Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Cedar Rapids - The Gazette Entry Title: Sofia DeMartino Master Columnist Entry Credit: Sofia DeMartino Judge Comment: Exceptional writing in every column. Strong voice. Well-organized works that are engaging and challenging.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Des Moines - Iowa Capital Dispatch Entry Title: Kathie Obradovich 2023 Entry Credit: Kathie Obradovich Judge Comment: Tough reader-oriented work that focuses on important government and community issues. Points are argued with reason, facts and strong research
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Sioux City - Sioux City Journal Entry Title: 'You can stand up and say no' - Refugees leave behind family - Dustin the dog completes amazing recovery Entry Credit: Nick Hytrek Judge Comment: The work focuses on important topics with engaging, sometimes personal, writing.
