We are excited to share the recent awards won by the ‘hood Magazine! On October 18th, 2024, the Parenting Media Association Award winners were announced at the Annual PMA Conference in Chicago. The submissions are judged by the University of Missouri School of Journalism. These awards recognize the best in local and regional parenting publications. They award a bronze, silver, and gold award for each category.
The ‘hood Magazine was recognized with awards in both the Editorial and Design categories. We list the awards won below, along with the judge’s comments. We want to thank all those involved in The ‘hood Magazine. These awards reflect a dedicated and passionate staff and incredible community support.
Editorial
Profile
Gold: The Power of Community: The Becker Family’s Journey
Written by Sarah Parker
Publisher: Steffanie Holtrup, Editor: Sarah Parker, Design and Art Director: Ally Chase, Digital Director: Jaclyn Small, Photos: Skay Photography
Judges: This profile shows how a local family rose to the challenges after doctors delivered some of the worst news that a parent can hear: their four-year old son had brain cancer. The writer uses detailed scenes to illustrate the family’s journey that took them closer to each other and their own community.
Personal Essay
Bronze: Planning for Purpose
Written by Chelsey Schnell
Publisher: Steffanie Holtrup, Editor: Sarah Parker, Design and Art Director: Ally Chase, Digital Director: Jaclyn Small
Judges: The engaging writing and story shared in this essay make it one that readers can easily connect with. The voice and writing style of the author are relatable and the topic is one that touches so many families. The story of hope and healing is also so uplifting as a theme.
Design
Single-Page Design
Silver: Safety & Joy Around Water
Publisher: Steffanie Holtrup, Editor: Sarah Parker, Design and Art Director: Ally Chase, Digital Director: Jaclyn Small
Judges: Small, colorful illustrations provide multiple entry points, while bold numbers and subheads guide readers. This page effectively uses design and illustration to convey an important message about learning to swim.
Special Section
Silver: Familyfest Fun Cruise
Publisher: Steffanie Holtrup, Editor: Sarah Parker, Design and Art Director: Ally Chase, Digital Director: Jaclyn Small, Photos: Solis Photography
Judges: The section is an interesting example of connecting readers to local businesses and institutions. The use of color to identify age groups and geographic areas makes it relatively easy for readers to find the places and events that best suit them. The large map helps readers plan their route. Typography is clean and readable. The photos emphasize family fun.
Overall Design
Silver: ‘hood Magazine
Publisher: Steffanie Holtrup, Editor: Sarah Parker, Design and Art Director: Ally Chase, Digital Director: Jaclyn Small
Judges: The smaller format evokes a wonderful keepsake mentality. The overall design plays well within the smaller confines using a simple and consistent sans serif font as the base and beautifully designed type treatments for the headlines. While the type designs provide a splash of excitement, the photography is remarkably complimentary creating an overall visual experience that is sensational from cover to cover.
