Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Greenbush - The Tribune Entry Title: First-generation American graduates from Badger High School Entry Credit: Ryan Bergeron Judge Comment: The mark of a good story is in the details and this story has them. We get to know the family - and get a very good understanding of the combination of determination and sheer luck that brought them to this point. Good read from the top to the end.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Lafayette - Nicollet Ledger Entry Title: Nicollet unveils memorial of jill Thompson Entry Credit: Lee Zion Judge Comment: This is one of the shorter entries in this category and that serves it well. The story is tightly written, which helps it be touching, not maudlin. The story also benefits from good organization.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Verndale Sun Entry Title: Many hands make the workload lighter Entry Credit: Trinity Gruenberg Judge Comment: A simple tale told well, and between the lines illustrates the best aspects of life in a small town or rural community.
Competition Comment: My other favorites to read were the Christmas story and the bobbleheads - both well done and worthy of fourth place.
Virtually every entry in this category illustrates that local community news is alive and well. Thank you very much for giving me this category to judge.
