2019-20 SATW Foundation Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Competition
115 Special-Purpose Travel ( Newspapers,Travel Magazines,Travel Coverage in General Magazines,Travel Audio-Radio,Travel Audio-Podcasts and Guides)Back
Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Lavinia Spalding Entry Title: Playing by Heart Entry Credit: Lavinia Spalding Judge Comment: Lavinia Spalding’s father dreamed of his daughter becoming one of the few female flamenco guitar players. But she drifted away. Now years after her father’s death, and with her father’s guitar, she makes a pilgrimage to Spain to knock on some of the same doors her father knocked on years earlier. She rediscovers teachers, personal peace and a family treasure that deserves to be cherished. A beautifully told personal adventure.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Ken Budd Entry Title: The Moral Dilemma of Volunteer Tourism Entry Credit: Ken Budd Judge Comment: The moral dilemma presented by American tourists volunteering in African orphanages is a particularly difficult one. This powerful story looks at it from the inside. Writer Ken Budd makes a return trip to an orphanage in Kenya that he’d visited years before. This time he has the obvious questions in mind. Are you helping? Or are you hurting? Budd cuts to the heart of things. The conclusion is an unbelievably sweet poem by one of the girls: “Mother, father / Where are you today? / If only you could see me. / I am beautiful."
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Outside Entry Title: Fame, Romance, and a Second Chance on the PCT Entry Credit: Taylor Gee Judge Comment: This hiking narrative doesn’t let go. Cory McDonald decided to hike the Pacific Coast Trail in an effort to lose weight and take charge of his life. McDonald’s trip is documented on YouTube. He meets fans and stalkers. He finds love. He spends time in the hospital. Does he make it? Spoiler: The slow dance on the Canadian border is worth waiting for.
