Memphis Parent magazine brought home eight national awards from the annual Parenting Media Association’s Editorial and Design Awards competition, held during the organization’s annual conference in April. The competition brings together magazine publishers from across the country and is judged by the University of Missouri School of Journalism faculty.
Memphis Parent won five Gold, one Silver, and two Bronze awards for editorial and design excellence. The magazine received Gold for best overall writing, a top honor that recognizes the excellence of a magazine as a whole. The judges wrote, “The best writing must be based on the best reporting, which must follow from worthwhile story ideas. That truth shines through here. The content is relevant and reliable, the writing clear and conversational.”
“It’s always gratifying when our work gets recognized,” says editor Jane Schneider. “It’s a real honor, since our peers do very good work as well. I am proud of our accomplishments.”
Freelance writers Stephanie Painter and Kristi Cook won Gold for best health columns, Painter for a story on the increased use of e-cigarettes among teenagers and Cook for tips on ways to manage food allergies during the holiday season. Writer Margie Sims won Gold in child development for her story on managing mean girls; editor Jane Schneider won Gold for best travel writing, a getaway to St. Louis; and photographer Marci Lambert’s December cover of children in holiday dress won Gold for best original photography.
Artist Maggie Russell received Silver for her illustration on food allergies and children. Stephanie Painter also won Bronze for best travel writing for her story on discovering colonial Philadelphia and Boston, and Schneider won Bronze for best interview for a profile she did on Shaquille O’Neal’s mother, Lucille.
Congratulations to all of the writers, artists, and staff members who make Parent an award-winning publication. — Jane Schneider