Division 1 winners of SFJ 2025 Excellence-in-Features journalism awards
Contest graphics by Jim Haag
We’re thrilled to announce the winners of the 2025 Society for Features Journalism’s Excellence-in-Features contest!
Our judges fielded nearly 1,000 entries this year, so winners: Your work truly stood out. A huge congratulations to everyone who won!
This was the first year of our new division descriptions to be more inclusive of newsroom sizes and web-only publications. It was wonderful to see new entrants who may have inspired to enter because of the change.
We also introduced some new categories, including social media portfolios and the entries did not disappoint.
The SFJ Board of Directors would like to thank the many judges who volunteered their time to help us celebrate the craft of storytelling.
Here are the winners in Division 1, along with judges’ comments about what made this year’s entries so special. First-place winners (except in Sweepstakes Awards) will receive a $300 prize.
Click here for the Division 2 winners or Division 3 winners.
Once again, congratulations to all. We also send deep gratitude to everyone who entered the contest so that we may continue to host this celebration of excellent storytelling in journalism.
Read on to be inspired and amazed by your hardworking features colleagues!
DIVISION 1: Newspapers with 50 or fewer full-time editorial employees or magazines and web-only publications with a local- city-metro area focus.
FINEST IN FEATURES SWEEPSTAKES AWARDS
These awards recognize the publications that garner the most honors in the contest’s other 21 categories. Points are awarded in this way: 20 for first, 15for second, 10 for third and five for honorable mention.
First place: The (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier
Fourteen awards, including five firsts (General Feature – 2,500-Plus Words, Food Criticism, Narrative Storytelling, Feature Writing Portfolio and SpecialProduct – Digital or Print), three seconds (General Feature – 2,500-Plus Words, General Feature – 999 Words or Less and Feature Writing Portfolio), three thirds (General Feature – 2,500-Plus Words, General Feature – 999 Words or Less and Inclusion & Representation in Features) and three honorable mentions (General Feature – 2,500-Plus Words, Inclusion & Representation in Features, and Feature Series or Project)
Second place: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Fourteen awards, including three firsts (Arts & Entertainment Feature, First-Person Narrative Essay and Food Writing Portfolio), four seconds (Food Criticism, Narrative Storytelling, Inclusion & Representation in Features and Feature Series or Project), two thirds (Feature Series or Project and FeatureWriting Portfolio) and five honorable mentions (General Feature – 1,000 to 2,499 Words, General Feature – 999 Words or Less, Sports Feature, FeatureWriting Portfolio and Social Media Portfolio)
Third place: The (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Gazette
Eight awards, including four firsts (General Feature – 1,000 to 2,499 Words, Food Feature, Inclusion & Representation in Features and General CommentaryPortfolio), one second (First-Person Narrative Essay) and three thirds (Food Feature, Sports Feature and Special Product – Digital or Print)
Fourth place: Austin (Texas) American-Statesman
Six awards, including two firsts (Sports Feature and Feature Series or Project), one second (Arts & Culture Criticism Portfolio), two thirds (Narrative Storytelling and Arts & Culture Criticism Portfolio) and one honorable mention (Feature Beat Writing Portfolio)
GENERAL FEATURE – 2,500-PLUS WORDS
Excellent longform feature storytelling on topics such as A&E, lifestyles or news.
FIRST: Tony Bartelme and Glenn Smith, The (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier, “A Marker in Time: Here’s How Unforgettable Hurricane Helene Unfolded.”
Judge’s comments: Some events are overwhelming, even for those who weren’t there. This team found a way to tell the story of Hurricane Helene, both the human and the weather details, with grace and empathy. A triumph of storytelling.
SECOND: Eva Herscowitz and Henry Taylor, The (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier, “Digging Beneath the Surface: Meet Local FossilCollectors Bringing Paleontology to the People”
Judge’s comments: Loved learning about the layered culture of paleontology – from “amateur” to pro – through personal stories and personalities. I learned much and enjoyed my time in this world of bones.
