First place: Michael Pineda, The Daily Ardmoreite

Follow Michael on Twitter @mpinedaARD

Thorough reporting of an issue of high concern for the community. The series ties together a variety of aspects of the school system’s dysfunction and presents them clearly and with fairness to all.

Second place: Jon Baker, Alex Knisely, Joe Mizer, The Times-Reporter

Follow Jon on Twitter @jbakerTR, Alex @akniselyTR and Joe @jmizerTR

A wide-ranging, fully reported presentation about how a national drug trend affects small-town America.

Third place: Staff, Pocono Record

Follow Pocono Record on Twitter @PoconoRecord

Floods like that of 1955 define a region for generations, making them geographic touchstones, but after 50 years, people tend to forget the details. This series brings together all of the facts of what happened in 1955 to remind people about what really happened. An engaging package. And a community service.