The Reporting Project workers wins prime awards for sports activities, images in annual Ohio Society of Professional Journalists contest – The Reporting Project

A narrative and images about ladies who play on sort out soccer groups in Licking County printed by The Reporting Project received first place awards within the 2026 “Ohio’s Best Journalism” contest held by the Society of Professional Journalists’ chapters in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus.

Maddie Luebkert of The Reporting Project workers received first place for Best Sports Coverage. Judges stated it was an “excellent piece with great narratives and pacing throughout the piece. Congrats!”

And freelance photographer Jessica Phelps, who made the images for the soccer story, received first place for “Best Online Still Photographer.” Judges described it as “outstanding work! The time and care put into this interesting story stands out — the photographer captured images on and off the field, day and night, at school and at home. That dedication elevated the visuals. The photos show a keen eye for moment, composition, emotion and storytelling detail. Excellent job!”

In the Best Medical/Science/Health Care class, second place went to Alan Miller, Shaye Phillips, Brin Glass and Andrew Theophilus. Judges singled out a narrative within the assortment by Phillips entitled, “The emerald ash borer hasn’t won yet: Researchers see hope for growing trees the insect won’t like.” They said the story “was both informative and compelling. This is a crucially important issue that is often underreported and ignored. Bravo for this work.” 

And Jack Shuler, of The Reporting Project staff, won a first-place award in the Best Editorial/Criticism category for a column he wrote for Matter News. “Terrific work by Shuler in writing about the costs of the drug war to individuals and families and to the country’s reputation as well. Draws readers in,” judges wrote. “A comment about the category: The quality of work is such that it’s too bad there’s no Third Place or Honorable Mention award here.”

The awards might be introduced Saturday, Aug. 29, at Hofbräuhaus Columbus.

Journalists in Minnesota judged the competition together with some judges and contest directors in different states. “As in previous years, judges gave high praise to the journalism work being done in Ohio,” Ohio contest administrator Sarah Mills Bacha stated in a launch. “It was exciting to learn from colleagues nationwide that most SPJ contests had banner years this contest cycle.” 

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