THIRD: Jocelyn Grzeszczak, Eva Herscowitz and Laura Bilson, The (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier, “A Fiery Plane Crash on 9/11/74 Changed Charleston Forever. 50 Years Later, Its Scars Linger.”
Judge’s comments: This is a tragic story told with care and regard for both the victims and those left behind. It’s important to remember such seismic moments, and careful stories like this ensure that those affected will not be lost to time.
Honorable mention: Tony Bartelme, The (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier, “Eject! The Inside Story About the F-35 Marine Jet That Went Missing in SC, Leaving Mysteries Behind”
GENERAL FEATURE – 1,000-2,499 WORDS
Top-notch feature storytelling on topics such as A&E, lifestyles or news.
FIRST: Stephanie Earls, The (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Gazette, “Shaken Baby: The Death and Brief Life of Dylan Mitchell”
Judge’s comments: This story combines outstanding reporting with excellent storytelling. There’s a bit of data journalism, too, along with informative background about this issue.
SECOND: Colin Warren-Hicks, The (Norfolk, Va.) Virginian-Pilot, “The Right To Keep and Bear Arms: How 400 Years of Owning Firearms Helped Build America’s Gun Culture”
Judge’s comments: This piece uses multiple sources to explain a controversial issue, and the reporter does an excellent job of providing different perspectives.
THIRD: Stephanie Kuzydym, The (Louisville, Ky.) Courier Journal, “ ‘Where Were Their Guardian Angels?’: The Struggle To Cope With ONBShooting 1 Year Later”
Judge’s comments: This piece is organized extremely well and is a pleasure to read.
Honorable mention: James E. Causey, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “His Daughter’s Heart Stopped. An Act of Kindness Brought Him Comfort.’
GENERAL FEATURE – 999 WORDS OR FEWER
Stellar short feature writing on topics such as A&E, lifestyles or news.
FIRST: Jo Ciavaglia, Bucks County (Pa.) Courier Times, “Rescuers Recount What They Thought Was a Car Fire, Flares on Lincoln Highway. It Was Much Worse”
Judge’s comments: This was a tough category because each entry had a unique story to tell. But this narrative about a man on fire is gripping. And it is a surprise, in terms of its artful simplicity. The writing is terse – appropriately so. In a story like this, it would be easy to stray into the sadness, the tragedy and the mystery. To wallow. But, in this instance, the pacing and information lead us to the end without unnecessary embellishments. A nightmare unfolded in a public space. Witnesses tried to do the right thing – to no avail.
And the ending? Wow. Will we ever know why a person would allow this to happen to themselves? As anyone in journalism knows, some questions can never be answered.
SECOND: Alan Hovorka, The (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier, “ ‘Johnny Lives On in Eternity’: Hundreds Gather in Summerville for Funeral of Slain Actor”
Judge’s comments: Johnny Wactor is a name that Los Angeles – and the world – came to know because the worst that could happen did happen. The city has been plagued for the past several years by the theft of catalytic converters. But unless it has happened to you, you might be incredulous that the small amount of money that thieves could get would be worth the risk, worth the loss of life. But Wactor’s death put an end to our denials. This moving story reminds us that he was more than a name on the annual list of homicides and that there is a hole in the universe because of his death.
THIRD: Tony Bartelme, The (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier, "What’s It Like To Eject From a Fighter Jet? One Pilot’s Story of Shock and Recovery.”
Judge’s comments: Here’s the thing. Lots of people eject from fighter jets in the movies and on TV, right? It looks harrowing – especially with the appropriate soundtrack – but, ultimately, our hero-pilot lands in a field and walks away unharmed. Seriously, who would think otherwise – unless, of course, you’ve actually had to eject from a fighter jet? This fascinating story allows readers to understand that such a move is not a “Top Gun” movie stunt.
Honorable mention: Kelly Meyerhofer, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “What’s Wisconsin’s Beef With Illinois? For Some, It’s the (Many)Tourists.”
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FEATURE
Feature treatment of an arts and entertainment topic.
