Chesapeake Family Media brought home eight awards from the Parenting Media Association Design and Editorial Competition 2023.
Q&A Interview – September 2022
Gold: Chesapeake Family Life; “Students Speak: Maryland high schoolers’ POV on violence in schools”; Keegan Cardoza, student
With a gripping lede and moving, personal experiences from students, this piece brings the salient and pressing issue of violence in schools to bear in a unique way. Hearing from students directly as they share their distressingly common run-ins with threats of violence provides a compelling first-hand narrative that higher level reporting or analysis of the issue would struggle to convey.
Special Series (Sept and Oct 2022)
Gold: Chesapeake Family Life; “Violence at Maryland Schools”; Donna Jefferson, Keegan Cardoza, Kerrigan Stern
Violence in schools affects students, teachers, administrators, families — and even members of the community who never once step foot in a school. That’s what makes this series so important. Along with incorporating advice from mental health professionals and data to communicate the extent of the problem, editors also had a 16-year-old reporter gather insight from peers. The resulting interview adds raw, emotional – and brutally honest – perspective from students.
Front Cover: Illustration
Silver: Chesapeake Family Life; “June 2023”; Jenny Cardoza, Donna Jefferson
Pastel flowers indicate summer, while the lead tease lets viewers know what they will find inside. The size and placement of the type makes the flower illustration recede into the background, while still creating a pleasing cover.
Ancillary Overall Writing – June 2023
Silver: Chesapeake Family Life; “Summer Fun Guide”; Donna Jefferson, Nancy Parode, Katie Riley, Lauren Burke Meyer, Jillian Amodio, Claire Darcy and Mary Ostrowski
On topics as varied as summertime flea markets, grandparents and seasonal depression, the writing in this guide is informative and engaging. The mix of stories is decidedly local and the publication establishes itself as an essential and expert resource.
Ancillary Overall Design – June 2023
Gold: Chesapeake Family; “Maryland Summer Fun Guide”; Jenny Cardoza, Donna Jefferson
A beautiful floral motif on the cover grabs attention and invites the reader in. Throughout the publication the colors, typography, photography and illustrations are enticing and dynamic. Page designs creatively deliver information on theater, resorts, museums, and fishing spots while also providing interactive and educational elements.
Best Blog/Bloggers
Gold: Chesapeake Family Life; “100 Days of Summer”; Claire Darcy, Donna Jefferson
This blog provides a flat-out invitation to go play, day after day after day in the summer. The staff has searched the community to find an amazing variety of activities, ranging from playground fun to celebrating “The Big Dill, the world’s largest pickle.” Material is concisely written with complete information needed for would-be participants.
Ancillary General Excellence – June 2023
Bronze: Chesapeake Family Life; “Maryland Summer Fun Guide”; Jenny Cardoza, Donna
Jefferson, Claire Darcy, Nancy Parode, Katie Riley, Jillian Amodio, Lauren Burke Meyer, Mary Ostrowski
This helpful summer guide includes a mix of articles and activities, as well as ideas for both parents and grandparents. It is organized and easy to navigate, with attention given to the design of every spread. Subheads and contrast break up body copy, and there is a mix of illustrations and photographs. This is an excellent reader service publication.
Travel Feature – January 2023
Bronze: Chesapeake Family Life; “The City of Bridges”; Nancy Parode, Donna Jefferson
This guide to the city of Pittsburgh introduces the reader to a number of unexpected treasures, including a top-notch children’s museum, riverboat tours of the city’s steel-making past and an abundance of bridges. The skillfully researched, information-rich story does readers the favor of putting one more family-friendly place on their list.