Fayetteville Observer
Division C
3rd Place
Editorial
Claire C. Carter
They feel like it's a man's world': Fayetteville bishop on breaking barriers in the church
A great profile of a very interesting person - a person that found herself, and helped so many others do the same.
3rd Place
Editorial
Andrew Craft
State Loss
Great juxtaposition of the heartbreak of loss in the foreground with the congratulations hand grip behind him. Making the best of being in the right place at the right time.
3rd Place
Editorial
Rachael Riley
A substitute reported mold at a high school. What is Cumberland County Schools doing about it?
Visceral accounts of the mold and pictures to backup what was reported reinforces the importance of the story. Witness accounts add to the gruesomeness and horror.
2nd Place
Editorial
Andrew Craft
Hat Off
The light blue pops against the background and contrasts with the traditional red, white and blue. The white "halo" effect from the lighting creates some dissonance.
1st Place
Editorial
Rachael Riley, F.T. Norton and Myron B. Pitts
Fort Bragg renaming
Deep dive on a divisive issue gave readers the information to form their own opinions. Well done.
2nd Place
Editorial
Rachael Riley
Friendship House Fayetteville Cottages: How community is helping special needs adults
Like how the writer drew us into this story, which, I'm sure, helped nearby residents better understand a facility in their neighborhood. Well done.
2nd Place
Editorial
Myron B. Pitts
Myron B. Pitts ledes
you make the reader want to find out what that story is about
2nd Place
Editorial
Myron B. Pitts
Who did NAZI it coming?; a wild pick; smoke gets in your eyes
"Who did NAZI it coming?" This is sharp and unapologetically provocative exactly what a strong opinion headline should be. It signals tone, stakes and subject matter all at once. While the pun is edgy, it's rooted in the story's content and political commentary. Headlines like this make readers stop and read and that's the job.
1st Place
Editorial
Andrew Craft
Still Bowling
Camera angle, lighting, depth of field encapsulates his story - truly a picture that tells a story. The definition of a feature photo.
1st Place
Editorial
Andrew Craft
Operation Toy Drop
What a photo essay is all about. Told a story in just photos. Nice use of art style photos. Photos representing 'holiday' theme could have been more prominent. Composition could be a bit repetitive at times.
1st Place
Editorial
Rachael Riley
What happened to Shirley? Family questions Fayetteville teen's 51-year death case
Everyone loves a good murder mystery, and this unsolved case is a good one. Well written, Keeps you reading.
1st Place
Editorial
Rachael Riley
Rachael Riley ledes
pithy
1st Place
Editorial
Rachael Riley
Give them a w-i-n; period poverty; when it rains
"This Cumberland County student wants to end limited access to menstrual products. Period." This headline is powerful. It's clean, direct and urgent and it end lands with force. Quietly bold, and very effective
1st Place
Editorial
Lizmary Evans
Is Hope Mills growing too fast? Some residents say yes. Leadership calls it 'smart growth'
1st Place
Editorial
Joseph Pierre
'Inhumane treatment': Fayetteville warrant details disposal of adopted children's bodies
Geez where to begin. So much vivid, visceral imagery used. I felt like I needed therapy after reading it. Reads like a documentary. Good investigative reporting with facts and witness testimony.
1st Place
Editorial
Lizmary Evans
'A welcoming place': Zorba's owners reflect on 50 years of tradition and family