We are excited to share the recent awards won by the ‘hood Magazine! On November 7th, 2025, the Parenting Media Association Award winners were announced at the Annual PMA Conference in Chicago, IL. 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 bronze, silver, and gold awards for each category.
The ‘hood Magazine was recognized with awards in Editorial, Digital, 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. The Sioux Falls Area is a fantastic community, and we are so thankful to be your parenting and family resource!
General Excellence
Website General Excellence
Gold
Publisher: Steffanie Holtrup, Editor: Sarah Parker, Design and Art Director: Ally Chase, Digital Director: Jaclyn Small, Client Coordinator: Jennifer Fleming
Judges: The website’s design, from the cohesive color scheme across buttons and backgrounds, to the inviting logos for the site’s directories, is sleek, yet inviting. The calendar widget on the homepage makes it very easy to quickly find family-friendly events in the Sioux Falls area, as does the “latest issue” widget at the top of the page.
Editorial
Overall Writing
Silver
Publisher: Steffanie Holtrup, Editor: Sarah Parker, Client Coordinator: Jennifer Fleming
Judges: The overall writing reflects solid craftsmanship, careful editing, and mastery of precision language. The publication takes a sturdy, no-frills approach to the writing but excels in finding ways to connect with readers through good examples and authoritative advice. The stories about families that overcome adversity were especially strong.
Personal Essay
Bronze: Finding Hope and Advocacy: Our Family Journey with PANDAS
Publisher: Steffanie Holtrup, Editor: Sarah Parker, Author: Thyria Crissy, Design and Art Director: Ally Chase, Photographer: Patty Solis, Digital Director: Jaclyn Small
Judges: This personal essay is one that shows a mother’s determination and love for her daughter. It’s certain to resonate with so many readers because it’s so close to the heart. The writer tells the story of navigating a tough diagnosis, but also about how to advocate for your child and how to open up to others for support. The writing is relatable and conversational, like you’d be hearing her tell you this story of resilience and perseverance over coffee.
Design
Overall Design
Silver
Publisher: Steffanie Holtrup, Editor: Sarah Parker, Design and Art Director: Ally Chase, Digital Director: Jaclyn Small, Client Coordinator: Jennifer Fleming
Judges: The overall design takes full advantage of the visual space and canvas in the smaller format. The cover designs feel personal and sentimental and display a skilled sense of balance. The page designs feature an efficient and effective grid system accented by a multitude of delightful photographs and illustrations. The attention given to the headlines is impressive, utilizing color and a fantastic system of unique type treatments. It may be small, but this design certainly is mighty.
Digital Media
E-Newsletter
Silver
Publisher: Steffanie Holtrup, Editor: Sarah Parker, Digital Director: Jaclyn Small, Client Coordinator: Jennifer Fleming
Judges: The information offered in the newsletters includes a solid mixture of ideas for things to do, as well as content meant to enrich and inform parents and families, anchor the entries, and show the expertise of their editors. Add to that whimsical and appealing artwork and design, and the entries are transformed from a valuable resource into a fun and enjoyable read.
Here at ‘hood Magazine, we are so thankful that we get to represent the Sioux Falls Area on a national stage! Thank you for being part of our ‘hood!
