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The Connection and Gazette newspapers earned 13 Virginia Press Association awards for work published in 2024, including honors for investigative reporting, feature writing, photography and headlines.
The annual competition, one of the nation’s largest of its kind, recognizes work from newspapers and news sites across Virginia. Entries are judged by journalists from outside the commonwealth. Winners were announced April 12 at the Omni Richmond.
In the Fairfax County North Connection, Bonnie Hobbs received second place for her feature-writing portfolio. Judges praised her thorough interviews, highlighting her reporting on the Chantilly High job fair and Maj. Jane Russell’s career.
Hobbs also won second place for in-depth or investigative reporting for “Senior Housing Approval.” Judges cited her detailed examination of airport noise concerns surrounding a senior housing project and her reporting on the misrepresentation of a subcommittee decision.
In the Fairfax County South Connection, Hobbs placed third in investigative-government reporting for coverage of a local city’s unusual decision to part ways with its city manager. Judges noted that the story presented multiple perspectives and explored what could happen after a new council took office without a city leader in place.
Mount Vernon Gazette writer Glenda Booth earned second place for a feature series or continuing story. Judges praised the series for addressing important subjects through well-researched, engaging reporting. Booth also took second place for health, science and environmental writing.
Susan Laume won third place for the picture story or essay “Washington’s Birthday.” Judges said the entry stood out for its range of scenes and angles, including an image of smoke rising over costumed soldiers. Laume also received third place for health, science and environmental writing.
At the Alexandria Gazette Packet, Jeanne Theismann placed third for column writing with “Legends of Alexandria.” Judges described the columns as elegant and informative portraits of individuals and their lifetime achievements. Theismann also earned third place for education writing.
The Arlington Connection collected four awards. Eden Brown and Shirley Ruhe won first place for headline writing, with judges praising a playful headline about a squirrel’s success and its nod to “The A-Team.”
Brown and Giovani Flores took second place for their “Memorial Day” combination picture-and-story entry. Judges highlighted the photographs and the variety of powerful quotations in their coverage of the annual event.
Ruhe received second place in the personality or portrait photo category for “Way Too Long.” Judges said the musicians shown in the foreground and background brought contrasting emotions to the image.
Ruhe also earned second place for the “Food Insecurity Series” in the feature series or continuing story category. Judges praised its writing and focus on poverty and food insecurity affecting communities across the country.