Awards

MDDC recognizes excellence in news media organizations of Maryland, Delaware and DC. Awards focus on editorial, design and revenue, plus special awards for standout personnel, Freedom of Information coverage and Courage in Journalism.



For more information on the contest, visit our contest information page here.

Awards Broadcast


2025 Award Winners

Division A

Baltimore Banner (The)

1st Place

2nd Place

Baltimore Sun (The)

1st Place

2nd Place

News Journal (The)

1st Place

  • Brandon Holveck: “Bree Moffett's double overtime goal brings Smyrna field hockey glory for second time” in Sports Story (E-31)
  • Ginger Garrison: “New eats” in Feature Page Design (D-10)
  • Luis Solano: “America's deadliest habit” in News-driven Art or Illustrations (D-14)
  • Patricia Talorico, Esteban Parra: “The multimillionaire murderer: The story behind how John E. du Pont killed Olympic wrestler” in Series (E-29), (Link 2)
  • Peter Pietrangelo: “Trump vs. the truth” in News Page Design (D-11)
  • Také Uda: “The essence of Joe Biden” in Page 1 Design (D-9)

2nd Place

Division B

Cape Gazette

1st Place

2nd Place

Cumberland Times-News

1st Place

Daily Record (The)

1st Place

2nd Place

Frederick News-Post (The)

1st Place

  • Alexander Dacy: “Buzzer beater” in Sports Video (E-45)
  • Anna Joyce, Kate McDermott, Ric Dugan, Shelby Maly: “Conduit” in Custom Publication (T-5)
  • Anna Joyce, Samantha Bangh, Connie Hastings: “Facts are not free.” in Self-Promotion Advertising (R-5)
  • Cameron Adams: “Cricket stadium plans” in Best Use of Interactive Media (E-3)
  • Connie Hastings, Geordie Wilson: “Thunksgiving - Best Deal of the Year” in Community Service Program (R-4)
  • Esther Frances: “Bus driver shortage” in Education Reporting (E-16)
  • Esther Frances: “Candidate ejected from meeting” in General News Video (E-42)
  • Esther Frances: “Libertytown vineyard toasts Maryland's first kosher wine” in Religion Reporting (E-19)
  • Gabrielle Lewis, Katina Zentz: “Power Struggle” in Series (E-29)
  • Graham Cullen: “High wheel race” in Photo Series (E-38)
  • Graham Cullen: “Missing kayaker” in Spot News Video (E-43)
  • Greg Swatek: “Seventh heaven for Linganore” in Sports Story (E-31)
  • Jack Murphy: “City council wise to not dive into Gaza resolution” in Editorial (E-22)
  • James Constantine, Noelle Hallman: “78th Annual Pennsylvania Maple Festival” in Restaurant / Entertainment Small Print ad (D-2)
  • Joseph Peterson: “Maryland's newest natural burial site” in Environmental Reporting (E-17)
  • Katina Zentz: “Living Treasures” in News-driven Multimedia Storytelling (E-13)
  • Lauren LaRocca: “Hitting reset” in Feature Story: Non-Profile (E-27)
  • Lauren LaRocca: “What I Learned from Living on the Road” in Online Blog Commentary (E-4)
  • Marwa Barakat: “Food banks see higher need amid shutdown, anticipate more as SNAP benefits expire” in Wild Card: Impact of Trump Administration Policies on Local Communities (E-12)
  • Marwa Barakat: “Pet sitter trusts instinct and rescues dogs from house fire near Thurmont” in General News Story (E-6)
  • Nolan Wilkinson: “Council member's energy lobbying draws scrutiny” in Local Government (E-9)
  • Ric Dugan: “Canonization 50th anniversary” in Features-driven Multimedia Storytelling (E-28)
  • Ric Dugan: “Cleaning Spider-Man” in Feature Photo (E-37)
  • Ric Dugan: “Libertytown house fire” in Breaking News Photo (E-36)
  • Ric Dugan, Katina Zentz: “Fair moments” in Best Photo Gallery (E-39)
  • Samantha Bangh: “Frederick Weddings 2025” in Restaurant / Entertainment Large Print ad (D-1)
  • Samantha Bangh: “Frederick Weddings Magazine - 2025” in Advertising-driven Special Publication, standalone (T-2)
  • Samantha Bangh, Andrew Schotz: “Hello, Frederick 2025” in Advertising-driven Special Section, in-paper product (T-1)
  • Samantha Bangh, Brittney Hamilton: “Ritchie Revival - Bringing Back the Fort” in New Business Concept / Wild Card (R-1)
  • Staff: “Frederick News-Post website” in General Web Site Excellence (E-50)
  • Susan Writer: “My European WC experiences, in potty and soul” in Local Column: Feature or Humor (E-25)

