2022-23 SATW Foundation Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Competition
101 Grand Award - Lowell Thomas Travel Journalist of the Year ( Travel Audio-Podcasts and Guides,Travel Audio-Radio,Travel Magazines,Travel Coverage in General Magazines,Newspapers)Back
Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Stephanie Pearson Entry Title: Stephanie Pearson Portfolio Entry Credit: Stephanie Pearson Judge Comment: Whether she’s kayaking among the rugged Apostle Islands in Lake Superior or providing firsthand knowledge for those interested in road-tripping through the American Southwest, Stephanie Pearson takes the reader along for the adventure. Her narrative in the National Geographic book “100 Great American Parks” gives readers new insight for visits, such as the current effort at George Washington’s home to put into context that “at the time of his death, 317 men, women and children were enslaved at Mount Vernon.” Her work reminds readers that all who travel should respect and help preserve the parks and other places they visit.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Sebastian Modak Entry Title: Sebastian Modak portfolio Entry Credit: Sebastian Modak Judge Comment: Sebastian Modak’s travel portfolio reflects his exuberant and joyful approach to travel. His choice of destinations (Antarctica, Galapagos Islands, Faroe Islands) and his detail-rich reports make remote corners of the world seem exotic and remarkable, yet also within reach. Closer to home, a piece on New York’s diverse Jackson Heights convincingly makes the argument that there is “no better place to feel the city’s DNA, understand how it started and glimpse where it could be going.” By choosing unconventional places and describing them with candor, wit and wisdom, Modak opens the world a little wider for his readers.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Vivian Song Entry Title: Vivian Song portfolio Entry Credit: Vivian Song Judge Comment: Vivian Song brings a refreshing, no-nonsense sensibility to her travel reporting. Her specialty is France, and as an insider, she finds such hidden gems as the elegant Paris library to tempt her readers. Likewise, she becomes a guide to the trees of Paris, awakening readers to their splendor and significance. She doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable topics, such as a racism scandal at Parisian restaurants. The skillfully researched, deftly written stories in Song’s portfolio demonstrate that she is a writer worth following.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: christopher reynolds Entry Title: Travel reporting by Christopher Reynolds Entry Credit: Christopher Reynolds Judge Comment: Christopher Reynolds’ writing makes you wish you could put him in your pocket on your next adventure, pulling him out to ruminate on local folklore or the definitive history of whatever locale you are visiting. For sheer scale of effort, he should be congratulated for his "101 Best California Experiences," which leaves no doubt he has done them all. From college towns to redwood forests, his range of topics and helpful information for visitors is woven into stories that are a delight to read.
