Erell Renaudeau, Sydney Leardi, and Sophia Gregory took home top honors for their project “Drugged and Dismissed: The Silent Epidemic of Drink Spiking," from Prof. Joe Bergantino’s Investigative Journalism course.
Our judges noted the impressive scope of this project, in both reporting and design. One described the project as “well-researched and sourced, with up-to-date stats that I hadn't seen elsewhere, and strong voices from the survivors.” Another praised the pairing of form and content and the substantive reporting throughout. “A good example of a high-profile investigative feature about a problem that mostly falls through the cracks,” this judge said.
The honorable mention was awarded to Erin Flaherty, for her story: “From Punchlines to Protest: Boston’s Queer Comics Challenge Trump’s Anti-Trans Agenda.” One judge remarked that that Erin’s piece “felt newsy and unique, and [is] definitely something I could see running in the Globe's Living Arts section.” Another said that Erin’s story “illuminated how one group of people is using a potent weapon—humor—to fight for their rights. Her vivid language and keen use of quotes from the principals make the piece come alive. “
Submitted work this year drew from a range of mediums, including podcasts, video, and print stories on topics ranging from political campaigns, to steel guitars, to ballet dancers. Congrats to all the nominees and winners!