Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Range by Ensemble Entry Title: In Search of Iceland’s Hidden People Entry Credit: Sydney Loney, Katherine Holland Judge Comment: Who doesn’t want to believe in magic? This piece takes readers on a journey of place and spirit as the writer asks and answers the question: Why wouldn’t elves exist? A delight from start to finish, it’s packed with details that will surely vault Iceland to the top of anyone’s travel list with nary a mention of hot springs or northern lights.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Jeff MacGregor Entry Title: Explore the World of Willa Cather in Her Nebraska Hometown Entry Credit: Jeff MacGregor Judge Comment: Readers will wish they’d paid closer attention in high school English class after reading this exploration of novelist Willa Cather’s hometown. It captures the essence of tiny Red Cloud, Nebraska, while also offering a crash course in Cather alongside plenty of suggestions for places to visit. You might even find yourself wanting to re-read “My Ántonia.”
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Southbound Entry Title: Homeland Entry Credit: Allison Entrekin Judge Comment: This story chronicles the creation of the newest U.S. National Park, located in Georgia. With a focus on the Indigenous woman who fought for its existence and helped to assure that it honored the tribes that lived there, it’s a tale of history, perseverance and exploration. A guide to the nearby Macon makes the piece practical for potential visitors.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: Robin Catalano Entry Title: As Chinatowns Around the World Struggle, British Columbia’s Are in Revival Entry Credit: Robin Catalano Judge Comment: As Chinatowns around the world are struggling, this piece explores how two in British Columbia — Vancouver and Victoria — are undergoing a revitalization and renewed focus on the history of Chinese culture in Canada. This story builds a sensory experience while introducing readers to the many business owners who make the communities tick.
