2025 Feature (Small Newsroom) Finalists
Lillian Avedian
Nashville Banner
For Muslim Students in Nashville Schools, a Sense of Belonging Can Be Hard-Won
Comments From the Judges:
“This story is well-written and put together. I like that the reporter went beyond the survey and found students and others to liven up the story with voices and experiences. I appreciated how the students’ voices were centered in this article. Important story about uncommon practices that can inspire change in other schools and build a sense of community.”
“Dedication to spending time with the subjects of her story paid off because this goes far beyond just the issue of bullying of Muslim kids in schools. From the story, it really seems to matter what school students end up attending as to whether, for instance, prayer times will be honored. A wide range of sources in this one.”
Becky Z. Dernbach
Sahan Journal
They Came to the U.S. to Attend Middle School. Then the Immigration Crackdown Began.
Comments From the Judges:
“A remarkable story impressive in both the time devoted to reporting it and the writing. Shows real commitment on the part of the author. Wonderfully captured the developments in the academic lives of the students as well as the political changes on a national basis swirling around them.”
“A well-crafted, beautifully told story. The story offered amazing access into the lives of these students and teachers with great narrative writing. The story provided gripping details about the journeys of these families to the United States. The writer did a nice job explaining the work the teachers did to acclimate the students and help them learn about Halloween, how to move after Trump’s inauguration and managing traffic stops.”
Nadra Nittle
The 19th
She’s Devoted Her Life to Teaching Your Kids — in a Country That Now Wants to Deport Her
Comments From the Judges:
“This is a good, well-written story about an important and compelling issue, timely. Loved the spotlight on one individual teacher. The reporter overall did an excellent job explaining the issues and putting them in historical context.”
“A really in-depth story, well told about what happens to immigrant teachers who even if they have DACA status find their stays in the United States increasingly threatened under President Trump’s immigration policies. Well-written account of not only the teacher involved and what she has had to go through but also the effects she’s had on her school system and immigrant kids attending there.”