2nd Place

  • Andy Schotz: “Qualifications, not politics” in Editorial (E-22)
  • Anna Joyce, Connie Hastings, Lauren LaRocca: “Day-Tripper: Plan Your Next Adventure” in Advertising-driven Special Section, in-paper product (T-1)
  • Ceoli Jacoby: “Family, friends fight for return of man detained by ICE” in Wild Card: Impact of Trump Administration Policies on Local Communities (E-12)
  • Ceoli Jacoby, Marwa Barakat: “Intentional hole cut in Fort Detrick lab suit” in Investigative Reporting (E-8)
  • Cliff Cumber: “Death, comics and finding the Holy Grail” in Local Column: Feature or Humor (E-25)
  • Connie Hastings, Anna Joyce: “OD Digital - Don't Be Afraid of Digital Marketing” in Self-Promotion Advertising (R-5)
  • Erik Anderson, Ryan Marshall: “Man tried to enter bystander's car after fleeing hospital” in Breaking News (E-5)
  • Erin Jones: “'Loving John'” in Feature Story: Profile (E-26)
  • Esther Frances: “Descendants of Black cemetery awarded deed to the property” in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (E-54)
  • Esther Frances: “Policy 443 on gender identity in school system” in Continuing Coverage (E-7)
  • Esther Frances: “School secluded student in violation of policy” in Education Reporting (E-16)
  • Gabrielle Lewis: “Left directionless” in State Government (E-10)
  • Graham Cullen: “Empty kayak found” in Breaking News Photo (E-36)
  • Graham Cullen: “Fire breather” in Feature Photo (E-37)
  • Graham Cullen: “Marching Band Festival” in Features Video (E-44)
  • Greg Swatek: “Ambrose battles through cancer” in Sports Feature Story (E-32)
  • James Constantine, Noelle Hallman: “Flight 93 National Memorial” in Business (non-retail) Large Print ad (D-5)
  • James Constantine, Noelle Hallman: “Rick's Fish & Pet Supply” in Retail Small Print ad (D-4)
  • James Constantine, Noelle Hallman: “Thurmont Kountry Kitchen” in Restaurant / Entertainment Small Print ad (D-2)
  • James Rada Jr.: “Thurmont's 'Cat Lady' lived in an old bus” in Local Column: Critical Thinking (E-24)
  • Nolan Wilkinson: “Flaws with Burkittsville's government” in Local Government (E-9)
  • Ric Dugan: “Upside down in the air” in Sports Photo (Sports Action) (E-40)
  • Rocco Geppi: “Frederick Dream Lab” in Feature Story: Non-Profile (E-27)
  • Samantha Bangh: “Kids Expo 2025” in Restaurant / Entertainment Large Print ad (D-1)
  • Samantha Bangh, Andrew Schotz, Ric Dugan: “Tribute to Veterans” in News-driven Special Section (T-3)
  • Samantha Bangh, Connie Hastings, Geordie Wilson: “Best of the Best - 10 Year Celebration” in Best Event (R-2)

Herald Mail Newspaper (The)

1st Place

2nd Place

Washington Business Journal

1st Place

  • Ben Peters: “A Clean Slate” in Growth & Land Use Reporting (E-20)
  • Daniel J. Sernovitz: “Michelin Mystique” in Arts/Entertainment Reporting (E-18)
  • Nate Doughty: “Mogul in the Making” in Feature Story: Profile (E-26)

2nd Place

  • Daniel J. Sernovitz: “Stalled Out” in Growth & Land Use Reporting (E-20)

Division C

Baltimore Fishbowl

1st Place

2nd Place

Capital-Gazette (The Annapolis)

1st Place

2nd Place

Carroll County Times

1st Place

2nd Place

Catholic Review (The)

