professor of Media Innovation at West Virginia University. He was previously the deputy managing editor of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Iovino started his career as a sports writer for the Tribune-Review in Pittsburgh and Greensburg, Pa., and was co-founder of a website that covered the National Hockey League.
C16. Statewide sports feature reporting
Sam McManis, Arizona Daily Sun
Soulstice aid stations: A runner’s oasis in the woods
Judge’s comment: What a well-written piece full of colorful details that makes the reader seem as if he or she is right there handing out cups of water. A creative way to tell a different story about an annual event,
Second place: Mark Lawson, Arizona Daily Star
Third place: Catilin Schmidt, Arizona Daily Star
Judge/s: Milwaukee Press Club
C17. Statewide sports investigative reporting
Caitlin Schmidt, Arizona Daily Star
Judge’s comment: On this vital story, the reporter showed dogged determination to uncover facts and give a victim a voice.
Second place: Anne Ryman and Craig Harris, The Arizona Republic
Judge/s: Andrew Ryan is an investigative reporter for the Boston Globe.
C18. Statewide sports column writing
No award this year
C19. Statewide column writing
Tim Steller, Arizona Daily Star
Portfolio
Judge’s comment: Timely, clearly argued, and beautifully written columns that show passion.
Second place: Elizabeth Montgomery, The Arizona Republic
Third place: Brian Smith, Tucson Weekly
Judge/s: Milwaukee Press Club
C20. Statewide editorial writing
No award this year
C21. Statewide personality profile
Brian Smith, Tucson Weekly
Requiem For a Dream: An Artist and Migrant Trail Whisperer Erects Silent Monuments to Courage
Judge’s comment: An incredibly heart wrenching profile, shedding light not only on one artist’s vision and multi-layered past, but on a humanitarian issue America seems to constantly find struggle with. Writer Brian Smith brings the stark reality of its life-or-death consequences into a harsh, yet hauntingly beautiful tale of one man’s ongoing effort, almost pilgrimage, to honor migrants’ lives lost to the desert.
Second place: Jen Fifield, The Arizona Republic
Third place: Henry Brean, Arizona Daily Star
Judge/s: Asia Morris is the Arts and Culture Editor for the Long Beach Post in California, where she’s worked for five years, concentrating on the arts. She won first place last year in the California Newspaper Publishers Association and second place in the Los Angeles Press Club contest for a piece on an Oaxaca-born artist who painted life in the fields.
C22. Statewide human interest writing
Alden Woods, Arizona Republic
For those alone as they die, Phoenix-area hospice program offers companionship, solace
Judge’s comment: With rare access to the sacred ground of a hospice, Alden Woods details the final hours of a blind and deaf man and the volunteers whose job is to spend time with those who have no one else. The breadth of the reporting is impressive as Woods follows this patient through several shifts. The writing is superb, filled with little details yet with the knowledge that less is more in such an emotionally charged topic such as death.
Second place: Elizabeth Whitman, Phoenix New Times
Third place: Sam McManis, Arizona Daily Sun
Judge: John Pacenti is a veteran investigative reporter for The Palm Beach Post, specializing in the justice system and health.
C23. Statewide short-form writing
Dustin Gardiner, The Arizona Republic
Arizona woman can use fertilized embryos to get pregnant without ex’s consent, court rules
Second place: Cathalena Burch, Arizona Daily Star
Third place: Karina Bland, The Arizona Republic
Judge/s: Milwaukee Press Club
C24. Statewide arts criticism
Kerry Lengel, The Arizona Republic
Portfolio
Judge’s comment: What a delight to read Kerry Lengel’s sharp and zeitgeisty reviews of superhero blockbusters. In short columns, Lengel manages to both take these films seriously and skewer them, be moved by their heart and see through their machinations. Lengel sends up the corporate worship of the secretly extraordinary white male adolescent’s angst: “All they need to realize their potential is to get bitten by a radioactive spider, or whatever.” Reading these columns felt like getting a crisp post-movie beer with a brilliantly nerdy friend who can put the right words to the things you felt, too.
Second place: Chris Malloy, Phoenix New Times
Third place: Barbara VanDenburgh, The Arizona Republic
Judge/s: Claire McNeil is an enterprise reporter with the Tampa Bay Times.
C25. Statewide arts reporting
Chris Malloy, Phoenix New Times
Portfolio
Judge’s comment: With gorgeously rollicking writing and an intensely Arizonan sense of place, Chris Malloy’s writing on food and the artists who craft it was hard to beat. His guide to foodscapes of the Sonoran Desert — that “harsh, sublime, fickle master” — conjured up all of its wild magic and gave us a roadmap to food’s future. His profiles of people obsessed with their craft had a contagious energy, bringing the reader down funky, twisty rabbit holes we’d never have known were there.
