Congratulations to our 2025 journalism award winners!
Futrell Award
For outstanding achievement in communications and journalism by a Duke alum:
Stephen Buckley ’89, Public Editor, The Dallas Morning News
Melcher Award
For the best journalistic work produced in 2024 by an undergraduate student:
1st Place: Storey Wertheimer for “Leaking Roofs, Broken HVACs: Parents Decry Conditions at Durham Elementary Schools”
2nd Place: Sofie Buckminster for “There’s no Judgement (or Lululemon) in Durham’s Naked Yoga Class”
3rd Place: Gabrielle Lazor for “Dive into the world of Tampa Bay offshore fishing at this all-female tournament”
3rd Place: Sophie Levenson for “Duke cross country, track and field athletes describe neglect and discomfort under former head coach Angela Reckart”
Fischer-Zernin Award
For the best local reporting by an undergraduate student:
Freya Gulamali for “NC independent pharmacies are disappearing as prescription prices soar. So where’s the money going?”
Tess Bierly for “From death row to deliverance: An NC man’s story of wrongful conviction and resilience”
Patterson Prize
For sustained journalism excellence, leadership, mentorship, courage, and integrity over the course of an undergraduate career
Sofia Bliss-Carrascosa
Sevana Wenn
Sophie Levenson
Sofie Buckminster
Storey Wertheimer
Freya Gulamali
Tess Bierly
Sofia Bliss Carrascosa
Sevana Wenn