1st Place

2nd Place

  • Catholic Review Staff: “Catholic Review” in General Web Site Excellence (E-50)
  • Catholic Review Staff: “Open House” in Advertising-driven Special Section, in-paper product (T-1)
  • Catholic Review Staff: “Pope Leo” in News-driven Special Section (T-3)
  • Gabriella Ferraro O'Brien: “Airborne” in Feature Page Design (D-10)
  • Gabriella Ferraro O'Brien: “Heartache and Hope” in News Page Design (D-11)
  • Gabriella Ferraro O'Brien: “Taking away the stigma” in News Page Design (D-11)
  • Gabriella Ferraro O'Brien: “Tuition is Competitive” in News-driven Informational Graphics (D-13)
  • George Matysek, Jr. : “Sister Flo Ready to Go” in Headline (E-30)
  • Kevin J. Parks: “ St. Thérèse of Lisieux's relics visit Baltimore” in Special Event Video (E-48)

Daily State News

1st Place

2nd Place

Daily Times (The)

1st Place

2nd Place

Maryland Matters

1st Place

2nd Place

Division D

Baltimore Beat

1st Place

2nd Place

Baltimore Jewish Times

1st Place

  • Braden Hamelin: “New Online Jewish Children’s Show Is a ‘Big Dill’” in Headline (E-30)
  • Ebony Brown: “Dream Design Build & Remodeling” in Business (non-retail) Large Print ad (D-5)
  • Ebony Brown: “Framin' Place” in Online only ad (D-7)
  • Ebony Brown: “Garrison Forest Magazine” in Custom Publication (T-5)
  • Ebony Brown: “Kiki's Boots” in Retail Small Print ad (D-4)
  • Ebony Brown: “Magoobys Joke House” in Business (non-retail) Small Print ad (D-6)
  • Ebony Brown: “More Than Names” in News Page Design (D-11)
  • Editorial Board: “Confronting Antisemitism” in Editorial (E-22)

2nd Place

  • Ebony Brown: “Katz & Associates” in Business (non-retail) Large Print ad (D-5)
  • Ebony Brown: “Pikesville Medical Associates” in Business (non-retail) Small Print ad (D-6)
  • Ebony Brown: “South African Patriotic Alliance Delegation Visits Israel” in News Page Design (D-11)
  • Ebony Brown: “Vital Sign Home Care” in Online only ad (D-7)
  • Ebony Brown, Lonna Koblick: “Our Key West” in Custom Publication (T-5)
  • Editorial Board: “Ben Cohen’s Meltdown” in Editorial (E-22)

Bay Journal

1st Place

2nd Place

Bethesda Today

1st Place

2nd Place

Cecil Whig

1st Place

  • Patrick LaPorte: “Celebratory shower” in Sports Photo (Sports Action) (E-40)

2nd Place

  • Carl Hamilton: “Fun at the Fair: Cow chip toss defining moment for Cecil Whig reporter” in Local Column: Feature or Humor (E-25)
  • Carl Hamilton: “Port Deposit musician drums his way into Delaware Rock and Roll Hall of Fame” in Feature Story: Profile (E-26)
  • Jane Bellmyer: “Legislative Breakfast notes winners and losers” in State Government (E-10)
  • Patrick LaPorte: “First time champ” in Sports Photo (Sports Action) (E-40)
  • Patrick LaPorte: “Sun sets over Rising Sun and Elkton” in Sports Photo (Feature) (E-41)

Southern Maryland News

1st Place

  • Megan Johnson: “Father's Daughter” in Local Column: Feature or Humor (E-25)

2nd Place

  • Marty Madden: “Leaving a timeless mark” in General News Story (E-6)
  • Riley Dauber: “Helping those in need” in Public Service (E-11)

Spotlight Delaware

1st Place

2nd Place

The Star Democrat

1st Place

2nd Place

Towson Times

1st Place

Washington Jewish Week

1st Place

  • Aaron Troodler: “Grief, Outrage and Hope” in Local Column: Critical Thinking (E-24)
  • Frank Wagner: “For David Rubenstein, Success Is Serendipitous” in Feature Page Design (D-10)
  • Frank Wagner: “Vista Banquet Hall of Alexandria” in Restaurant / Entertainment Large Print ad (D-1)

2nd Place

  • Frank Wagner: “In Israel, Some Rescuers Rush In Not Knowing If They'll Return” in Feature Page Design (D-10)
  • Frank Wagner: “Washington Jewish Week April 10, 2025” in Page 1 Design (D-9)
  • Zoe Bell: “A Surge in Ukrainian Ancestral Records Means Finding Long-Lost Family” in Religion Reporting (E-19)
  • Zoe Bell: “Arlington Teen Bats for Team Israel in Spain Amid Protests” in Sports Feature Story (E-32)