Second place: Sam McManis, Arizona Daily Sun
Third place: Kerry Lengel, The Arizona Republic
Judge/s: Claire McNeil is an enterprise reporter with the Tampa Bay Times.
C26. Statewide food and beverage reporting
Andi Berlin, Arizona Daily Star / #ThisIsTucson
Portfolio
Judge’s comment: Andi’s punchy prose reflects the breadth of both the food and the cultural community in Tucson, and also her excellent knowledge of both. The reader feels as if they are in the hands of a true Tucson food expert, and each piece made me want to visit the food outlets, not just to eat there, but to meet the people who own those spots, which is a sign of great storytelling.
Second place: Priscilla Totiyapungprasert, The Arizona Republic
Third place: Cathalena Burch, Arizona Daily Star
Judge/s: Liane Faulder is The Edmonton Journal’s food columnist and food blogger and a journalism fellow at Massey College at the University of Toronto.
C27. Statewide headline writing
No award this year
C28. Photojournalism – Picture Story
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
“Hermoso”
Judge’s comment: The photographer has a great eye for composition and detail.
Second place: Mamta Popat, Arizona Daily Star
Third place: Josh Galemore, Arizona Daily Star
Judge: Howard Owens is a journalist, photographer, coder, and Publisher of The Batavian.
C29. Photojournalism – News
Mark Henle, Arizona Republic
“Burial”
Judge’s comment: The photographer certainly has the photographer’s eye. A routine photo is elevated to another level with an eye for composition and detail.
Second place: Rebecca Sasnett, Arizona Daily Star
Third place: Josh Galemore, Arizona Daily Star
Judge: Howard Owens is a journalist, photographer, coder, and Publisher of The Batavian.
C30. Photojournalism – Feature
Josh Galemore, Arizona Daily Star
“WWII Vet”
Judge’s comment: A fun photo full of humanity
Second place: Patrick Breen, The Arizona Republic
Third place: Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Judge: Howard Owens is a journalist, photographer, coder, and Publisher of The Batavian.
C31. Photojournalism – Pictorial
Mamta Popat, Arizona Daily Star
“Desert Snow”
Judge’s comment: Beauty that tells a story.
Second place: Patrick Breen, The Arizona Republic
Third place: Mamta Popat, Arizona Daily Star
Judge: Howard Owens is a journalist, photographer, coder, and Publisher of The Batavian.
C32. Photojournalism – Sports Action
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
“Bull wins”
Judge’s comment: Nice tight shot on a moment in sports that is rare to capture.
Second place: Patrick Breen, The Arizona Republic
Third place: Mike Christy, Arizona Daily Star
Judge: Howard Owens is a journalist, photographer, coder, and Publisher of The Batavian.
C33. Photojournalism – Sports Feature
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
“Spray”
Judge’s comment: A fun fan moment.
Second place: Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Third place: Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Judge: Howard Owens is a journalist, photographer, coder, and Publisher of The Batavian.
DESIGN CATEGORIES
D1. Community Front-Page layout/design
Olson Patterson, Navajo Times
Judge’s comment: This page gracefully pulls you to the wonderful depth to the primary subject, a centenarian and WWII veteran, as a complement to the three heavier stories in the right column.
Judge/s: Cory Brown is a consultant at Impact TK. He previously worked at ProPublica and the Austin Monitor.
D2. Community non-deadline layout/design
Olson Patterson, Navajo Times
Judge’s comment: Powerful use of a the photograph to build flow throug the page.
Judge/s: Cory Brown is a consultant at Impact TK. He previously worked at ProPublica and the Austin Monitor.
D3. Statewide Page One layout/design — No award this year
D4. Statewide non-deadline layout/design — No award this year
D5. Statewide tabloid/magazine cover design
Olson Patterson, Navajo Times
Judge’s comment: Uncomplicated, clear, and striking.
Second place: Darren Barakat, Pinal Ways
Third place: Mark Field, National Veterans Magazine
Judge/s: Cory Brown is a consultant at Impact TK. He previously worked at ProPublica and the Austin Monitor.
D6. Statewide multi-page design
Maria Camou, Arizona Daily Star
Meet the Press
Judge’s comment: A respectful, well-deserved tribute for the invaluable side of the news business that most people never hear about nor see.