FIRST: Jim Higgins, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “ ‘The Wolves’ Is Unlike Any Play My Daughter and I Have Seen, Which Is Why We’re About To See It for The 18th Time”
Judge’s comments: Love the left-of-center aspect of this story, which opens a door to a production that most would otherwise miss. And the relationship among the writer, his daughter and the play’s female- and sports-centric plot is engaging.
SECOND: Christopher Neely, Lookout Santa Cruz (Calif.), “How Did the Grateful Dead’s Archive End Up in Santa Cruz?”
Judge’s comments: A sharply written and insightful story that captures the karma of the Deadhead movement, which apparently is as strong as ever.
THIRD: Adam Bell, The Charlotte (N.C.) Observer, “Avett Brothers Musical ‘Swept Away’ Set for ‘Leap of Faith’ in Upcoming Broadway Debut”
Judge’s comments: This story about an unlikely project is a fun read and offers lessons about the long and winding road that comes with developing a Broadway-bound play. Plus, the piece made me want to see the production.
Honorable mention: Eleanor McCrary, The (Louisville, Ky.) Courier Journal, “She Used To Guard the Speed Museum’s Galleries. Soon, HerPainting Will Hang in One”
FOOD FEATURE
A single story focusing on food, excluding reviews or commentary.
FIRST: Daliah Singer, The (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Gazette, “Is It Time for MSG To Make a Comeback? A New Generation of Colorado Chefs Says Yes”
Judge’s comments: This is a terrific take on a controversial topic. The piece is well-told, with a nice use of quotes and clear, easy-to-follow explanations of the science involved. The story could have been superficial and light or too dry and science-driven. Instead, it strikes the right balance. AndI learned stuff, too, which is always a bonus.
SECOND: Lily Belli, Lookout Santa Cruz (Calif.), “483 Days for 120 Square Feet: How Santa Cruz’s Permitting Process Almost Killed One Entrepreneur’s Dream”
Judge’s comments: Lily Belli finds a way to make a story about the minutia and frustration of getting a building permit in Santa Cruz both compelling and stress-inducing. The complicated topic is clearly explained with telling quotes, and the piece is balanced and well reported.
THIRD: Seth Boster, The (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Gazette, “They Escaped the Holocaust for a New Life in Colorado. Their Deli Dream Lives On”
Judge’s comments: Great storytelling with many details. Love lines like this: “But beneath the attitude is tenderness. Jared can’t help but cry at the memory of Papa.”
Honorable mention: Bao Ong, Houston Chronicle, ‘Passing the Torch: Truth BBQ Founder Continues Mentor Lee Ellis' Legacy at Round Top Restaurant”
FOOD CRITICISM
A single story, such as a restaurant review, that offers opinions about a topic or restaurant in the food industry.
FIRST: Parker Milner, The (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier, “Social Media Is Obsessed With This Charleston Seafood Restaurant. Here’s Our ‘Raw’ Take.”
Judge’s comments: This review does a perfect job of making you feel like you are at the table experiencing the food.
SECOND: Rachel Bernhard, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “Milwaukee’s Top 25 Restaurants for 2024: Exciting Newcomers Enrich the City’s Dynamic Dining Scene”
Judge’s comments: After reading this piece, you’ll want to travel to Milwaukee for the food alone.
NARRATIVE STORYTELLING
A single story told in a narrative style, using techniques such as character development, use of dialogue, sense of place, scene building, narrative arc and adherence to theme.
FIRST: Clare Fieseler, Brandon Lockett and Laura Bilson, The (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier, “Pulled From the Deep: ScientistsFound a ‘Lost’ Deep-Sea Mining Site off the SC Coast. What Secrets Does It Hold?”
Judge’s comments: What minerals and marine life do the deep sea hold? What damage will humans do to that marine life by trying to extract those minerals? This fascinating story tries to answer those questions through the eyes of a scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey. The scientist, Jason Chaytor, returns to the site of an 1980s attempt to mine the Blake Plateau off the coast of South Carolina and finds that the ecological damage from nearly 50 years ago is largely unmended.
SECOND: Mary Spicuzza, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “My Cousin Was Killed by a Car Bomb in Milwaukee. A Mob Boss Was the Top Suspect. Now, I’m Looking for Answers.”
