Personality Profile Awards
First PlaceEmily Slater: Northwestern Michigan College
Nissley Pushes Through Difficult First Year "This personality profile was a delight. A great, punchy opening then transitioned to a fun narrative that flowed seamlessly. The reporter’s writing voice shined through, giving the reader the sense that we are listening to someone relaying the story of someone they know well. I was left wanting to meet Mr. Nissley and congratulating him on overcoming such a rough introduction to the new job. My only criticism has nothing to do with the story. I wish the design could have included a photo of the subject in a setting where he was (safely) not wearing a mask. The story made me feel like I knew him; the lack of a photo of his face creates a barrier. Overall, though, this is a joy of a read.This is the kind of story clipping that could help Emily get hired as a reporter, if that is her professional pursuit. Great writing!" |
Second PlaceMadison Ling: Schoolcraft College
Sink or swim "This is such a fun read! Madison immediately places us in the middle of the subject’s fight-or-flight moment. I’m right there with him, thanks to her choice of an opening. The more standard approach would be to start the story chronologically, but Madison’s instinct to engage readers immediately with the challenge facing Nick Mannisto is a great instinct. I’m a fan of breaking the story into subcategories too. With a story of this length, it gives the impression the narrative can be chewed in pieces, rather than swallowed whole. The subcategories also allow Madison to jump back and forth chronologically without needing to spend too many words explaining the transitions. My only criticism has nothing to do with the writing: I wish the design featured a photo of Nick facing the camera. The only maskless photo shows him looking away. The story made me feel like I know this person, but no photos means I wouldn’t know him if I saw him walking by me. Overall, though, great writing!" |
Third PlaceXailia Claunch: Washtenaw Community College
WCC and community navigate addiction recovery through pandemic, quarantine, and shutdowns "Xailia’s profile is a hard-hitting reality check that examines the struggles of individuals coping with both drug addiction and the fallout from the pandemic. A personality profile feature that focus- es on just one of those issues can be challenging, but Xailia navigates both with ease. This feature is exceptionally lengthy; it may have helped to break it into a series of stories, but I was on board regardless. Great work. Good narrative structure." |