Second place: Darren Barakat, Pinal Ways
Third place: Maria Camou, Arizona Daily Star
Judge/s: Cory Brown is a consultant at Impact TK. He previously worked at ProPublica and the Austin Monitor.
D7. Statewide illustration, drawn — No award this year
D8. Statewide illustration, photo-based — No award this year
STUDENT JOURNALISM CATEGORIES
E1. Student investigative reporting
Chloe Jones, Mia Armstrong, Jonah Hrkal and Austin Westfall, Cronkite News
Judge’s comment: This is an example of incredibly effective multimedia reporting and use of photography, mapping, design and data viz. The “Voices” section was innovative and people-centered, while the headline was clever and telling. I was impressed by the diversity of sources and language translation. The length was perhaps a tad long, but the story was packaged in bite-sized chunks, giving readers a chance to catch their breath. Frankly, I was blown away at the overall packaging of this essential reporting.
Second place (tie): Yael Grauer, Kailey Broussard and Harrison Mantas, News21
Veronica Graff, Cronkite News
Judge/s: Juliette Rihl is a reporter for PublicSource focusing on mental health and health. She also writes stories for Develop PGH, a PublicSource reporting desk focused on economic development. She was selected to be a 2019 Justice Reporting Fellow as part of the John Jay Fellowship.
E2. Student news reporting
Andrew Howard, The State Press
McCain Institute head Kurt Volker steps down as US diplomat
Judge’s comment: Solid work on breaking international news and doing so in a way that did not compromise the reporter’s ethics. Great subsequent reporting that was competitive with professional counterparts, including on the controversy over his status with the McCain Institute and information on Cindy McCain’s role. There were several strong longform news entries to choose from that probably could perform well in the investigative category; however, the reporting on Volker was breaking information on a matter of national security and the writing was on par with that of professional publications. Well done.
Second place: Kelsey Mo, Cronkite News
Third place: Lurissa Carbajal, Cronkite News
Judge/s: Samantha Vicent is the courts reporter for the Tulsa World. Her work has been recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists, the Inland Press Association, the Great Plains Journalism Awards and the Oklahoma Press Association.
E3. Student features reporting
Madeline Ackley, Cronkite News
Loosely knit organizations along U.S.-Mexico border support deported vets
Judge’s comment: Fantastic work and storytelling about an undoubtedly underreported phenomenon, standing out in a category with several strong entries. We need more of this kind of reporting about the labyrinth that is our immigration process — this served as a great narrative to engage people who may not be familiar with the lived experiences of immigrants. Definitely save this for your portfolio.
Second place: Kalle Benallie, Cronkite News
Third place: Chase Hunter B., The State Press
Judge/s: Samantha Vicent is the courts reporter for the Tulsa World. Her work has been recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists, the Inland Press Association, the Great Plains Journalism Awards and the Oklahoma Press Association.
E4. Student sports reporting
Alex Simon, Cronkite News
Bridging baseball’s language gap
Judge’s comment: A smart way to approach a big topic like the Arizona Fall League. Good mix of numbers and anecdotes, plus enough explanation to keep a casual sports fan from getting confused.
Second place: Jack Harris, Cronkite News
Third place: Tyler Dunn, Cronkite News
Judge/s: Matt Baker is the college sports reporter for the Tampa Bay Times. He joined the Times in July 2011 after stops at the Springfield (Mo.) News-Leader and Tulsa (Okla.) World. Since then, he’s covered high schools, the Bucs, the Rays, the Lightning and auto racing before becoming a full-time college sports reporter.
E5. Student photojournalism – News
Delia Johnson, Cronkite News
‘Historical trauma’: Native communities grapple with missing and murdered women
Judge’s comment: A series of photos that tells the story of the event.
Second place: Meg Potter, Cronkite News
Third place: Meg Potter, Cronkite News
Judge: Howard Owens is a journalist, photographer, coder, and Publisher of The Batavian.
E6. Student photojournalism – Sports
Brady Klain, Cronkite
“Chandler High game play”
Judge’s comment: Very good action photo.
Second place: Brady Klain, Cronkite
Third place: Brady Klain, Cronkite
Judge: Howard Owens is a journalist, photographer, coder, and Publisher of The Batavian.
E7. Student photojournalism – Features
Meg Potter, Downtown Devil
Doggy Drag Show puts pups in the spotlight
Judge’s comment: A series of photos that puts the viewer right in the middle of the event.
Second place: Meg Potter, Cronkite News
Third place: Grayson Schmitt, Cronkite News
Judge: Howard Owens is a journalist, photographer, coder, and Publisher of The Batavian.