Judge’s comments: An investigative reporter uncovers the secrets of the life of his cousin, who died in a car bombing in the 1970s. It’s a well-paced piece with telling details.
THIRD: Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Keri Heath and Tony Plohetski, Austin (Texas) American-Statesman, “Fatal Field Trip: Hays Bus Crash in March Shattered Victims’ Lives, Revealed Regulatory Lapses”
Judge’s comments: Insightful details bring to life this piece about a deadly bus crash involving prekindergarten students. Tragic and touching. Love that the story was published in both English and Spanish.
Honorable mention: Colin Warren-Hicks, The (Norfolk, Va.) Virginian-Pilot, “A Toast to the Past: The Ghent Boys Return to Corner Once a Month To Honor Boyhood Friendships”
FIRST-PERSON NARRATIVE ESSAY
An essay or first-person story that demonstrates a sense of proportion and perspective.
FIRST: Cleo Krejci, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “In 691 Hours Working in an Assisted Living Facility, I Saw Neglect, Abuse and Love”
Judge’s comments: This is a wonderfully nuanced look at what it’s like to work in an assisted living facility. It’s tragic, it’s poignant and it’s not pretty. And writer Cleo Krejci deserves a gold star for sharing the experience.
SECOND: Seth Boster, The (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Gazette, “In Boulder’s Underground Media Archaeology Lab, a Search for Tech Reckoning”
Judge’s comments: The last thing you expect when you read a piece about a visit to the Media Archaeology Lab is to laugh, but in the capable hands of Seth Boster, you’ll do it often. His visit is enlightening and entertaining and, heck, even educational.
THIRD: Cynthea Corfah, in Register, “More Than Skin Deep: How Eczema Led Me to Self-Love, Vulnerability and Community”
Judge’s comments: This is an honest account of what it’s like to live with eczema, and it’s the precise details that make the story interesting – and, at times, heartbreaking.
INCLUSION & REPRESENTATION IN FEATURES
Revelatory storytelling on any lifestyle or culture topic that centers on historically marginalized or under-covered communities.
FIRST: Seth Boster, The (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Gazette, “Finding Home: The Little-Known Story of a Black Orphanage in Southern Colorado”
Judge’s comments: This insightful story features great descriptions about a little-known subject.
SECOND: Caitlin Looby, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “As Lake Superior Wetlands Become More Vulnerable, Tribe Fears Cultural Guideposts Could Slip Away”
Judge’s comments: This descriptive piece is a showcase of excellent visual storytelling.
THIRD: Kalyn Oyer, The (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier, “Queer Adult Prom Lets Charleston LGBTQ Community Re-Do Their High School Experience”
Judge’s comments: This heartwarming story lets readers feel the atmosphere of the special prom.
Honorable mention: Borso Tall, The (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier, “Across the Atlantic, Fishermen Ask Themselves a Potentially Deadly Question: Should I Go?”
SPORTS FEATURE
Feature treatment of any sports topic.
FIRST: Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin (Texas) American-Statesman, “In North Austin, a Venezuelan Immigrant Softball League Sparks Like No Other”
Judge’s comments: This is an entertaining and enlightening look at a recreational softball league that has created a community for the Venezuelan immigrant men who participate. We learn about the strong camaraderie and the fierce competition through Omar “Mao” Conoropo Sr., a father whose sons play in the league. Well-chosen details bring the story to life.
SECOND: Amie Just, Lincoln (Neb.) Journal Star, “How a Young Matt Rhule Found a Passion for Football in Baseball-Crazed New York”
Judge’s comments: A detail-filled account of how the Nebraska Cornhuskers football coach, Matt Rhule, learned to love football while growing up in baseball-addicted New York City. We witness Rhule’s long commutes to a far-off high school that offered football, his mother’s sweet attempts to help him practice and his belief that growing up in the Big Apple taught him to get along with people from all walks of life.