Division E

Baltimore Brew

1st Place

2nd Place

Business Monthly

1st Place

2nd Place

  • Jason Whong: “ACA tax credits poll” in News-driven Informational Graphics (D-13)
  • Mark R. Smith: “As session looms, retail crime a hot topic” in State Government (E-10)
  • Pantea Tofangchi: “Commercial Insurance Managers” in Business (non-retail) Large Print ad (D-5)
  • Pantea Tofangchi: “Ronald Colbert, Tennis Coach” in Business (non-retail) Small Print ad (D-6)
  • Pantea Tofangchi: “Scouting America Baltimore Area Council Good Scout Breakfast” in Community Service Program (R-4)
  • Pantea Tofangchi, Catherine White: “Your Central Maryland Chamber Relocation & Business Guide 2025-2026” in Custom Publication (T-5)

Caroline Review

1st Place

2nd Place

Coastal Point

1st Place

  • Chris Aube: “Bethany Beach Billiards” in Retail Large Print ad (D-3)
  • Chris Aube: “Kristina's Kitchen” in Restaurant / Entertainment Large Print ad (D-1)
  • Chris Aube: “Ocean Area Golf Carts” in Retail Small Print ad (D-4)
  • Chris Aube: “Surfin' Betty's” in Restaurant / Entertainment Small Print ad (D-2)
  • Chris Aube: “Town of Ocean View - Yoga in the Park” in Business (non-retail) Small Print ad (D-6)
  • Chris Aube: “Turning Leaf Landscapes” in Business (non-retail) Large Print ad (D-5)
  • Darin McCann: “Layton proved that nice guys can get it done” in Sports Column (E-34)
  • Darin McCann: “September 19, 2025” in Page 1 Design (D-9)
  • Kerin Magill: “Family reunion” in Religion Reporting (E-19)
  • Laura Walter, Cian Titus: “Examining IRSD 2026 tax rates with County reassessment” in News-driven Art or Illustrations (D-14)
  • Mike Stern: “Something’s always kicking for soccer and football booter Alamillo” in Sports Feature Story (E-32)
  • Shaun M. Lambert: “Ctrl + Gift + Delight: Tech and Gaming Presents that Hit Every Key” in Headline (E-30)
  • Shaun M. Lambert: “Limbo Mixology” in Feature Page Design (D-10)
  • Taryn King, Coastal Point staff: “Delaware/Maryland Seaside Bride” in Advertising-driven Special Publication, standalone (T-2)
  • Taryn King, Shaun M. Lambert, Coastal Point staff: “Coastal Home & Garden” in Advertising-driven Special Section, in-paper product (T-1)

2nd Place

OC Today - Dispatch

1st Place

  • Brian Shane: “Veterans Day” in Feature Photo (E-37)
  • Marc Emond: “Thief” in Editorial Cartoon (E-23)
  • Tara Fischer: “Addis quits Board of Ed with fiery farewell” in Breaking News (E-5)
  • Tara Fischer: “Sheriff says ICE won't go into schools” in Wild Card: Pre-Election Coverage of the 2024 Election (E-12)

2nd Place

Washington Informer (The)

1st Place

2nd Place

Division F

Aegis

1st Place

2nd Place

Afro-American (The)

1st Place

2nd Place

Baltimore Business Journal

1st Place

2nd Place

Bay Times /Record Observer

1st Place

2nd Place

  • Andrea Grabenstein: “Amped up: Delmarva Power customers attend event seeking high bill answers” in Headline (E-30)
  • Hannah Combs: “Farmers testify against state solar legislation” in Growth & Land Use Reporting (E-20)

Capital News Service

1st Place

2nd Place

Delaware Business Times

1st Place

  • Jennifer Antonik: “Federal cuts, local consequences: Delaware nonprofits facenew era of funding shifts, rising costs” in Wild Card: Impact of Trump Administration Policies on Local Communities (E-12)
  • Katie Tabeling: “EDITORIAL: Reflections on Mickey and Wilmingtoninstitutions” in Editorial (E-22)

