Lauren Hines Acosta of The Bay Journal wins the MDDC Rookie of the Year 2024 prize for new journalists for her “compelling writing about large and complex topics” teamed with excellent photo and video skills.
This award honors a new journalist with less than 18 months’ experience in the field. The submission package included three to five clips of the reporter’s work and a letter of recommendation from their editor.
The judges were impressed with the six nominees, noting that some of them have been working for just a short period of time – in some cases months – and producing exceptional work. Each of the nominees is an obvious asset to their publication and poised for additional growth. Journalists today need to be able to tell their stories in a meaningful way, and all of the nominees demonstrated strong skills that contribute to their publications’ success.
The judges remarked that Hines Acosta covers a huge geographical coverage area – the Chesapeake Bay watershed – and often is working independently, developing and engaging sources. Her ledes capture readers’ attention and her explainer video about mussels was clear and engaging.
In her nomination letter, editor Lara Lutz writes that Lauren “has strong writing skills and a sharp mind, quickly homing in on the tough questions and complications of a given context. She has visual, audio and production skills, too, producing photographs and videos to support her work and that of others. She has been successful at seizing short, contained topics for news and features and writing them quickly. But she has also been successful at writing longer in-depth pieces and recognizing when a story crosses over into a topic that needs more time and care. She is naturally curious and rather relentless in pursuit of quality information. She takes the time to plan interviews thoughtfully and to have networking conversations that help build trust.”
Hines Acosta is a 2023 graduate of the University of Missouri – Columbia, earning degrees in journalism and science. She has had previous roles as a podcast producer and science writer.
Nominees
Zoe Bell, Washington Jewish Week
Zoe Bell joined Washington Jewish Week in June 2024 and has “an innate sense of how to successfully seek out substantive story ideas and well-honed writing skills,” her Editor, Aaron Troodler, writes. The judges felt that Bell, who covers features and profiles, has an obvious care for the people she covers. One of the judges remarked, “Zoe’s strong writing creates vivid pictures – her writing is enjoyable.” Troodler notes “Zoe is a true journalist who effortlessly connects with sources.”
Bridget Byrne, The Capital Gazette
The judges found Bridget Byrne’s writing was “carefully researched with deeply connected stories.” They were impressed that when information was missing, she put in the time and effort to get the answer, even timing how longs trains stopped at a station for a story. Kamau High, editor, notes her “determination and willingness to do what it takes to land a story” that has marked her tenure covering accountability in government. High continues, “Bridget has contributed to some of the Capital Gazette’s biggest stories…and written quirky one-offs that capture the spirit of the region.”
Kiersten Hacker, Howard County Times
Kiersten Hacker parlayed her 2024 summer internship into a full-time role at Howard County Times. Her editor, Molly Fellin Spence, writes that “Kierstein is versatile and agile, able to toggle between stories as disparate as dissecting complicated issues in the school system’s proposed budget and understanding zoning laws governing whether a family can keep a beloved raced track built on farmland for their young son.” The judges agreed, noting that Hacker confidently covers a wide range of stories and is able to fully cover hot issues in the county, such as juvenile suspects of a shooting.
Ceoli Jacoby, The Frederick News-Post
Ceoli Jacoby is a dedicated new journalist, initially focusing on local and state government and adding court coverage for The Frederick News-Post. Her editor, Andy Schotz, says “Ceoli has developed good sources, is versatile and is a strong, clear writer. We often turn to her to take on many of our most important stories.” The judges noted that Jacoby breaks down complex stories into easily digestible chunks. “She is able to stay on top of a big story, communicating it clearly with lots of color for her readers.”
Gabrielle Lewis, The Frederick News-Post
Gabrielle Lewis has become an “expert on data centers and power lines, through her comprehensive coverage of multiple major projects” in Frederick, editor Andy Schotz writes. Although hired to cover health, the environment and Fort Detrick, Lewis added nonprofits to her beat and became well versed in the economics and environmental effects of data centers. The judges saw she was “obviously well-versed in her beat” and noted that her stories have “lots of context and background” that help the reader understand the whole issue.