THIRD: Seth Boster, The (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Gazette, “Racism and 2,000 Miles on Foot Could Not Stop This Colorado Springs Man From an Olympic Dream”
Judge’s comments: Well-paced story about the remarkable journey of Dolphus Stroud, a Black man who in 1928 overcame racism and traveled by foot from Colorado to Cambridge, Mass., to compete in the Olympic trials.
Honorable mention: Dave Kallmann, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “From Pancakes to a Clown in Polka Dots, Ski Legend Ernie St. GermaineHas 50 Years of Birkebeiner Stories”
FEATURES SERIES OR PROJECT
Feature treatment of any lifestyle, A&E or news topic that has multiple parts.
FIRST: Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Keri Heath and Tony Plohetski, Austin (Texas) American-Statesman, “Fatal Field Trip: Hays Bus Crash in March Shattered Victims’ Lives, Revealed Regulatory Lapses”
Judge’s comments: The detailed reporting that ties together all the events related to this tragedy is simply astonishing and extremely well presented.
SECOND: Angela Peterson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “Greentree: The Ties that Bind”
Judge’s comments: An interesting take on an interesting place. Love the diversity of the stories, the short takes that are thorough and nuanced, and the brilliance of the well-executed concept.
THIRD: Jessica Van Egeren, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “Baby Amillianna”
Judge’s comments: A beautifully done portrayal of a family’s unfathomable loss and what could have prevented it. The wrap-up with lessons learned is a great touch to this incredibly human story.
Honorable mention: Henry Taylor, The (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier, “‘She Sends Cats and Dogs to Heaven’: A Charleston Family’s World in End-of-Life Pet Services”
Honorable mention: John Beck, The (Santa Rosa, Calif.) Press Democrat, “Living in Limbo: Workers Who Have Tended Point Reyes Farms forYears Wait to Learn What Future Holds as Ranch Buyout Talks Drag On”
FEATURE WRITING PORTFOLIO
Three stories by the same writer from any combination of feature beats.
FIRST: Clare Fieseler, The (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier
Judge’s comments: Environmental stories can be tedious and sometimes preachy, but not in the talented hands of writer Clare Fieseler. Her topics — developers vs. bats, deep-sea mining and sea turtles facing death because of dredging — are fascinating, and the tales she weaves are well told. In some cases, these are difficult stories to make interesting, but Fieseler doesn’t let that stop her. These three yarns will grip you from start to finish.
SECOND: Tony Bartelme, The (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier
Judge’s comments: This is what a feature writing portfolio is all about — diverse topics and different tones. all with sparkling writing at their core. And this judge’s favorite? The fascinating look at the F-35 — specifically the mysterious disappearance of one about a year earlier. That story is indicative of the othersin the portfolio, with great sourcing, clear and focused writing, and excellent storytelling.
THIRD: Sophie Carson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Judge’s comments: This package contains three interesting community-minded stories told in an engaging, colorful way. The piece on the day-in-the-life routine of a fish fry — which could have been ho-hum and has been in many cases — is fascinating, thanks to the writer’s eye for interesting details and good sourcing.
Honorable mention: Kelly Meyerhofer, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
FEATURE BEAT WRITING PORTFOLIO
Three stories by the same writer on one feature topic, such as arts and entertainment, fashion, food, health, religion, technology or travel.
FIRST: Amie Just, Lincoln (Neb.) Journal Star
Judge’s comments: This portfolio features engrossing stories that put readers in the room with the subjects. The stories are marked by excellent details, perfect pacing and clear, well-developed themes.
SECOND: Maggie Menderski, The (Louisville, Ky.) Courier Journal
Judge’s comments: This is first-rate storytelling and a pleasure to read.
THIRD: Christopher Neely, Lookout Santa Cruz (Calif.)
Judge’s comments: This is great storytelling that makes readers care about the people behind the issues.
Honorable mention: Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin (Texas) American-Statesman
FOOD WRITING PORTFOLIO
Three stories, columns or reviews by the same writer on any food topic.
