Each year the Virginia Press Association (VPA) holds a competition to select the best published material from newspapers and news sites from across the state.  This is one of the largest competitions in the country and judged by journalists from outside the commonwealth.

The Connection and Gazette newspapers received thirteen awards for their work in 2024. The awards were announced at the Omni Richmond on April 12 where the Virginia Press Association “celebrated the talent, dedication, and impact of those shaping the media landscape.”

In the Fairfax County North Connection

Bonnie Hobbs, Second Place, Feature Writing Portfolio. Judges comment “Your writing and interviews were so thorough. I appreciated the perspective you gathered for the Chantilly High job fair in particular and your coverage of Maj. Jane Russell’s career was clear and informative.”

Bonnie Hobbs, Second Place, In-depth or Investigative Reporting, “Senior Housing Approval” Judge’s comment “Lots of deep diving here on airport issues re: noise and how it could affect a senior housing project. I liked the “side bar” story on the misrepresentation of a sub-committee’s decision. Thank you!

In the Fairfax County South Connection

Bonnie Hobbs, Third Place, Investigative-Government. Judge’s comment “Thorough recap and coverage of unusual decision by local city to part ways with city manager. Reporter hit bases with all sides told and what is possibly next as  new council prepares to take office shortly after outgoing council left them with no city leader.”

In the Mount Vernon Gazette

Glenda Booth, Second Place, Feature Series or Continuing Story. Judge’s comment:    “It’s a tough assignment to tackle stories of critical importance but with an overarching theme that in less competent hands might be overlooked. In this case each story was well researched and written and succeeded in holding the reader’s attention.”

Glenda Booth, Second Place, Health, Science & Environmental Writing

Susan Laume, Third Place, Picture Story or Essay, “Washington’s Birthday”

Judge commented there were several events submitted in this category but this rose to the top for the variety of angles and events depicted. “I really liked the smoke rising over the costumed soldiers. Good work!”

Susan Laume, Third Place, Health, Science & Environmental Writing

In the Alexandria Gazette Packet

Jeanne Theismann, Third Place for Column Writing, “Legends of Alexandria” Judge’s comment: “An extremely elegant way to present spotlight stories. Each story was informative and well presented. Good solid writing by Jeanne Theismann highlighting a lifetime of achievements by each individual.”

Jeanne Theismann, Third Place for Education Writing.

In the Arlington Connection

Eden Brown & Shirley Ruhe, First Place for Headline Writing. Judge’s comment: “Cutely conveys the squirrel’s success, with a nod to the A-team. Love it.”

Eden Brown & Giovani Flores, Second Place for Combination Picture and Story, “Memorial Day.” Judge’s comment: “Wonderful photos and variety of quotes that hit hard. Very well done coverage for an annual event.”

Shirley Ruhe, Second Place, Personality or Portrait Photo, “Way Too Long.” Judge’s comment: “The musician in the foreground and background each bring a different feeling to the photo.”

Shirley Ruhe, Second Place, Feature Series or Continuing Story, “Food Insecurity Series.” Judge’s comment: “Lovely writing on an important subject that focused on issues affecting so many communities in the country beset by widening levels of poverty in what we think of as a land of opportunity.”