First place: Carrie Seidman, The Herald-Tribune

About this entry: Carrie Seidman’s talent shines in her vivid, enchanting features. She writes with grace in a series following a ballet dancer’s journey to compete in Havana, and again in an intimate look at one woman’s journey to die on her own terms.

Read the full Home to Havana project online here.

Follow Carrie on Twitter @CarrieSeidman

Graceful, detailed writing on a variety of subjects. The speed-dating story has been done many times, but this one felt fresh and funny.

Second place: Chris Anderson, The Herald-Tribune

About this entry: From the dangerous side of ice skating to dealing with trauma in adolescents, Chris Anderson tests his range again and again, demonstrating his skill as a reporter. He wastes not one detail in painting a complete picture of the story.

Read online: The nexus of Sarasota, baseball and art, Danger lurks in pairs skating, Guided through the pain

Follow Chris on Twitter @ChrisA0213

Entries show a wide variety of subjects, all well written.

Third place: John Przybys, Las Vegas Review-Journal

About this entry: There are those of us that can spot an opportunity for a story everywhere we turn. John Przybys is one of those lucky few. With a strong voice, his writing transports us back in time for the highs and lows of history. From a 1964 Beatles concert in Las Vegas, to the horror of concentration camps in Auschwitz, Przybys spares no detail in his stories.

Read online: Las Vegas Beatles fans: A day in the life, A gentle guide at life’s end

Follow John on Twitter @JJPrzybys

Nicely written pieces with good detail.