FIRST: Rachel Bernhard, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Judge’s comments: Rachel Bernhard proves that food writing can be about more than just food with her entry on the mom-and-son duo who lunch every week at a different restaurant. But it is Bernhard’s descriptions of food – both witty and thoughtful – that landed her easily on the first-place podium. Other food writers would be wise to sample her work.
SECOND: Lily Belli, Lookout Santa Cruz (Calif.)
Judge’s comments: Lily Belli's evocative descriptions lend a lovely sense of place, especially the opening paragraphs of the café piece. Her descriptions of the food she samples are original and never hew to the hackneyed phrasings too often found in contemporary food writing.
THIRD: April Hamilton, inRegister
Judge’s comments: This entry includes some nice phrasing and evocative descriptions. The sweet potato story is the best, and I wanted the recipe!
GENERAL COMMENTARY PORTFOLIO
Three columns or essays by the same writer on any human interest or specialty topic, excluding editorials.
FIRST: Jennifer Mulson, The (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Gazette
Judge’s comments: Whether the subject is a birthday trip to Sedona, a neighborhood tale of overgrown weeds or reflections on a walk through a cemetery, Jennifer Mulson writes with clarity, concision and grace. And her pieces are punctuated by humor.
SECOND: Wallace Baine, Lookout Santa Cruz (Calif.)
Judge’s comments: Humanity with a distinct sense of place flows through Wallace Baine’s columns on housing affordability and other restless indicators of change in Santa Cruz.
ARTS & CULTURE CRITICISM PORTFOLIO
Three columns, essays or reviews by the same writer on any arts and entertainment topic, including dining reviews but excluding editorials.
FIRST: Tracey O’Shaughnessy, (Waterbury, Conn.) Republican-American
Judge’s comments: Tracey O’Shaughnessy’s writing is lush with imagery. But naming her column “Sunday’s Reflections” is somewhat of a misnomer because her musings are brilliantly vivid. Her expertise in recapping pop-culture news through a critical journalistic lens brings “watercooler chatter” into sharp focus. O’Shaughnessy makes you remember the humanity behind the headlines.
SECOND: Matthew Odam, Austin (Texas) American-Statesman
Judge’s comments: Matthew Odam makes me hungry. When I get to Austin, I’m following only his culinary recommendations because of the clarity andvividness of his criticism. I crave the food he’s found tasty, and I trust his opinion about restaurants that should be avoided. And his descriptive powers are vibrant – he calls the chefs at the Craft Omakase restaurant “sushi bros” and labels a piece of meat as having a “peppery crust as black as Johnny Cash’s trench coat.”
THIRD: Deborah Sengupta Stith, Austin (Texas) American-Statesman
Judge’s comments: Deborah Stith uses beautiful language in her music criticism, bringing readers along to a concert or performance with her descriptions. The reviews are laden with specificity, but Stith’s writing is most colorful when she adds a bit of personal reflection to her commentary. She writes this about Olivia Rodrigio’s show – and I agree wholeheartedly: “Hell hath no fury like a wounded pop star.” Stith loves how music touches the soul, and that love shines throughout her commentary.
SPECIAL PRODUCT – DIGITAL OR PRINT
The best example of anything outside of regular coverage. Could be a one-time publication or published more often, but not a recurring weekly product.
FIRST: “King Street Nights,” Staff, The (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier
Judge’s comments: This journalism contest is primarily about writing, so I’m somewhat at a loss of words about this innovative entry. What The Post and Courier have pulled off – coverage of Charleston's entertainment district and nightlife – is top-notch and creative. Wow. Just wow.
SECOND: “150 Years of the Kentucky Derby Through the Lens and Voice of The Courier Journal,” Staff, The (Louisville, Ky.) Courier Journal
Judge’s comments: Covering 150 years of anything is no small feat, but here it’s done perfectly, thanks to a strong mix of great writing, powerful photos and rich voices.
THIRD: “Craving Colorado / 2024,” Staff, The (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Gazette
Judge’s comments: If you’re like me after reading this section, you’ll be booking a trip to Colorado more than outdoor activities: It’s all about the food!
Honorable mention: “inRegister 35th Anniversary Issue,” Riley Bienvenu Bourgeois, inRegister