Howard County Times

1st Place

2nd Place

Kent County News

1st Place

  • Will Bontrager: “Victim of violent Chestertown crime comes forward” in Local Government (E-9)

2nd Place

  • Hannah Combs: “Vita Foods: how a Jewish immigrant family built one of Kent County’s largest employers” in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (E-54)

Laurel Star

2nd Place

  • Mike McClure: “Fourth of July in western Sussex” in Photo Series (E-38)

Seaford Star

1st Place

  • Brittany Passon: “A and K Holiday” in Retail Large Print ad (D-3)
  • brittany Passon: “Freedom of Choice sub promo” in Self-Promotion Advertising (R-5)
  • Brittany Passon: “Harbor House July 4th” in Retail Small Print ad (D-4)
  • Brittany Passon: “Lee Johnson July 4th” in Business (non-retail) Small Print ad (D-6)
  • Brittany Passon, Chris Elliott: “Vanderwende's Ag” in Restaurant / Entertainment Large Print ad (D-1)
  • Brittany Passon, Mike McClure: “Wedding Planner” in Advertising-driven Special Section, in-paper product (T-1)
  • Brittany Passon, Tede Griffith: “CFM Valentines ad” in Business (non-retail) Large Print ad (D-5)
  • Brittany Passon, Tede Griffith: “Pizza King Veterans Day” in Restaurant / Entertainment Small Print ad (D-2)
  • Carol Kinsley: “Blades Fire Department procession for fallen hero” in Breaking News Photo (E-36)
  • Mike McClure: “Hollamon leaves legacy in Delmar beyond nine straight state titles” in Sports Feature Story (E-32)
  • Mike McClure: “Martin Luther King Jr. Day” in General News Photo (E-35)
  • Mike McClure: “Seaford football team wins first state title in 42 years” in Sports Page Design (D-12)
  • Mike McClure, Brittany Passon: “Graduation book” in Advertising-driven Special Publication, standalone (T-2)
  • Star staff: “Veterans Day section” in Community Service Program (R-4)
  • Star, Georgetown Chamber of Commerce: “Wings and Wheels Festival Book” in Custom Publication (T-5)

2nd Place

  • Brittany Passon: “End of summer subscriptions specials promo” in Self-Promotion Advertising (R-5)
  • Brittany Passon: “Harbor House Holiday” in Retail Small Print ad (D-4)
  • Brittany Passon: “Jeff's Easter” in Retail Large Print ad (D-3)
  • Brittany Passon, Chris Elliott: “Laurel Pizzeria/Smash N'Dash July 4” in Restaurant / Entertainment Large Print ad (D-1)
  • Brittany Passon, Tede Griffith: “CFM New Year's ” in Business (non-retail) Large Print ad (D-5)
  • Brittany Passon, Tede Griffith: “Scott Frye's Veterans Day” in Business (non-retail) Small Print ad (D-6)
  • Brittany Passon, Tede Griffith: “Slingers Holiday” in Restaurant / Entertainment Small Print ad (D-2)
  • Carson Williamson: “Fisher of Men Foundation raises funds to rebuild following fire” in Religion Reporting (E-19)
  • Lynn Schofer: “Hurdling the defender” in Sports Photo (Sports Action) (E-40)
  • Mike McClure: “Former, current college and pro football players have ties to Western Sussex” in Sports Column (E-34)
  • Mike McClure: “Greenwood Mennonite basketball secures program's second undefeated season, conference title” in Sports Story (E-31)
  • Mike McClure: “Salute to the Champions: Delmar Field Hockey wins number nine” in News-driven Special Section (T-3)
  • Mike McClure, Brittany Passon: “High School Fall Sports Book” in Advertising-driven Special Publication, standalone (T-2)
  • Mike McClure, Brittany Passon: “Spring Home Improvement” in Advertising-driven Special Section, in-paper product (T-1)
  • Mike McClure, Lynn Schofer: “Community events in Seaford” in Best Photo Gallery (E-39)
  • Star staff: “Breast Cancer Awareness” in Community Service Program (R-4)

Division S

Jacob Baumgart

1st Place

Madeleine O'Neill

1st Place

2nd Place

  • Madeleine O'Neill: “He admitted ‘filthy’ chats with a teen. Cumberland made him police chief.” in Investigative Reporting (E-8)

Mark Hyman

1st Place

2nd Place

SUZANNE POLLAK

2nd Place