Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Marquette Tribune Entry Title: Hot Diggity Dog: Marquette Alum pilots the Wienermobile Entry Credit: Izzy Fonfara Drewel Judge Comment: Let’s be frank: This story is a fun read. From the opening puns to the snappy quotes, the writer demonstrates having taken time and care to tell a silly story really well. The story has unexpected depth, tight editing, and a great photo to bring all the links in line. It strikes the perfect tone for a story about a hotdog-truck driver, and it really demonstrates “entertainment” writing with poise, polish, and a side of ketchup.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: The Advance-Titan Entry Title: UWO's Grease reclaims the stage Entry Credit: Kelly Hueckman Judge Comment: This story unfolds in layers: It’s event coverage that brings energy and depth to explain how even our "old favorites" can have contemporary relevance. The writer handles well the balance of peppy, flippant fun and political, personal impact, and the photos and quotes demonstrate time spent getting to know the production and its cast, so that the value of what this theatre troupe was doing could really be shared with the reader.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: The Daily Cardinal Entry Title: Taking sanctuary in a modest Asian art gallery Entry Credit: Kai Wen Li Judge Comment: This writer’s voice is striking and powerful from the very opening lines. The story brings a personal narrative to bear on the arts in a way that highlights the exhibition’s significance as well as its broad appeal. With good reporting to round out the powerful personal narrative, the story is sure to touch both minds and hearts.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: The Badger Herald Entry Title: Six must-try holiday fashion trends Entry Credit: Janani Sundar Judge Comment: Who isn’t seeking a little guidance when it comes to winter fashions? Here, the author's thoughtful sartorial suggestions come with a hefty dose of humor, humility, and holiday cheer. It’s great features fun and a reminder that entertainment writing can be useful, too.
Competition Comment: This category shows depth and nuance in the range of ways each writer has brought forth the personal and political dimensions that are always inherent in arts and entertainment reporting. It was great fun to read -- I commend the writers for their many creative efforts, angles, and artistic turns of phrase.
